Stay Alert: Watch Out for Phishing Websites, Ads, and Messages

Stay Alert: Watch Out for Phishing Websites, Ads, and Messages

Cybercrime is constantly evolving, and phishing remains one of the most common tricks used to steal personal and financial information. Whether it’s through fake websites, dodgy adverts, or messages that look legitimate at first glance, these scams are designed to catch people off guard.

At Cardstream, we take security seriously and want to ensure you know how to identify phishing attempts and avoid falling victim to them.

What is Phishing?

Phishing occurs when someone pretends to be a trusted organisation, such as a payment provider, bank, or even Cardstream, to try and obtain sensitive details, including passwords, account information, or card numbers. These scams can appear in many forms, including:

• Websites that look almost identical to real ones

• Online adverts that lead to fake login pages

• Emails or texts urging you to take urgent action

• Phone calls from someone claiming to be from “support”

Red Flags to Watch For

Phishing scams are designed to look convincing, but there are usually some telltale signs. Be on the lookout for:

• Unusual links or web addresses – Phishing sites often use slight misspellings or strange domain endings (like .net instead of .com).

• Messages creating a sense of urgency – If you’re being rushed to update your account or avoid being locked out, it’s worth slowing down and double-checking.

• Unexpected contact – If something feels out of the blue, especially if it involves money or personal details, take a step back and verify it through official channels.

A Few Simple Ways to Stay Safe

• Stick to official websites – Always access Cardstream services directly via https://cardstream.com. If you’re unsure, don’t rely on links in emails or search ads; type the address manually or use a saved bookmark.

• Think before clicking – If a message seems suspicious, don’t click on any links or open attachments. When in doubt, contact the company directly for clarification.

• Don’t share personal info – Cardstream will never ask you for your password, card details, or any sensitive information via email or text.

• Keep devices up to date – Make sure your browser, operating system, and antivirus software are regularly updated to stay protected.

If You See Something, Say Something

If you come across anything that seems suspicious and claims to be from Cardstream, or if you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask. Contact us at support@cardstream.com, and we’ll take it from there.

A Quick Reminder

Phishing scams can be convincing, but staying alert and taking a few extra seconds to verify information can make all the difference. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

We’re here to help keep your payments secure.