Fraud Warning

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Fraud Warning - Scam Calls and SMS

Lyca Mobile takes reporting fraud very seriously. If you have been a victim of fraud, we will support you. There are steps you need to follow and reporting this is key, we want to minimise any further impact. It is important to remember that we may never understand or find out how the root cause initially occurred nor can we make any assumptions.

There are known examples which have started from phishing, smishing and the use of social engineering tactics to obtain information. This is fraud.

This is not only to trick you but to appear to be something the perpetrators are not - a genuine, known trusted contact.

You may have received untoward contact via a suspect phone call, SMS, WhatsApp or even Viber. This is not uncommon. If you are unsure who is contacting you, end this communication immediately and contact us via the appropriate channels as listed on our website.

Scam – Calls & SMS

Private number or international dialling code

UK Mobile Number Prefix

Request for money

Vague/ambiguous link within the message

Poor grammar

Use of information gained from social engineering, to gain your trust

Do not engage with these persons and do not carry out any requests.

End all communication and contact us immediately.

Known Scams

There are known scams that are in circulation and we ask that you always remain vigilant with such contacts and requests.

Phishing

Impersonation Fraud

Fake Lyca Lottery Scam Prize

Fake COVID-19 Vaccine SMS Scam

Fake delivery notification scam, such as Royal Mail and DHL

HMRC/National Insurance Scam

Malicious malware

If you suspect something is not right, report this straightaway via the communication methods outlined below. We will never ask you for money. We have been made aware of scenarios where money has been requested from the fraudster. These are common/known methods and should be treated with suspicion. Any request for money to be sent via Google Play vouchers, MoneyGram & Western Union transfer are known fraud tactics.

These are known tactics fraudsters use for financial gain and should be treated with suspicion. Do not send money via these methods. These payment methods are classed as high risk as they are almost impossible to track down and are often redeemed within minutes of transfer. If you have sent any money via these methods, please report accordingly via the links outlined below.

We will never ask for your personal government-issued photographic identification nor will we communicate with you by WhatsApp or Viber.

There are examples of fraudsters requesting an ‘up-front’ payment to release funds relating to a lottery pay out, again this is fraud. All lottery enquiries are found within the ‘my account’ function which is managed by your own personal login and secure password.

There have been reported examples of CEO impersonation fraud. There is request of money that must be sent via WhatsApp or similar, usually a Google Play voucher. Never send money via these methods and end all communication and reporting to your Information Security Officer within your organisation.

The amounts are usually large, and voucher based with suspicious e-mail addresses used as an initial contact method. Fraudsters gain your trust by using social engineering tactics. End all communication and report this.

These payment methods are classed as high risk as they are almost impossible to track down and are redeemed within minutes of transfer.

How do I report a Fraud to Lyca Mobile?

Contact us via the following form below

Send us all details including any screenshots and attachments to our Fraud Alerts e-mail address: Fraud_alert@lycamobile.com

Submit an official report to Action Fraud.

Make official contact and report with your local police force/cybercrime division.

Financially, there will need to be an official report made. This could have been your card issuer/money provider or money transfer service. Google Play vouchers, MoneyGram, and Western Union transfer. Contact details can be found below:

Western Union
https://www.westernunion.com/gb/en/fraudawareness/fraud-report-fraud.html

Google
https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9057338

Money Gram
https://www.moneygram.com/mgo/gb/en/help/contact

Fraudster’s tactics are always improving as with our current climate. You should always question why you are being contacted and to seek clarification immediately. We will never directly contact you to ask for personal information nor request financial reimbursement from you.

Action Fraud is the recommended way to officially report scams/if you have been victim of fraud. There are further examples/tips to spot fraud and to remain safe online:

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

How can Lyca Mobile help me if have been a victim of Fraud?

Collect as much information as possible and e-mail this to Fraud_alert@lycamobile.com

Provide screenshots and add these as attachments – if you have these.

Report to the appropriate website links above.

Use the submit form below.

Contact our customer service team.

If they become abusive, threatening or use upsetting language, please feel free to end the call at any time .

When contacting us regarding fraudulent activity or you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please provide us with as much detail as possible and any screenshots that may help. You will need to report the matter to Action Fraud along with any local police force to obtain an official reference for reporting purposes. Our commitment to you with your enquiry is to offer our support and help and to minimise any further impact to you.

Dial on 322 from your Lyca Mobile number

Dial on 0207 132 0322 from any network