How to look out for scammers on Black Friday

Scams to look out for

• Fraudsters call you and pretend to be from the Discovery Bank Fraud team. The fraudsters claim you have been a victim of fraud and need to reverse a fraudulent transaction. When you then approve an in-app authorisation because you think they are approving the reversal, a card purchase made by the fraudster is in fact authorised. Always make sure all the details are correct before approving in-app authorisation requests.
• Fraudsters often send messages to claim your loyalty points that are about to expire. To redeem them, you must click on a link in the message, however this is designed to steal your information. Once you click on the link, you'll be directed to a convincing, yet fake website, where you'll be asked to enter your card details and OTP. Instead of redeeming rewards, you'll unknowingly authorise fraudulent transactions.
• Fraudsters often target clients who are waiting for packages from a courier company. They will send you an email that looks like it's from a legitimate courier company (also known as a phishing email) and ask you to pay a small fee to clear your package for delivery. But, if you click on the link in the email and make the payment, you could be giving away your sensitive information like your credit card number, CVV code, name on the card, and expiration date.
• Fraudsters use a shoulder surfing method to obtain your personal information such as card PIN and device logins. The fraudster is required to be physically close to you to view this information; thereafter, they steal your device or bank card to perform transactions on your account fraudulently.
• Fraudsters temper with ATM machines to prevent you from inserting your bank card and then help gain access to your actual bank card as well as your card PIN. They often insert a fake card to the machine whilst assisting you and swop it with your card and perform transactions as they have now obtained your card and PIN.

Here's how to keep your Black Friday secure:

1. Beware of phishing attempts

Fraudsters often pose as reputable businesses, including Discovery Bank, sending enticing emails promising Black Friday refunds or exclusive deals. Be cautious of sharing personal information like identity numbers, login details, and credit card information, and never share passwords or login details. If you've fallen victim to a phishing attempt, change your banking login information immediately and notify us.

2. Watch out for smishing

Criminals may try to trick you into clicking on a link in an SMS, claiming to offer Black Friday specials. Once on the page, they may request your login information, personal details, or track your online activities. Stay vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

3. Guard against qishing

Qishing, a type of phishing using QR codes, is on the rise during Black Friday. Be cautious when scanning QR codes, especially in advertisements, to avoid being directed to malicious websites. Always verify the URL (website landing page) before proceeding.

Hints and tips to stay safe in general

1. We've introduced in-app authorisations for all online transactions. Do not authorise transactions that you did not perform.
2. Read your OTP and in-app authorisation messages carefully to make sure it's linked to an action you initiated.
3. Check that the currency of your transaction and the in-app authorisation match.
4. We will never ask you over the phone or by email to approve transactions.
5. Always remember that we send you notifications when money leaves your account. Keep up to date with all your transactions by enabling real-time notifications for your banking app. If you receive a notification and you didn't make a payment, pause your card on the banking app and contact us immediately on 011 324 4444.

Final reminder

In case of a lost bank card or mobile device, also reach out to us immediately by calling 011 324 4444.

Stay safe and enjoy your Black Friday shopping responsibly!