Banking is more convenient and efficient now that you can access your accounts online. But this has also given criminals new ways to use your details and even access your bank account, to remove funds from it. Find out how to protect yourself from these scammers.
Fraudsters are finding new ways to scam us, including cloning bank websites, sending emails pretending to be from banks, copying cards at cash machines and stealing credit card details.
These scams target your account information and money, and often look and sound genuine. But there are ways to spot them and avoid being ripped-off.
How it works
We have seen instances of bank websites being copied by criminals, with a similar address to the genuine bank website being used to trick the banks’ customers. One way to end up on a cloned bank website is to click through to it from a spam email.
Scammers also send emails and text messages pretending to be from a bank, asking you to verify details such as your online banking passwords, PIN, or account or card details. This is known as ‘phishing’ and often comes with a story about why your details are needed, such as for a refund, a security and maintenance upgrade, or even as a fraud alert.
Card details are sometimes taken by copying the information from the magnetic strip of a bank or credit card at a cash machine or in a store. This is known as ‘skimming’ and the fraudsters intend to access your account or create a fake card that has your details on it.
There are many other scams that aim to steal your credit card details, either by taking the card itself or by tricking you into giving out the details, such as the security code (the three or four digit code on your card).
In each of these cases the fraudsters intend to access your bank account, to remove funds from it, or to charge items to your credit card.
How to protect yourself
Fake websites, emails and text messages are likely to be linked to organised fraud and we strongly advise you not to respond to the criminals in any way.
You should never give out your bank account or credit card details unless you are certain of who you are dealing with. If you have already given the fraudsters this information, tell your bank immediately.
Keep in mind that a bank will not contact you by email asking for your personal information or account details. Be especially wary if the email does not include your proper name or contains spelling mistakes or poor grammar.
If you think an unusual email could be from your bank, phone them to ask about it – but use the number on your card, bank statement or in the phone book rather than a number in the email.
Remember that genuine bank staff will never ask for the PIN for your bank or credit card.
Carefully check the address of a bank website you are using, looking for subtle differences, especially if you clicked through to it from an email that could be spam. It is better to bookmark the website address or type it in each time.
You should also look at your bank account and credit card statements regularly.
There are more steps you can take to keep your savings safe – find out how to protect yourself from scams.
What to do if you have been scammed
If you are concerned you have been scammed, you should stop tell your bank immediately.
You should report the firm or scam to us by contacting our Consumer Helpline. Please provide as much information as you can about the company or individuals involved.
You should also report the fraud to the police. If you sent money to a UK or overseas bank account, or by another type of money transfer, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Follow 