Staying safe from scams

If you're contacted out of the blue - whether over the phone, by email, on a website, or through social media - always consider the possibility that it may be a scam.

Most scams start with an approach through contact you weren't expecting. Recently a Police Credit member was targeted with a scam via Facebook where the scammer initiated contact using a trusted person’s name and profile (a cloned profile) selling an investment plan.

Over the next few days, they created confusion around payment of the investment by redirecting the member to Paypal, leading the member down the path of using the “friend and family” flow which should only be used for personal money transfers - not for the purchase of goods and services. This method meant Mastercard had no way of arguing the charge.

Sometimes there’s not even engagement from the scammer, but just straight card fraud. This means that it’s important to monitor your account via online banking or your statements. You may see strange payment requests coming through from foreign countries, when this happens, please contact us and we will work hard to cancel any fraudulent payments.

Some common tips to stay safe

• A genuine business, bank, or government department will never ask you for your PIN, password or to remote into your computer.
• Don't click on links in unexpected emails or text messages.
• Never assume an email or phone call is authentic - always be cautious.
• If you are being rushed to make a decision or financial transaction on the spot, take some time or turn it down.