Do you think you've been the victim of a scam?
If you're a Wise customer, and you think you may have been the victim of a scam, you should get in touch with us as soon as possible. If you are not a Wise customer and sent money to a Wise account, please get in touch with your bank.
We want to help you keep your money safe
Keeping your money safe is our top priority, but we need you to keep an eye for popular scams.
Popular Scam Types
Investment Scams
A “blockchain specialist” contacted you and promised a good crypto opportunity?
Beware of cold calls and investment ads on Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp channels etc., promising very high returns. If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true - it is likely a scam.
Job Scams
Did you find a job online reviewing hotels, films or apps?
If your job platform shows negative balance and asks you to make a large payment to cover costs of a task - this is a scam. Stop all payments, even if you earned something before.
Impersonation Scams
Did you receive an unexpected call from a bank, police, Amazon, PayPal?
Scammers use modern technology to replace phone numbers. Even if a caller’s phone number looks like your bank’s, pay attention to what the caller says and hang up if it sounds suspicious. Correct numbers can be found on official websites - try calling yourself to check if a call was real.
Rental Scams
Found a nice flat on Airbnb, but your host insists on you paying by a bank transfer?
Sending money directly to a bank account leaves you without any protection. Biggest booking platforms offer convenient card payments and give clear cancellation and refund conditions. For long-term rentals, avoid sending a deposit before viewing a place in person.
Purchase Scams
Found a new phone for sale on a marketplace at half price?
Marketplace offers with very low prices often result in a scam. Instead, consider shopping on platforms with buyer protection or pay cash on collection.
Parcel Scams
Received a random text saying there is a parcel for you, but asking to pay for something first?
If you didn’t order anything, that text may be coming from scammers. Avoid clicking any links and making payments. Check with a delivery company by calling a phone number found on official websites.
Warning:
Have you heard of APP scams? Because they're on the rise...
Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams are when victims are convinced by scammers to send money to a fraudster. These are particularly hard for banks and payment providers to spot, because often the victim is making, what they believe, are legitimate payments.
... they're particularly popular with investment scams
If you're being offered an investment with a guaranteed return, or higher returns than other providers you've seen on the market, there's a strong possibility this is a scam. This typology of fraud is extremely intelligent and sophisticated, so users should check the FCA register.
Most legitimate investment brokers will offer similar returns to one and other, whereas potential scams will offer packages that "stand out"... unfortunately when a deal looks too good to be true, it often is.
You can read more about APP Scams here.
Ways to spot a scam:
Do you feel rushed?
Is the person making you feel like you need to act urgently? Scammers often use ‘urgent’ tactics to make you panic, and move your money in a state of fear. For example, if you're being asked to move your funds quickly out of a ‘compromised account’, this is most likely a scam.
Were you expecting someone to contact you?
Fraudsters often contact you out of the blue. It’s highly unusual for legitimate businesses to get in touch with you via text, email or phone call unexpectedly, and ask for personal information.
Are you being offered a market-leading opportunity?
When a deal looks too good to be true, it often is. If you’re being offered a higher-than-average investment return, a holiday of a lifetime, or a cash lump-sum from a stranger’s will - it’s most likely a way to lure you into a scam.
Is the person you’re speaking to smooth, reassuring, and persuasive?
A ‘sophisticated’ scammer will be very convincing, and may avoid all of the above tactics. If you have any hesitation about making a payment, or any level of concern, do not make the payment requested of you.
Still not sure?
Put the phone down, or close your computer. Take 5 minutes away from your device and think carefully about the situation. Call a friend, share the emails you’ve received with someone you know and trust. A second opinion can make all the difference when identifying a scam.
Things we'll never ask you to do
- We will never ask you to pay deposits to unfreeze your money
- We will never ask you to put money into an account in order to ‘re-activate’ it
- We will never ask you to move your money from your main account, to a ‘safe’ account
- We will never create an account on your behalf, using information you send us, or make payments or transfers on your behalf
- We will never ask you to download software to allow us to make payments via your device
Our Customer Support team will always be on hand to provide you with information on how our products work.
