Stay Alert for Software Scams
Software scams are designed to get you to share personal or financial information. Some fraudsters may pose as technical support from trusted institutions to convince you to download remote access software, which allows access to your personal device.
Remember: Tangerine will never ask you to download any software or remote access app.
If someone asks you to do this, stop before you start downloading. It's always a good idea to double check and stay safe.
Top Tips to Protect Yourself From Scams and Fraud
Prevention and preparation are the best protection from scams and fraud. So let's dive into some of the top tips that can help keep you safe and secure.
Suspicious Communications
Don't recognize an email, text, website link, etc? Think twice before clicking any links or responding to them. When in doubt, contact through a verified channel to confirm it's real.
Spoofing
Spoofing is when a fraudster pretends to be a person or business to gain unauthorized access. Always verify sender details and check for spelling mistakes.
Tangerine emails come from: @email.tangerine.ca, @tangerine.ca, @e.tangerine.ca, or @notifications.tangerine.ca
2-Step Authentication
Provides an extra layer of security during login by requiring a Security Code sent to your registered phone number.
Authentication texts come from: 864674
Never share this code with anyone.
Confidential Information
If you receive an OTP Code, do not share this code or your login information with anyone. Tangerine will never ask for your Client Number, Account Number, or PIN.
Password Protection
Keep passwords and PINs safe. Never write them down or share them. Avoid obvious choices like birthdates or sequential numbers.
Orange Alerts
Orange Alerts help you stay on top of your Account and notify you of suspicious activity. Set them up in 'Profile & Settings'.
Current Scams to Watch Out For
Phishing scams occur when fraudsters send emails pretending to be from a legitimate source, so they can get personal information (i.e. usernames, passwords or PINs) or install malware on your device.
For example, you might get an email pretending to be from your bank, alerting you about unusual activity in your account and asking you to log in to confirm your details. Don't reply or open any links/attachments in the message. If it's claiming to be from Tangerine, contact us at phishing@tangerine.ca or 1-888-SAFE-304 (1-888-723-3304).
Smishing is similar to phishing, except it's through text or SMS (Short Message Service). One common smishing scenario is a text message claiming to be from a delivery courier notifying you about a package and shipping fee you need to pay.
Vishing (voice phishing) is another type that's conducted over the phone. These scams demand your personal information and have a high sense of urgency.
A spoofed website can appear scarily real and is designed by hackers to mimic a legitimate site's branding and domain name to steal your financial information.
Red flags to watch for:
- The website is poorly designed and/or has broken links
- You can't find contact information
- No clear sales, shipping or privacy policies
- The back button is disabled
- You're asked for credit card information before making a purchase
Phone scams are common during tax time, and usually involve fraudsters claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting payment for overdue taxes.
Keep in mind that government agencies will never request gift cards or prepaid cards in payment of a debt or bill. If you receive a suspicious call, don't provide any personal or sensitive information and reach out to the organization they claim to be representing.
Fraudsters can use Caller ID Spoofing to appear to be calling from a local number – similar to yours or one you recognize. So try not to answer. If you do, hang up. Never share personal information.
Credit card scams happen when a fraudster makes unauthorized purchases using your account and/or account details. Phishing, spoofing and recording devices are few ways criminals can get access to your data.
Tips for secure online shopping:
- Beware of fake online stores with unusual URLs
- Don't make purchases on public wifi
- Always check for the URL for a https with a lock symbol
- Never give out your Credit card details to an unknown source
Identity and information theft is a serious problem facing consumers and businesses today. Hackers want to steal information or use it as a launch pad for attacks against other computers.
If your identity is "stolen," you may find yourself with a poor credit rating as the fraudster has taken out loans, credit cards, etc. in your name. If you notice any abnormal activity in your financial records, don't hesitate to contact your financial institution to follow up.
