# How to protect yourself from fraudsters

> Impersonation Scamming

Source: https://help.curve.com/en_gb/how-to-protect-yourself-from-fraudsters-HywJXYIQh

Last updated: 2025-10-13T14:46:18.884Z

## What is impersonation scamming?

A common tactic used by fraudsters is pretending to be a trusted organisation (like Curve, your bank, a utility provider, HMRC or even the police). This is called **impersonation scamming** and it happens via text, phone call, email or social media.

The goal of the fraudsters is to lure you into thinking there's an issue with your account in order to trick you into sharing private information, such as: SMS verification codes, your Curve passcode, your card details or sensitive personal information.

They'll often put pressure on you to act quickly in an attempt to catch you off guard by saying you're at risk of losing money or facing legal/criminal action if you don't act fast.

Fraudsters often seem knowledgable and can sometimes appear as legit by appearing to generate a text message you receive whilst on the phone with them. They might ask you to read out an authorisation code within the text message - if this is the case hang up! **These codes should never be shared in full and Curve will never ask you to do this.**

❗️**Remember!** If a genuine business has contacted you unannounced, they'll have no issue with you hanging up and contacting them via a trusted method.

## How might Curve contact me?

**Email** - If our advisors need to contact you to discuss any suspicious transaction on your Curve account, you can expect to be contacted by email from [support@curve.com](mailto:support@curve.com).

**In-App Chat** - Our preferred way to hear from you is directly via the in-app chat, however in order for us to communicate via the in-app chat you'll need to reach out first. If we ever need to follow up with you via email, we'll always give you a heads up beforehand.

**Phone call** - We will only call you if you request a call or if you have previously left us a voicemail. 

If you receive a message from us that you're not expecting, it might be a scam, so contact us right away on the following:

*   Message us within the Curve app chat: open the Curve app > head to the "**Launchpad**" tab > scroll along to the "**Support**" applet > tap "**Chat**"

We won't be offended if you're suspicious and we can confirm if the message you've received did come from us!

## Tips to avoid being a victim of impersonation scamming

1️⃣ Never share sensitive details - remember Curve will **never** ask you to share the following:

*   Full SMS verification code
*   Curve card PIN 
*   Curve app passcode
*   Full Curve card information (full card number, expiry, CVC)

2️⃣ Treat any message, email or call that you are not expecting with caution. 

3️⃣ Don't be fooled if fraudsters may have some details about you. Just because someone knows your basic details, doesn't necessarily mean they're genuine.

4️⃣ Only criminals will try to rush or panic you into sharing information with them - you can end the call and contact Curve or any other company by your own means to confirm your suspicions.

5️⃣ Never download software if someone claiming to work for one for one of these institutions asks you to. They're trying to access your personal information.

## What should you do if you're a victim of a scam?

If you've been tricked by a fraudster into sending them money or providing your codes to them, chat to us in-app so we can help:

*   Block your Curve card in-app to prevent further transactions from occurring. 
*   Open the Curve app > head to the "**Launchpad**" tab > scroll along to the "**Support**"
*   Tap "**Chat**" (it looks like a chat bubble icon)
*   Give as much information as possible, so we can look into this matter for you and promptly respond.

For any more information on this type of fraud or any other fraud, please check out [https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/](https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/).