You get an unexpected phone call from your bank's fraud department. They inform you that there is suspicious activity on your account. Instead of asking you to take action or transfer money safekeeping, they tell you to visit your bank's branch to resolve the matter. They then gain your trust and offer to help you schedule an appointment at your branch.

The process involves:

• Giving you a reference number and asking you to repeat it back to them.
• Sending you an SMS with a code or link claiming this is for verification purposes and to confirm your branch appointment.
• They insist that you must complete the verification process while you are on the call with them.

Just say goodbye.

Clicking on the link in the SMS could lead you to a phishing website or download malicious software to your device. When you share the One-Tine PIN (OTP) it authorises a device registration, SIM swap, or a fraudulent money transfer.

Red flags

The red flags you should look out for include:

• They demand verification while you are on the call.
• They send you an SMS with a link.
• They create a sense of urgency and pressure you to act fast.

How to protect yourself

There are steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Just say goodbye. End the call immediately.
• Do not share any details. Don't share an OTP over the phone or approve any app notifications while on the call. Legitimate banks will never ask you to share an OTP, PIN or to approve a push notification to schedule a branch appointment.
• Do not click on links in unsolicited messages. Legitimate banks will never send you SMS notifications asking you to click on links to verify your identity or confirm appointments.
• Always verify and do your own research. Contact your bank directly using the official customer service channels/ number as displayed on your bank card or in the official banking app.
• Report it. Report the suspicious call to your bank and/ or authorities. You can also report it to the Yima reporting function below, as well as the Yima scams hotline.

Stop. Think. Verify. Don't get scammed!