Fraud and scams

Stay one step ahead

Scammers have upped their game and can catch anyone out – even the experts. 84% of people believe they’ve been targeted in the past year.¹

Learn ways of protecting yourself from scams, by joining our exclusive event.

We’ve teamed up with an expert from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit, to host this virtual event. Our special guest discusses scams and gives tips on spotting when something isn’t right. Head over to our Digital Learning Blog to join the talk.

What’s the difference between fraud and a scam?

If you think you’ve been targeted and have lost money, call us straight away. You can find the numbers you need to report fraud here and report scams here.

Is it us?

Understanding what to expect from us and what to expect from fraud and scammers can help you protect yourself and others.

We’ll never

Tell you to transfer money out of your account to keep it safe or to protect yourself from fraud
Ask you to help with an internal investigation or say your money isn’t safe
Ask you to tell us your PIN, PINsentry code, activation code, QR activation code or online banking passcodes
Send a courier to your house to pick something up
Ask for remote access to your device
Text you with a link to make a payment
Ask you to lie to people who work at a bank about the reason for making a payment or withdrawing money
Object to you checking any communication from us is genuine – we’ll be pleased you’re vigilant!

Things scammers often do

Make you worry by pressuring you, or saying that you could get in trouble or be arrested
Tell you to move money out of your account due to a fraud or because of an investigation
Convince you that money isn’t safe or your account is at risk
Use ‘authority’ to gain your trust – for example, say they’re from HMRC or a well-known company and you need to make an urgent payment
Tell you to lie to people who work at a bank about the reason for making a payment
Tell you to make a payment in your app or Online Banking, and tell you which payment type to choose – for example, saying you need to choose ‘Friends and family’ or say you don’t need to read the warnings
Create elaborate stories about why you need to do something, such as pretending to be a family member who has lost their phone

Keep yourself safe

If someone contacts you saying they’re from a bank and asks you to move money out of your account, put the phone down immediately – it’s a scam
Never trust cold calls. If you aren’t sure who the caller is, end the call, and call back on a number you know is genuine, like the number on the back of your card
If you get an email or text you weren’t expecting, don’t open any links or attachments in it
Read the warnings that appear in your app and Online Banking when you make a payment

Take Five to protect yourself

We’re teaming up with UK Finance, who’ve launched their ‘Take Five to Stop Fraud’ campaign to help keep you safe from fraud and scams. Following these steps can help protect you and your money.

1. Stop

Take a moment to stop and think before giving out your personal or payment details.

2. Challenge

Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests you think seem suspicious – only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

3. Protect

If you believe you’ve been targeted by scammers, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk. If you’re in Scotland, please report it to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.

Get more tips at takefive-stopfraud.org.uk