Safety Tips on Helpline Fraud
- Tip 1: Always Verify the Helpline Number Before contacting any helpline, verify the number through official sources, such as the organization’s website or official app. Avoid calling numbers found through unsolicited emails, messages, or ads.
- Tip 2: Don’t Share Sensitive Information Never share personal information, PINs, passwords, or banking details with any unsolicited caller or helpline. Genuine organizations will never ask for such information over the phone.
- Tip 3: Be Cautious of Urgent Requests If someone calls you urgently claiming there’s a problem with your account or service, take a step back. Always verify the information before taking any action. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to force hasty decisions.
- Tip 4: Do Not Pay for Unsolicited Services If you’re asked to make a payment for services you didn’t request, it’s a clear sign of fraud. Be cautious of any helpline that demands upfront payments for services, especially when the request comes out of the blue.
- Tip 5: Report Suspicious Helplines If you suspect you’ve been contacted by a fraudulent helpline or have fallen victim to a scam, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities, such as your bank, the organization being impersonated, or consumer protection agencies.