Fraudsters impersonate trusted entities via emails (phishing), texts (smishing), or calls (vishing) to trick you into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

Red Flags:

• Urgent emails threatening account suspension.
• Calls requesting your PIN, OTP, or password, claiming your account is “at risk.”
• Emails with spelling errors, unfamiliar senders, or urgent requests to click links.
• Messages mimicking official bank or telecom formats but sent from personal numbers.
• Social media ads or WhatsApp messages directing to fake login pages.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or SMS. Access your bank’s website by typing www.stanbicbank.co.ug directly.
• Do not create desktop shortcuts to online banking, as malware may redirect them to phishing sites.
• Keep electronic payment and withdrawal limits low.
• Delete suspicious SMS without replying.
• Contact your bank to verify suspicious messages.
• Ensure you’re on the authentic website before entering personal information.
• If you suspect a compromised device, contact your bank immediately.
• Use complex passwords and change them regularly.
• Avoid storing banking information on your smartphone.
• Treat urgent security alerts or offers as potential hacking attempts.

Fraudsters access banking apps or data on stolen devices.

Red Flags:

• Unexpected transactions after losing your phone.
• Login attempts or password reset requests from unknown devices.
• Strange messages sent from your number.
• Unauthorized activity in banking apps.

Prevention Tips:

• Report a stolen phone to your bank (e.g., Stanbic Bank Uganda: 0800 250 250) and telecom immediately.
• De-link your stolen phone from your banking app: Log in on another device, go to More > Settings > Devices > Unlink.
• Change passwords for banking and email accounts and enable 2FA.
• Monitor accounts for unusual transactions.

This refers to fraud on a customer’s account using a cheque leaf/leaves not authorised by the account signatory/signatories.

The typical kinds of cheque frauds are;

• Cloned Cheques - This is where fraudsters try to make fake cheque books and use to defraud customers.
• Washed Cheques - These are cheque leaves where some information have been erased and substituted with details of a customer who is going to be defrauded.
• Altered Cheques - These are genuine cheques ready to be presented but lands in the hands of a fraudster and payment instructions like payee details are altered.
• Stolen Cheques - These are genuine cheque leaves stolen from a cheque book by a fraudster and account signatories forged and used to defraud the customer.

Important tips to avoid cheque fraud:

• Never sign blank cheques
• Report the loss of your cheque book or card to the bank immediately
• Avoid posting cheques as they could be intercepted
• Do not leave open spaces. Instead, draw a line to avoid any information being added
• Reconcile your cheques against your bank statements.
• It is important to check your bank statements regularly and look out for any suspicious transactions
• Do not use abbreviations as payee details
• Use crossings appropriately
• Familiarise yourself with the different bank cheque layouts

Fraudsters steal personal data to open accounts, make purchases, or impersonate you or trusted entities (e.g., family, bank staff).

Red Flags:

• Messages from “friends” or “family” on new numbers urgently requesting money.
• Calls claiming your account is “at risk” and requesting sensitive details.
• Unknown accounts opened in your name.
• Fake social media profiles mimicking you or your contacts.
• Bills or debt collection notices for unfamiliar services or loans.
• Strangers contacting you with accurate personal details, suggesting a data breach.

Prevention Tips:

• Limit personal details shared on social media (e.g., birthdate, address).
• Verify identities using known contact methods.
• Never transfer money to a “safe account”—banks do not request this.
• Report fake WhatsApp messages: Tap the three dots, select “More,” then “Report.”
• Update software to patch vulnerabilities.

Fraudsters use complex methods to disguise illegal money through mobile money, bank accounts, or cryptocurrencies.

Red Flags:

• Frequent large transactions you didn’t initiate.
• Transfers to or from unknown accounts, often international.
• Requests to move money quickly for vague reasons.
• Unsolicited offers to handle cryptocurrency or foreign currency transactions.
• Bank or telecom notifications about suspicious high-volume transactions.
• Strangers asking you to receive and forward money to “clean” it.

Prevention Tips:

• Monitor accounts for large or frequent unfamiliar transactions.
• Avoid unsolicited offers to handle money, especially via social media.
• Verify large payment sources with your bank or a trusted advisor.
• Report suspected money laundering to your bank (0800 200 160).