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AIBU

To think this Santander poster is stupid and irresponsible?

(27 Posts)
Witzend Wed 02-Dec-20 14:10:22

I keep seeing this big poster in Santander’s window, since it’s right beside the bus stop I use in town.

Below a large colour pic of Ant and Dec it says - in very prominent red lettering:

SCAM-OUFLAGE
‘If they can’t see you, they can’t scam you’

Then, well below that, in considerably less in-your-face lettering,

‘Or stay safe with our scam awareness events.’

Is it any wonder that naive people are duped, when posters like this are prominent on (presumably) so many high streets?

Baggs Wed 02-Dec-20 14:14:57

I don't see what is annoying you, witz.

Blossoming Wed 02-Dec-20 14:34:26

I don’t understand why you think that makes people more likely to fall for scams. It seems to me to be warning people not to post personal info on public websites.

Aldom Wed 02-Dec-20 14:51:56

Sorry, I have thought it over, but I can't see your problem.
It is simply a warning to keep personal information safe.

Gwyneth Wed 02-Dec-20 14:57:20

I can’t see the problem apart from the pictures of Ant and Dec who really irritate me!

Smileless2012 Wed 02-Dec-20 15:01:26

Sorry, I don't see anything wrong with it either.

Oh Gwyneth I think Ant and Dec are greattchblush.

Lucretzia Wed 02-Dec-20 15:04:24

Is it because it doesn't make much sense until you read the smaller print?

And I'm with you, Smileless2012

I really like Ant and Dec!

Bluebellwould Wed 02-Dec-20 15:06:51

I think you have all missed the point of Witzend’s post. The Santander poster’s significant message is that you can’t be scammed if the scammers can’t see you. IMHO that means if you are safe at home and behind closed doors, therefore can’t be seen, you can’t be a victim of a scam. That surely is wrong.

Gwyneth Wed 02-Dec-20 15:07:07

Smileless I really used to like Ant and Dec but I don’t know what it is these days but they do irritate me. I must be getting old and grumpy!!

Gwyneth Wed 02-Dec-20 15:10:58

I’m guessing it means if the ‘scammers’ can’t see you online. For example, if you give out your details as a result of ‘scam’ emails.

Jane10 Wed 02-Dec-20 15:12:34

I don't understand confused

Jaxjacky Wed 02-Dec-20 15:15:35

Gwyneth or your details on Facebook/stay logged into sites/don’t use robust passwords, preferably two stage authentication or just reveal any personal data online.

MissAdventure Wed 02-Dec-20 15:21:20

I'm glad you said that, jane10.
Me neither.

Gwyneth Wed 02-Dec-20 15:28:32

Yes absolutely Jaxjacky. I’m not very technical savvy but I do make sure that I do what you mention in your post.
Jane10 Hi does Jaxjacky’s post help to explain more clearly than mine? It’s kind of when you leave traces of yourself on line for scammers to follow like those mentioned already. I not very good at explaining this I’m afraid but hope this helps.

Blossoming Wed 02-Dec-20 15:32:41

Exactly what I took it to mean Gwyneth

CleoPanda Wed 02-Dec-20 15:40:41

I took it to be a warning that just because scammers can’t see you, it doesn’t mean you’re safe, for example on line.
So, you can continue to think you’re safe at home— or, you could stay safe with their scam awareness events.

BlueBelle Wed 02-Dec-20 15:40:43

No I didnt get it either until it was explained
Messages need to be clear and precise and maybe catchy If even one person (with half a brain) needs it explaining then it’s not a well thought out message, that’s why simple catchy, to the point sayings, stick in our heads for ever ...like ‘clunk click every trip’ Simple, rhymes, says what’s needed
Ant and Dec irritate me too

Doodledog Wed 02-Dec-20 15:41:25

To distract everyone from the confusion, let's play a game?

If you put Lord or Lady first, your mother's maiden name, then the name of your pet and then the town where you grew up, it will give you your Aristo name!!

Here's mine - Lady SmithFido of Hometown. What's yours? How similar is it to your password?

Or a quiz that will tell you if you are in the top 10% for vocabulary. To find out, enter your email address so we can send you the result. Your Facebook user name will be your real name, so we don't need that, but it's handy to be able to link them. Oh look! you got 8 out of 10, like everyone else - funny that.

That's probably the sort of thing they are getting at.

BlueBelle Wed 02-Dec-20 15:42:14

Gwyenth you’re in good company because the company who probably got thousands for that aren’t very good at explaining either

Gwyneth Wed 02-Dec-20 15:48:32

You’re right Bluebelle the more I think about it the more it becomes unclear so am doing a ‘U’ turn and thinking maybe Santander should look at this again.

Witzend Wed 02-Dec-20 18:13:15

Just me, then.
My point - presumably not sufficiently clear - was that it’s the first, very prominent message that’s likely to stick in more vulnerable people’s minds - i.e. ‘If they can’t see you, they can’t scam you.’

Does it occur to nobody else that the more naive/trusting/ unsuspecting, might take this literally - and fail to notice or take in the rather ‘quieter’ message below?
So many people are scammed over the phone.

Wheniwasyourage Wed 02-Dec-20 18:29:26

Yes, it sounds to me as if it isn't clear, so perhaps they should rethink their poster. When I read the title of the thread I wondered which GNer had been posting something stupid and irresponsible about Santander. confused

petra Wed 02-Dec-20 18:47:01

Is it possible that the poster was above the cash point? I.e. some one looking over your shoulder.

grannypiper Wed 02-Dec-20 18:58:02

The very fact that a drug taking drink driver is in the poster annoys the hell out of me. I closed all 3 of my Santander accounts because of that cheating untalented twit.

Witzend Wed 02-Dec-20 19:20:34

It’s in a big window, not over a cash point, @petra.