Phishing Scams: Fraudsters Acting as Atlas Finance
At Atlas Finance, we take great pride in caring for our community so we wanted to ensure our clients are always kept up to date on the latest phishing scams and fraud safety information to keep yourself alert and protected.
Throughout the year, and especially during the festive season, we see an increase in fraudsters pretending to be Atlas Finance in a phishing attempt to steal important financial information from you. See how fraudsters tend to trick people into scams and explore our many tips to keep yourself safe from fraudsters and phishing.
What Do “Phishing Scams” Mean?
“Phishing” is a fraud technique used to try and acquire sensitive data from you. Phishing scams usually involve fraudsters portraying themselves as legitimate or reputable businesses in an attempt to make you trust them and give them sensitive information, such as bank account numbers or PINs.
About Atlas Finance
We provide 1-6 month loans up to R20,000. We will never ask for an upfront fee for your loan to be paid to you, or to increase the amount of your loan.
Fraudsters are posing as Atlas Finance. They are using our logo to make documents look like official Atlas Finance paperwork. Please be cautious about who you give your details to.
If you have not applied for a loan through Atlas Finance and someone contacts you saying they are from Atlas Finance and offer you an approved loan or a loan amount of more than R14,000, then this is fraud.
Please contact our call centre on 0800 204 679 if you have any fraud concerns.
Top 3 Security Tips
1. Never tell anyone your NuCard PIN number.
2. Never respond to an email requesting personal information if you haven’t applied for a loan.
3. Check your bank statements regularly to identify any errors or fraudulent transactions that might have been performed on your account without your knowledge.
More On Phishing Scams
An example of phishing is when a criminal sends you an email, WhatsApp or SMS claiming to be from your bank or loan provider and trick you into sharing your private information with them. Never reply to these phishing emails and notify your bank or loan provider immediately.
To prevent this type of fraud happening to you:
- Never respond to emails asking for personal information. Your bank will never email you asking for personal information so be suspicious of any organisation that does.
- Never click on a link received via email from someone you don’t know. Rather copy and paste the link into the browser.
- Be wary of accessing Internet banking from Internet cafes, hotel facilities or any other unsecured network – these are not protected according to your bank or loan institution’s recommended standards.
- Don’t share your login details with anyone.
Safety Tips For Using Your NuCard/Bank Card
- Only use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas and stay alert. If the lights aren’t working, don’t use that machine. Look out for suspicious individuals or circumstances. If you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and leave the area.
- Have your NuCard ready in your hands. Opening your wallet or purse can be time-consuming and also provides a potential thief with easier access to your valuables.
- Never tell anyone your PIN number and be sure to shield the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. To further reduce the risk of fraud, memorise your PIN and never write it down.
- Be wary of strangers who offer to help you, even if you are experiencing difficulty with your transaction. Don’t allow others to distract you while you’re at the ATM.
- Make sure the card you get back from the ATM after your transaction is yours.
- Don’t count or expose your money after your transaction. As soon as you receive your money and bank receipt, put them away and leave the ATM area.
- Contact your bank/loan provider immediately if you lose your card or it is stolen.
- Do not pay anybody a commission or fee for your loan. Atlas Finance pays staff and agents directly.
- Make sure that your NuCard envelope is sealed, and has not been tampered with. Your NuCard must be issued to you when you get your loan, not any later.
- No one except you should know your NuCard pin number – not even Atlas Finance staff.
- Check that you receive your full loan amount in your NuCard. Treat your NuCard like a bank card – be aware of who is around you at the ATM.
- Do not give your NuCard to anyone, including an Atlas Finance staff member.
We hope these safety tips help and if you ever have any concerns or feel like you have fallen victim to fraudsters and phishing scams, contact our call centre on 0800 204 679.
