Have you received a suspicious phone call claiming to be from your bank? Ever thought it may be a fraud? Be cautious! Fraudsters are on the rise, posing as bank employees or police officers to trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing their debit and credit card details, CVV numbers, and OTPs (One-Time Passwords).
How do these scams work?
- Phishing Calls: Fraudsters will call you, often with a sense of urgency, claiming that there is suspicious activity on your account. They may ask you to verify your personal information, including your card details.
- Impersonation: In some cases, fraudsters may pose as police officers, claiming that your card has been used for illegal activities and that you need to provide your details for investigation.
How to Identify a Fraudulent Call:
- Unexpected Calls: If you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be from your bank, be cautious. Legitimate banks typically won’t call you out of the blue to ask for sensitive information.
- Urgency: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take your time and never feel rushed.
- Suspicious Requests: If you are asked to provide your card details, CVV number, or OTP over the phone, it’s likely a scam. Banks will never ask for this information in this manner.
- Verify the Caller: If you are unsure about the authenticity of a call, hang up and call your bank directly using a phone number you know is correct.
Protect Yourself from Fraud:
- Never share your personal information with anyone over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from your bank.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank directly.
- Keep your account information confidential.
- Regularly monitor your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.
Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from these common scams. By being aware of the tactics used by fraudsters, you can help prevent becoming a victim.