Introduction:
Imagine receiving a call from what seems to be a reputable service like Revolut, warning you that your account is in jeopardy. This isn’t a courtesy call; it’s a new wave of scam calls that are becoming alarmingly convincing. I have personally experience it myself and I know several affected people, some of whom fell for it. Here’s what happened:
A call came through WhatsApp from an international number, claiming to be Revolut support.
The scammer said my account was about to be locked and prompted me to follow a procedure to avoid this. First I got requested my ID card, which I declined arguing that since he was calling, he had my details and should definitely know who he was asking this information from, specially since he knew my accoutn was being locked. Then he requested to create a new virtual card on my phone app.
After the procedure, which would have resulted in a card with access to my account, I was asked for the last 8 digits—the only piece they needed since the first 8 are the same for all Revolut cards. To give his request a more “legitimate” tone, he provided me with the first 8 digits.
Knowing that sharing this information could allow the scammer to make unauthorized transactions, I confronted them.
The scammer threatened to lock my account immediately, but upon being challenged, ended the call.
This incident is a stark reminder that scam calls can happen to anyone, through any app, at any time. In this article, we’ll cover how to recognize such calls, what to do if you receive one, and how to keep your personal information secure.
Scam calls are not a new phenomenon, but the tactics used by scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe:
Recognizing the Signs:
- Unexpected Requests: Legitimate companies don’t ask for sensitive information via WhatsApp or unsolicited calls.
- Urgency and Threats: Scammers will pressure you to act fast. Take a breath and think it through.
- Consistency of Information: If the first few digits of a card are provided, it’s a setup. Financial institutions never share such details.
What to Do If You Get a Scam Call:
- Don’t Provide Personal Info: Never give out personal or financial details unless you initiated the call and are certain of the recipient.
- Hang Up and Verify: If in doubt, hang up. Contact the company directly using a number from their official website.
- Block and Report: Use your phone’s blocking feature to stop repeat calls from the same scam number and report the incident to your local consumer protection agency or the police.
Keeping Your Information Secure:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about common scam tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family.
- Be Sceptical: If a call or message seems off, trust your instincts and verify.
- Use Technology: Install a reliable security app on your smartphone that can alert you to potential scam calls.
Conclusion:
In a world where technology keeps us connected, scammers are always looking for a way in. Global reports show that scam call cost the average victim around 600€ and the volume of calls keeps increasing at an steady 20% YoY, racking up to bilions of dollars in ilicit financial gains, this is certainly a problem to be tackled at the root. By staying informed and cautious, we can all play a part in shutting the door on scam calls and keeping our personal information safe. Remember, awareness is the first step in prevention.
