Protect yourself from fraud
Learn about the different types of fraud
More and more people are being targeted by fraudsters, so it’s important to be alert. Knowing about the different types of fraud can help you protect yourself and your money.
Why you need to stay alert
Fraudsters try to appear legitimate, so it’s important to be vigilant.
You can find out the difference between fraud and scams and learn about the latest scams.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, please contact us as soon as you can.
Types of data frauds to watch out for
These are among the most common tricks currently used by fraudsters but they constantly come up with new ways to contact you, so be vigilant.
Identity fraud
Fraudsters steal personal information about you to impersonate you. They then take out loans and credit cards in your name, or withdraw cash from your bank account.
Cash machine fraud
Fraudsters continue to find new ways to pull off this con, but the outcome is still the same – distracted at an ATM, you lose sight of your card and your bank account is emptied before you realise.
Remote access fraud
A persuasive phone caller might claim they’ve spotted a problem with your computer and offer to take remote control of it to fix it. They could even say they’re calling from a bank and need to help with a ‘problem with your account’.
Emails, text messages and calls
You receive an email, text message or call claiming to be from a well-known company or organisation, such as a bank or the police.
Our top tips to help you stay digitally safe
’Safe account’ scam
No genuine bank would message you to transfer money to a ‘safe account’ – ignore anyone who asks you to do this, whether it’s by phone, email or any other method.
Create a strong password
Mix numbers, letters and other symbols. Try a memorable phrase such as ‘I started Baker Secondary School in 2000!’ and use each word’s initial letter i.e. IsBSSi2000!
Click links carefully
While links in emails or texts from family or friends may be fine, don’t click on any link (or open attachments) in unsolicited emails or in texts you weren’t expecting.
Avoid ‘remote access’
Don’t let someone you don’t know have access to your computer, especially remotely over the phone (not face-to-face).
Always double-check
If you’re not sure you’re safe or something feels unusual, remember to always check, act with care, and never share.
Scams protection update
We are proud to have signed up to the Contingent Reimbursement Model, a voluntary code effective from 28 May 2019. The code aims to offer you better protection from Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams.
An APP scam is a payment made by you, through Faster Payments or CHAPS, where you intend to transfer funds to somebody, but are instead deceived into transferring the funds to someone else; or you transfer funds for what you believe is a genuine purpose, and this turns out to be fraudulent.
We are continuing to increase the protection we offer you, to combat the prevalence of scams and reduce their impact. We will do everything we can to protect you. However, it is also important for you to protect yourself – our guides will show you the steps you can take.
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How to report fraud
Think you’ve been a victim?
Get in touch with us right away if you think you’ve seen suspicious activity on your account. Here you’ll find the numbers you need, the next steps to take and what we’ll do to help.
Protecting your account
How we help to keep your money safe
We always look out for threats from fraudsters. Here are some measures we take to make sure your money is secure.
Digitally safe quiz
How digitally safe are you?
Would you recognise a fake caller, spot a phishing email or know when a fraudster is trying to take control of your computer? Take our interactive challenge to find out.
Take Five to stop fraud
National awareness campaign
Take Five is led by UK Finance and backed by the Government and other organisations. If you receive a phone call, text or email you think might be fake, it urges you to stop – take five – and challenge what you’re told.
Master your Moneyverse
And make money work for you
We all have our own personal relationship with money – our saving, our spending, our goals and our dreams. This is your Moneyverse. It’s as unique as you are and we can help you become the master of it.