A new scam is targeting the users of HCF Gift cards. HCF gives out gift cards to its members to enjoy various kinds of benefits and offers. But scammers are sending out fake HCF gift cards as a part of phishing technique, they trick people into giving away their personal information.
It is made to look attractive and so legit that unsuspecting users end up getting conned. It is a dangerous phishing scam as it is using Australia’s most trusted health insurance brand name to lure people into giving their sensitive information.
HCF itself has given a notice to its customers about the rise in insurance gift card scams. They have asked people to watch out for scammers who are sending out fake gift cards.
What is HCF?
The Hospitals Contribution Fund, also known as HCF is an Australian insurance company.
It is one of the largest not-for-profit health funds in Australia. HCF offers a wide range of insurance plans. They offer Health insurance, Life insurance, Accident and fitness insurance to name a few.
They have recently come up with HCF gift cards as a token of thanks to the members who have been associated with them for a long time. But this is not to be confused with the gift cards sent out by scammers which look as genuine as the real ones. Before falling into this fake gift card scam it is better to directly contact HCF about the legitimacy of the gift card.
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The scam explained
The emails, social media alerts or text messages which pose to be from HCF, claim that you have won a $500 gift card. When you click on it to claim the prize you will be directed to a website. On that website you are asked to fill out your personal and financial information including your card details, security number and give them a like on social media platforms.
Once the details are entered, the scammers in no time swindle you out of money. In an attempt to claim your prize you will instead be losing much more valuable. The fraudsters are aiming for something big such as your identity to steal your membership with HCF.
They then claim for treatments and services that were never provided. Their intention is to receive cash using your name. When you genuinely want to claim your insurance it will come as a surprise that these hackers have cashed out for unused benefits and hence you will be left with no insurance to claim.
Be wary of attractive gift cards. Do not click on the links provided and give your personal details.
Reg flags
The HCF gift cards can only be used at HCF, anyone promising otherwise is probably a scam. Always check the source of the email or the text. Scam emails tend to give out clues if you look at it closely. The URL or the social media domain is usually suspicious.
If they ask for your personal information for you to claim the gift card think twice before entering the details. Because this is definitely an identity theft. In this scam people may text or email you pretending to be from the CEO or the director of HCF and may woo you by saying you are a valuable customer and hence they are offering a $500 gift card. It is nothing but a well designed scheme to scam you.
Do not click on the link that supposedly has the gift card. These links are designed to infect your device with viruses.
How to protect yourself from te HCF Card Scam?
Gift card scams are often difficult to spot but if you have doubts whether it is fake or real the only way to find out is to contact HCF directly. They will surely help you differentiate between the fake and legit gift card.
By doing this you will be able to save yourself from losing money and your identity being misused. If you have been scammed make sure to report it to the relevant authority at the earliest.
Never click on the link and make sure to delete it before opening it.
Conclusion: HCF Scam
If you are offered a huge sum or discounted Gift card it is probably too good to be true. Be wary of the warning signs. Take all the precautionary measures and stay vigilant to spot these scams.
Always contact HCF before falling for those attractive offers and take steps to make your connection secure. HCF gift cards are increasing day to day so make sure to share this post in your social circle and prevent your friends and family from getting scammed.
If you have lost a significant amount of money to online scams, do not lose hope. We can help you recover your funds!
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