When using Crowdfunder to share your project and engage with supporters, maintaining security is crucial to protect yourself and your fundraising efforts. Here are essential tips to help you recognise and avoid online scams and keep your account safe.
1. Use Crowdfunder’s Official Website
Always sign in to your Crowdfunder account through the official website: crowdfunder.co.uk. Avoid links from unfamiliar emails or messages claiming to offer services for your project, as they could lead to fraudulent sites.
2. Be Cautious with Emails and Messages
Crowdfunder provides a messaging service via your project page, but the platform doesn’t verify the identity of all users messaging through it. Be cautious about any messages that seem suspicious. Crowdfunder will never ask you to accept a donation directly or require you to provide sensitive information through email. If something feels off, don’t engage- forward the message to Crowdfunder’s support team at [email protected] or click "Get Help" on the website.
3. Protect Personal Information
When sharing your project publicly, avoid posting personal details such as your address, phone number, or bank information. Sharing this kind of information increases your risk of being targeted by fraudsters. Always keep private details secure and never provide them to someone you don’t trust.
4. What to Do If You Encounter Suspicious Activity
If you receive any suspicious emails or messages, do not respond. Forward them to [email protected] for verification. If you accidentally click on a suspicious link or provide sensitive information, follow these steps:
Report the incident to Crowdfunder immediately.
Change your Crowdfunder and email passwords.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your accounts
Monitor your bank accounts and consider setting up transaction alerts with your financial institutions to detect any unusual activity.
5. Common Online Fraud Schemes
Be on the lookout for these common online scams that can target Crowdfunder users:
Offers Related to Your Crowdfunder Project
Scammers may pose as donors, offering to:
Run your campaign for a fee or withdraw donations on your behalf.
Guarantee you’ll hit your fundraising target in exchange for a service fee.
Make large donations if you pay them a percentage of your funds raised.
Avoid engaging with anyone who offers these types of services, especially if they request personal details like bank account information or payment in advance.
Phishing
Phishing involves attempts to steal your personal information by pretending to be Crowdfunder or another trusted entity. These scams often:
Include emails with fake Crowdfunder links designed to collect your login details.
Redirect you to fraudulent websites that mimic the official Crowdfunder site.
Impersonate Crowdfunder staff or donors to gain your trust.
Remember, Crowdfunder will only communicate through official @crowdfunder.co.uk email addresses. If an email looks suspicious, report it to Crowdfunder for review.
Catfishing
Some scammers use fake identities to gain your trust and exploit you emotionally or financially. If someone contacts you with a sob story, always verify their identity before continuing the conversation. Never send money or share personal details with someone you’ve only met online.
6. Additional Resources for Online Safety
For more tips on staying safe online, you can visit government resources that offer detailed advice on how to protect yourself from digital fraud.
If you suspect any impersonation or misuse of Crowdfunder’s messaging system for fraudulent purposes, report it by clicking "Get Help" at the bottom of Crowdfunder.co.uk.
By following these steps and staying alert to potential scams, you can keep your Crowdfunder account and personal information secure while focusing on achieving your fundraising goals.
Sharing your Crowdfunder project and engaging with your network is an important part of fundraising, and we want to help you achieve your goals in both a safe and effective way.