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Trusted person fraud

Someone you know uses your card or bank account without your permission. It could be a partner, family member, carer or anyone else you thought you could trust.

They might find your card or bank details and use them without telling you, or use details they already know about you to gain access.

How it could happen to you

  • You use your card to pay for a subscription you share with your family. Your card details are saved on the account, and a family member uses them to buy things without asking
  • You share your card and PIN details with someone you trust, and they use them to make payments or withdraw money from your account without your permission
  • You give your Online Banking log-in details to someone you trust, and they log in and move your money or take out a loan or credit card in your name without you knowing
  • You add someone else’s phone number or email address to your profile with us. They find a way to make payments from your account and authorise them by replying to the verification messages we send
  • You keep your card or bank account details in a place other people can access. Someone you know finds them and uses them to make payments or access your account.

How to protect yourself

  • Never share your card and PIN or Online Banking details with anyone
  • Store your card in a safe place that nobody else can find, and don’t write down your PIN
  • Switch on spending alerts to help you monitor what’s going in and out of your account
  • Use the Barclays app1 to stay in control of your account. You can set spending limits on your card and block payments to some types of retailer, like gambling services

If someone is using abusive or controlling behaviour to get access to your money, we can help. You can call us2 on 0345 050 4585 or use our online form to ask us to contact you at a time that suits you. To learn more, visit our page about economic abuse.

You might not get your money back

If you tell us a payment from your account wasn’t authorised, we’ll check the details and decide if we can refund you. If you’ve shared your account or card details with someone, you might not get a refund.

If you need someone to help with your banking, you can add them to your account as an additional cardholder or account supervisor. Doing this lets you stay in control, as you can choose what they can and can’t do. For more information, visit our third-party access page.