Fraud and security
Stay one step ahead of the criminals
Anyone can be tricked by a scammer—they change tactics often and adapt quickly. We're constantly uncovering new scams.
Latest scams
Scammers are quick to adapt - and we're constantly uncovering new scams.
If you receive an unexpected email and you're not sure it's from us, don't reply to the email, no matter what it says. Instead, visit our website and contact our support team using the live chat or contact form. If you think it's a scam, please report it immediately.
Here you can find information about the latest scams and what to watch out for, so you know how to protect yourself against them.
Call-forwarding scams
Criminals trick you into forwarding your calls to them by posing as your bank and asking you to enter digits on your phone. This lets them intercept calls about fraudulent payments.
Fake job scams
Scammers create fake jobs to steal your personal information. They use your details to take out loans in your name, leaving you without a job and in debt.
Impersonation scams
Scammers send texts pretending to be 'Thelelantos' to trick you into providing personal details. They aim to access your account or transfer your funds to a 'safe account'.
Mobile malware
Criminals hide harmful software in apps and updates to steal your personal details, passwords, and app log-ins once installed on your mobile device.
Safe account scams
Scammers pose as your bank or police, urging you to move money to a 'safe account'. Remember, no legitimate organization will ask you to do this.
Social engineering
Scammers trick you into giving confidential information by pretending to be from your bank or other trusted organizations. They use this to access your accounts or set up bigger scams.
Is it us?
Understanding what to expect from us and what to expect from fraudsters 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 from fraud
- Ask for your PIN, PINsentry code, activation code, QR activation code or online banking passcodes
- Ask you to help us with an internal investigation
- Tell you to lie to people who work at the bank about a payment or withdrawal
- Ask you to give us remote access to your device
- Say your money isn't safe or your account is at risk
- Share details we have about you to convince you it's us
- Send a courier to your house to pick something up
- Text you with a link to make a payment
- Object to you checking any communication from us is genuine - we'll be pleased you're vigilant!
Things scammers often do
- Convince you that your money isn't safe or your account is at risk
- Create elaborate stories about why you need to do something, such as pretending to be a family member who has lost their phone
- 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
- Pressure or worry you, or say that you could get in trouble or be arrested
- Say you need to move money out of your account due to a fraud investigation
- Tell you to lie to people who work at a bank about why you're making a payment
- Ask 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
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.
Stop
Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could keep you safe.
Challenge
Ask yourself, 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 been scammed and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0330 123 2040.