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All CollectionsFirst Aid Kit
Fraud prevention guide
Fraud prevention guide
Updated this week

We’re serious about your safety at Yoco. That's why we protect your details and transacting activity with bank-level 3D security and anti-fraud technology. Keen to hear more? Click here.

REMEMBER:

  • Yoco will never ask for your password or login details via email or over the phone.

  • Don't ever share your password with anyone – especially if they claim to work for Yoco.

Suspect your bank account or Yoco profile has been compromised?

If you're concerned that someone has taken control of your bank account (linked to your Yoco Profile) or your Yoco Profile, follow these steps immediately.

STEP 1: Try logging in to your Yoco Profile

If you're able to log in successfully via the Yoco App, create a new strong password/phrase here.

  • A strong password is a minimum of 8 characters and contains a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

  • A strong passphrase is typically more than 15 characters and should be easy to remember, e.g. drivingingintherain$ucks1985. Please don't use this one – it must be a phrase only you know.

While you're logged in...

  • Verify your details

    Check that your email address, contact number(s), bank account details, business information, and profile settings are correct. Add your cell number to your profile if you haven't already, so that we can stay connected.

  • Look at the numbers

    Go to your live sales history and analyse your recent transactions for anything that looks suspicious.

If you're unable to log in to your Yoco Profile, move on to Step 2.

STEP 2: Attempt password recovery

An email should be sent to the address linked to your Yoco profile with instructions on how to change your password/phrase.

If you don't receive the email or you're unable to create a new password/phrase, move on to Step 3.

STEP 3: Contact Yoco

If you're concerned that someone has taken control of your bank account (linked to your Yoco Profile) or your Yoco Profile, please email [email protected].

We’ll need to verify that you’re the rightful Yoco account holder, so please have your FICA information handy. We usually only require your ID and bank details, but if you had to submit extra documents for FICA when you signed up, please have those ready too.

Please also let us know if:

  1. You can’t access your profile. If you weren't able to create a new password/phrase, and you can’t access your Yoco profile, we'll freeze your account immediately.

  2. Anything unusual has happened lately. For example, you've logged in to your Yoco profile from a new device; or you've received communication about your Yoco Profile or bank account that seemed strange.


How to identify fraud – and beat it!

Watch out for these common forms of fraud...

1. CNP fraud

CNP (it stands for Card Not Present) fraud happens when fraudsters memorise or copy your card details when you're paying for something in-store and use them for fraudulent online transactions once you've left the shop with your card.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Don’t let your card out of your sight when you're paying.

  • Check that you get your own card back after every purchase.

  • Sign on the signature panel as soon as you get your card.

  • Review your account details and transactions regularly.

2. Card skimming

Card skimming is when fraudsters place a device in an ATM or POS card slot that ‘skims’ or copies your card details and capture your PIN using a hidden camera or by watching you enter it. While you can’t prevent your card from being skimmed, you can safeguard your PIN.

How can you protect your PIN at an ATM?

  • Stay alert while you're transacting.

  • Never let your card out of your sight.

  • Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

  • If you become suspicious or feel uneasy, cancel the transaction, remove your card and leave immediately.

3. Card swapping

Card swapping happens when fraudsters attempt to distract you – they may offer to help you or to sanitise the ATM or your card – so that they can see your PIN. They then swap your card for another one, or your card is ‘swallowed’ by the ATM with the help of a device they've installed.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Never accept help from strangers at an ATM.

  • If someone interrupts you, cancel the transaction, remove your card and leave immediately.

  • Always check that the card you receive is yours.

4. Lost or stolen cards

If your card is lost or stolen, contact the bank or financial institution that issued it immediately so that they can block the card and your account number, preventing anyone else from using them.

5. Account takeover

This is when you unwittingly give your personal information (home address, mother’s maiden name, etc.) to a fraudster who contacts your bank, reports a lost card and change of address, and then receives a new card in your name.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Use strong passwords, strong security questions, and enable two-factor authentication for accounts that hold sensitive information.

  • Change your secure access passwords regularly.

6. Remote access

This strategy is used by fraudsters to install malicious software on your smart device so that they can access your banking information. If you receive a request to install software, be wary!

Suspect you’re a victim of a remote access scam?

  • Block your banking profiles immediately.

  • Contact your bank for further assistance.

7. SMS Scam

This happens when fraudsters ask you to share your banking login details, (e.g. username or password) via SMS so that they can deactivate your online banking profile.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Remember that financial institutions will NEVER ask you to share personal information (e.g. your banking PIN or password), or complete or reverse a transaction, via SMS or any other channel.

8. Vishing

Vishing is when fraudsters pose as employees of financial institutions and attempt to persuade you to share your personal banking information with them over the phone.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Remember that financial institutions will NEVER ask you to share personal information (e.g. your banking PIN or password), or complete or reverse a transaction, over the phone or via any other channel.

  • If you receive a call like this, end it immediately and block the caller's number.

9. Phishing

Phishing is the most common scam of all. It's when a fraudster sends you a link that directs you to a fake website where you're asked to share personal and financial information.

How can you protect yourself?

  • Never click on links in emails or on websites you don’t know.

  • Don't follow email links to a website – type the web address of the company into your search engine instead.

  • Only trust websites with a lock symbol next to the URL address.

  • Never feel rushed into clicking a link – fraudsters often use time limits to pressure you into opening links or attachments.

  • Don’t enter your financial details, card or CVV number unless you’re absolutely sure that you’re using a safe, trusted website.


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