TymeBank – Be smarter than a fraudster!

Anyone can fall for a scam. Fraudsters are smart, friendly and very convincing. There are many different ways that criminals use to try and get their hands on your money. Vishing is one of these. And while the tricks are getting harder to spot – there are things you can do to make sure that imali yakho stays yours. We’ll tell you how.

What is Vishing?

This is when a scammer tries to steal your One Time Pin (OTP) so they can go on an online shopping spree – using your money.

It sounds like something no one would fall for, but these scammers often pretend to be calling from TymeBank. They sound convincing because they may have some of your personal information like your full name, ID number or address. They may also tell you that the bank’s noticed some dodgy activity on your account and then they offer to block your card for you – all you need to do is give them your OTP number. Of course, it makes you panic and you hand over the numbers happily.

What the scammers are really doing is using your OTP to make illegal online purchases and your OTP lets them complete their transactions. Some con artists go even further and keep you on the phone, asking you to share many OTPs to ‘reverse the fraudulent transactions’ when in fact, all they are doing is using every set of digits you share to finish another online purchase. Sneaky.

How not to get caught by a vishing scam

Remember, TymeBank will never ask you to confirm your confidential information over the phone, or by email or SMS.

• If you get a call from anyone asking for confidential or personal information, refuse and end the call.
• If you get an OTP on your phone and you haven’t been transacting, chances are a scammer is using your personal information to try and commit a fraudulent online transaction
• We’ll never ask you to share your OTP with us. Ever!
• If anyone asks you for an OTP, end the call and block the number.
• Know that criminals can make their telephone numbers look like they’re calling from your bank.

More tips to keep you and your money safe

• Don’t let a stranger help you at an ATM. No matter how nice they seem.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If you see someone suspicious, use another ATM.
• Keep your PIN safe and you’ll keep your money safe.
• Memorise your PIN. Never write it down or share it with anyone, not even your gogo.
• If someone sees your PIN, or you think they’ve seen your PIN, change it immediately.
• If your card is lost, stolen or swallowed by an ATM, call 0860 999 119 to block it immediately.