Whether you've been the victim of fraud, or you're looking to learn more about avoiding it, this page should give you everything you need.
You receive a message stating a driver has tried to deliver your parcel and asking you to click a link to reschedule. You're then asked to enter sensitive info like your date of birth, mobile number and card details. If you submit personal data, scammers could use it to call you up or access your bank account.
Emails asking to send money or trying to blackmail you into, referral schemes, or bogus investment and business opportunities
The emails are designed to look like a genuine TV Licence email, they'll ask you to click a link and enter some personal details.
You'll get a call from someone claiming to be from the Bank's fraud department.
We’re supporting the pilot launch of a new phone number 159, which is a new way to report fraud and scams. Simply dial 159, and you’ll be connected to a system that can redirect you to your bank.
159 will never call you. If you receive a call from 159- do not answer. It’s a scam.
In 2020, financial fraud in the UK totalled £1.2 billion, and many cases of fraud and scams went unreported. 159 is a new and safe way for you to get in contact with your bank if you’re worried about a fraud or a scam, including reporting where you may have lost money to a financial fraud. Where possible, dial 159 from a different device.
Criminals often exploit consumers to persuade them into making payments. If you receive a call from someone who says they are from your bank or another trusted organisation:
Stop. Challenge. Protect. Dial 159.
We’re switching to Mastercard and all our customers will soon receive a replacement card. Nothing is changing with your account, and your card will work in just the same way. When you receive it, you can start using it straight away. Just make a PIN payment and you’re up and running with Contactless too.
Take a look at some of our top tips to keep your account safe and secure.
Top tips to protect yourself:
We’ve seen an increase in criminals exploiting the coronavirus and using this as part of their scam tactics.
Don’t fall victim by looking out for the following:
Impersonation scams and emails offering health updates or cures
Scammers are sending out emails that look like they come from trusted organisations, like the World Health Organisation (WHO). An attachment in the email claims to provide safety measures to combat coronavirus but opening it actually infects your device with malware that monitors your online activity and captures your information.
Claims you are due to receive a tax refund
Criminals are bombarding mailboxes with emails saying you’re entitled to a tax refund due to coronavirus – but it’s a trick. HMRC will never contact you by email to discuss tax refunds, so don’t click or respond. Report emails like this to phishing@HMRC.gov.uk
Purchase scams
Watch out for emails, ads, posts, texts or phone calls advertising anything to do with coronavirus – whether it’s for facemasks, vaccines or access to testing kits – any deals that look too good to be true usually are. These approaches are very likely to be a scammer trying to get their hands on your money or personal details – make sure you don’t give them what they want.
Offers to make quick money
There has been a huge increase in criminals trying to lure people into becoming money mules through ‘get rich quick’ job offers during these uncertain times. If a job ad looks too good to be true – it probably is and the personal consequences of allowing criminals to pay money through your account can be life-changing. Reject any offers of cash to let someone else use your bank account, it’s simply not worth it!
Always remember:
Stay alert to suspicious phone calls, texts or emails from anyone claiming to be from the bank or other trusted organisations. We’ll never ask you to share your full PIN, password, card reader code, one time passcode or to move money from your account.
Never download attachments, software or let anyone remotely log into your computer following a call or email you’ve received out of the blue
If you are ever asked to do any of these things, refuse and contact us immediately using the number on the back of your card or a number you trust. If possible, call us back from a different phone or mobile.
For all the latest fraud and scam insights including real life examples so you know what to watch out for, follow us on social media
Take Five To Stop Fraud is a national campaign from Financial Fraud Action UK and the UK Government, backed by the banking industry coming together to tackle fraud.
Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police.
They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.
Fraudsters are turning to more sophisticated ways to take your money, whether through online offers, emails or telephone calls. Can you outsmart them? Put your ability to spot a scam to the test with the Take 5 quick quiz.
Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
My money? My info? I don’t think so!
We’re committed to helping you stay safe and secure online and are continuously investing in new fraud prevention tools and the latest security technology to keep you protected online.
That’s why we’re offering Malwarebytes Premium to our customers free of charge (it’s worth £49.99) until at least June 2022. Malwarebytes Premium is an anti-virus security software solution that protects your PC tablet and phone from malicious software. It’s available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chrome OS devices and you can protect up to 10 of your devices.
Protect your online and mobile devices for free with the latest software.
If you think you've been the victim of fraud, or received a suspicious email, call or text, we will try our best to help.
Checked your account and seen a card payment go out that you don't recognise? Before reporting it as fraud, there's a few things you can do which may help.
Whether it's telephone, email, SMS fraud or other types of scams we've got lots of guidance
Learn how to avoid those dodgy emails and keep your information safe
Telephone fraud (or Vishing) is one of the most popular methods of fraud. Here's some help to stop you being a victim
There are some scams and types of fraud that are unique to businesses and individuals who run them. Make sure you know what they are and how to avoid them.
Our fundamental purpose is to keep our customers’ money safe and secure. We are committed to using the latest technology to combat fraud and scams, as well as educating customers about how to spot something suspicious. You can learn more below about what we do to protect our customers.
You can find out more about staying safe from fraud and scams by joining one of our online customer events. Our expert Customer Support Specialists will take you through everything you need to know and answer any questions you might have.
We use a video communications company called Zoom to provide safe and secure video calls. If you're joining on your phone or tablet, you’ll need to download the Zoom app to take part in our Digital events.
As a reminder, we'll send you an email before your lesson starts containing a link to the lesson and an SMS reminder an hour before the event.
The new Authorised Push Payment (APP) Scam Code has been launched to help those who have lost money due to a scam.
Friends Against Scams aims to prevent people becoming victims of scams. Joining equips you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself from the emotional and financial impact.
You’ll learn how to:
Spot a potential scam and report it
Avoid becoming a target for scammers
Find out about new scams so you can take steps to protect yourself
Have conversations with friends, family and community to share your knowledge and raise your collective awareness
Security is a real concern in Scotland – almost half of respondents to a recent Scottish Crime and Justice Survey said they were worried they'd be victims of banking fraud or identity theft in the next 12 months.
Our own research tells us that customers are looking for a human touch, when our technology and people work in harmony to give our customers peace of mind.
Here are a few tips for protecting yourself:
Don’t tell anyone your security details
Don’t assume the person who contacted you is genuine
Don’t let them rush you
If you’re suspicious, go with your instincts
Stay in control
