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/contactFraudster’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
In today's world, you need to know how to stay safe from fraud. ou can find fraud prevention information on the action fraud website.
