Relationship Managed Service
We combine modern banking with a long-standing tradition of exceptional service, offering you the flexibility and choices you need to manage your finances effectively.
Competition scams
Fraudsters can use competitions and quizzes as part of a scam.
Find out how these scams work and the simple steps you can take to stay safe.
It’s fun to do a competition or quiz online. But not when it’s a scam to steal your details.
Often, this kind of scam wants you to click on a link. So think before you click. Do you trust it?
Tips to avoid competition scams
-
A scam link can take you to a fake site or a pop-up where you’re asked to enter personal details. Fraudsters can use your details to try to scam you in the future.
Only click on a link or a pop-up from a person or source you trust. Even if it comes from a friend, it could still hide a scam.
If you have to visit a site, check that it’s genuine first. Look carefully at the web address to make sure it’s spelt correctly. If you’re not sure, type it directly into the browser bar at the top of your screen.
Look for the closed padlock image. This lets you know that the link to the site is secure. You can find it in the browser bar.
A secure site will also have https:// at the start of its address.
But remember, these do not mean a site is genuine.
-
Never give a quiz or competition your bank account details.
If it asks for your address or contact details, think - do you trust it?
You can set up a new email address to take part. This will stop scam emails coming to your main account.
Be careful if you’re asked to sign in to your social media. This can give away personal details that could be used to steal your identity.
Keep your passwords private. Fraudsters can try to use your quiz answers to log on to your accounts.
-
If a message or call asks you to send money for a prize you’ve won in a competition or quiz, it’s a scam. You never have to send money to get a genuine prize.
-
Use an anti-virus on all your devices. This should tell you when a site is safe to visit, or a file is safe to open.
Make sure your operating system, browser and software are up-to-date.