Protecting your finances: Tis’ the season to stay one step ahead of scammers
Tis’ the season to stay one step ahead of scammers
As the festive season approaches, we want to ensure the safety of your financial well-being. Unfortunately, this time of the year sees an uptick in fraudulent activities. It is crucial to remain vigilant and informed to protect yourself against potential threats.
Here are key insights into prevalent scams and recommended actions.
Impersonation scams
Be cautious of unsolicited communications from seemingly trustworthy sources. Fraudsters may attempt to impersonate reputable individuals or institutions to extract sensitive information. Always verify the identity through established channels and be sure to report any suspicious activity promptly.
Email interception
Guard against phishing attempts by verifying the legitimacy of incoming emails. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and regularly update your email account passwords.
Invoice redirect
Exercise caution when receiving payment requests or invoices, especially if there is a sudden change in payment details. Verbally verify such changes independently before proceeding with any transaction(s).
Social Media/WhatsApp fraud
Be mindful of financial transactions and the sharing of sensitive information on social media platforms and instant messaging apps. Fraudsters may exploit trust and familiarity to carry out scams.
QR fraud
Be cautious when scanning QR codes you have received through unsolicited emails, messages or even physical materials, such as, parking machines. Ensure the source is trustworthy and consider using QR scanner apps with built-in security features.
What else you can do to help stay safe this Christmas
Secure your devices
Securing your devices is paramount in the fight against fraud. Start by setting strong, unique passwords and PINs for all your devices. Regularly update your passwords and consider using a reputable password manager to enhance security. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) whenever available, as it adds an extra layer of protection beyond passwords.
Weatherbys Card App
Take advantage of the advanced security features offered by the Weatherbys Card App. Use it to block your card in real-time if it is misplaced, or potentially compromised, as well as blocking specific regions globally. Additionally, regularly review your transactions to identify any discrepancies promptly.
Remember, we will never ask you for one-time-passcodes or online banking passwords. If you receive any unsolicited calls requesting personal details, hang up immediately and contact us.
What action should you take?
If you believe you have fallen for a scam, please speak to your private banking team or Relationship Manager in the first instance and block your card using the Weatherbys Card App. You can also contact the Private Bank on +44 (0) 1933 543 600 or the Racing Bank on +44 (0) 1933 543 543.