Staying safe on GistUp
Never share a code
The 6-digit code we send by SMS is the key to your account. GistUp staff will never ask for it, and nor will your bank. Anyone who asks for it, even someone who seems to be a friend, is trying to take over your account.
Know the common scams
- "Send me the code I sent you by mistake." This is an account takeover attempt.
- "Your account is blocked, update your BVN." Banks never ask for your BVN, NIN, PIN or card details in a chat.
- "I'm stranded, please send money." Call the person on a number you already know before you send anything.
- "You have won a prize" or "double your money". Real prizes do not ask for a fee. Guaranteed profits are not real.
- Short or strange links. Do not type passwords or codes after tapping a link from a chat.
GistUp checks messages for these patterns on your own phone and shows a warning. Nothing is sent to us to do this.
Control who can reach you
- People who are not in your chats arrive as Message requests. They are not told you read them.
- Your phone number is hidden. You choose whether people can find you by it, under Settings → Who can find me.
- Only group admins can add you to a group. If you are added by a stranger, it arrives as a request.
Block and report
- Open the chat and tap ⓘ at the top right.
- Tap Block. They are not told, and their messages stop reaching you.
- Tap Report and choose a reason. You can include the last 5 messages, which are sent from your phone so our safety team can review them.
Keep your backup key private
Your 64-digit backup key opens your chat backup. Keep it on paper or in a password manager. Do not send it in a chat or share it with anyone.
In danger?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call the Nigeria emergency number 112. To report a child at risk, contact NAPTIP or the police.