We want to ensure that all your experiences of Ukash are easy,
safe and convenient. So we've put together some hints and tips to
keep your Ukash safe!
Ukash works just like cash. Giving your Ukash voucher code to
someone you don't know or a merchant that is not approved by Ukash
puts you at risk of losing your money. The best way to protect
yourself from being a fraud victim is to be aware of scams and
guard your Ukash voucher like cash! Transactions cannot be
reversed, so only give the voucher code to approved Ukash
merchants.
- Treat your Ukash voucher code just like cash
- Only use Ukash with merchants listed at the Ukash website
- Never use Ukash to pay for items purchased from classified ads
or give the voucher code to anyone else
- Only Combine, Split or Convert
your vouchers using Ukash Tools
- Never email your Ukash voucher code or give it to anyone over
the telephone
Spend Ukash Safely
When spending Ukash only enter your voucher number at a secure
site that's listed on the Ukash website. If you're not sure if a
website is genuine check the 'Where to Spend' section of the Ukash website or
contact Ukash Customer Services before entering your voucher
number. Look for the 'padlock' icon on the screen and check that
the website address begins https.
Simple Steps to Keep your Ukash Safe
Treat your Ukash like cash. Never email vouchers or give voucher
codes in full or part by email or over the telephone to anyone. If
you provide any Ukash voucher details to anyone other than a
Participating Ukash Merchant you cease to become the holder of the
Ukash. Just like cash, the 'bearer' of the Ukash can then spend it
anywhere Ukash is accepted.
Report a Fraudulent Site
If you believe that you are a victim of fraud you should report
it to your local police.
In the UK you can also call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or
report a fraud online at http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud
If you believe a site is fraudulent contact Ukash
and we will investigate.
Money exchange websites
Beware of websites offering to provide Ukash in exchange for any
other form of payment. Ukash cannot guarantee that voucher codes
obtained from unofficial exchange websites are genuine. Only get
Ukash from official Ukash issuing partners. Check the 'Where to Get' section to see official Ukash
issuers.
Never give your Ukash to exchange sites such as Cashvouchers.net
or any other similar sites offering to exchange them for other
forms of payment.
These are not genuine Ukash merchants and by providing your
Ukash to them you may be party to criminal activity including money
laundering. Beware that ACCEPTING SUCH FUNDS INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE under anti-money laundering laws and you will
lose all of the money received.
Genuine Ukash websites
Some websites have appeared with Ukash in the URL. We will
always take action against this abuse of our brand and
trademarks.
These are the only official Ukash website URLs:
www.ukash.com
www.ukash.es
www.ukash.co.uk
www.ukash.de
www.ukash.co.za
www.ukashneo.com
www.ukashair.com
www.UkashChina.com
www.ukashreselling.com
www.ukashlatinamerica.com
www.ukashbusiness.com
www.ukashout.com
www.ukashonline.co.za
Never be tempted to provide Ukash voucher codes to any other
sites claiming to be Ukash.
Common Types Of Fraud
Classified Advertisement Scams
Criminals are posting advertisements for goods that don't exist
on sites such as Gumtree and Vivastreet. They ask you to send Ukash
by email in payment but no goods are supplied. They may also set-up
fake websites and email accounts that appear to be Ukash. They are
providing links to their own websites where the goods are shown in
more detail. They may also ask you to send Ukash by email direct to
'carriers' using fake email addresses for well known companies such
as UPS and Federal Express.
NEVER send Ukash by email as you may become a victim of these
scams and lose your money. Participating Ukash Merchants will never
ask for payment to be made by sending voucher details over the
telephone or by email or ask for payment to be made directly to a
carrier to release a shipment.
Loan Scams
DO NOT send Ukash to anyone calling you and asking for a fee to
arrange a loan or release the funds. They will ask you to send them
a fee in the form of a Ukash voucher code by email or over the
telephone. This is a fraud and you will lose your money. Genuine
loan companies will never ask for advance fees to be paid in this
way.
Ransomware
Criminals are infecting the PCs of users after they visit
infected web sites. The malware encrypts data on the hard drive and
the criminals then ask for a 'ransom' to be paid by Ukash vouchers
to remove the encryption.
DO NOT give Ukash to these criminals as you will lose your money
and may not have the encryption removed.
In these circumstances contact your local police to report this
crime and seek advice from your anti-virus supplier regarding
removal of this malware from your computer.
Ebay
Ukash is not currently accepted as payment at eBay; DO NOT give
out Ukash voucher details to any eBay sellers claiming to accept
payment by Ukash.
Reclaim bank charge scams
DO NOT send Ukash to anyone calling you and claiming to be able
to reclaim bank charges for you. They will ask you to send them a
fee in the form of a Ukash voucher code by email or over the
telephone. This is a fraud and you will lose your money.
Holiday scams
DO NOT send Ukash to anyone claiming to be able
to sell your timeshare or offering holiday bonds. They will ask you
to send them a fee in the form of a Ukash voucher code by email or
over the telephone. This is a fraud and you will lose your
money.
Mystery shopping jobs
Fraudulently placed advertisements appear in some newspapers and
online offering cash in return for your opinion on Ukash. You will
be asked to get a Ukash voucher and send the voucher code, along
with your feedback on the process, in return for payment. DO NOT
RESPOND - you will not be paid or any payment made will itself be
fraudulent and subsequently reversed.
Money mule schemes
Money mule schemes work by advertising jobs either in emails or
on web sites. Once you've accepted the job you'll be asked by your
new employer to receive some money into your bank account. This
money will have been stolen from another victim's bank account. You
are then asked to get Ukash with this money, keeping a 'commission'
for yourself and then to send the voucher codes to your new
employer. The vouchers are then used by the fraudulent employer but
the stolen funds previously transferred into your bank account,
including any 'commission', will be claimed back by the victim's
bank.
Beware that ACCEPTING THESE FUNDS INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENCE under anti money laundering laws and you will lose
all of the money received.
General Tips on Staying Safe Online
Secure Site
You should only ever carry out confidential transactions over
secure internet connections.
There are two ways you can see if you have a secure
connection:
1 The first few characters of the web address in your address
bar will change to https - the 's' stands for secure.
2 You'll see a little padlock icon, in the locked position,
appear in the top or bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
'Phishing' Emails
Don't be fooled; emails and websites might not be what they
seem. You may receive emails or be directed to websites that ask
you to enter your personal information. The aim of many of these
email scams is to take you to websites that may look genuine but
are set up to collect personal or financial information.
If you receive an email that asks for your personal information,
do not click on any link or provide any details; a genuine company
will not ask for these details by email.
Protect your computer
Install anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software on your
computer and keep it up to date.
Never open email attachments if you don't know who they're
from
Find out more information on staying safe at sites such as GetSafeOnline or www.microsoft.com/protect