Can you beat the fraudsters?
Do you think you’d be able to spot a too-good-to-be-true deal? Or a suspicious-looking text message? Take the online quiz to see how scam smart you are – discover what to look out for and how to keep yourself safe.
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.
Avoid the fraudsters
Did you know a fraudulent transaction happens every 15 seconds in the UK?
Fraudsters are always finding new ways to get access to your cash.
Beat the scams
Scammers are experts at pretending to be someone you trust – like your bank or the police.
Learn to spot their tactics, so you’re not tricked into sending them money.
Don’t be a mule
Don’t let criminals trick you into moving money illegally.
Watch out for anyone asking to borrow your bank account, or offering easy money. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Stay safe online
Fraudsters can use your tech to get information about you.
Devices connected to the internet can make you vulnerable – we'll help you learn to protect yourself.
Checking who called?
Scammers can fake our phone number. Find how to check whether it’s us calling, and what to do if you receive a call or message that makes you suspicious.
Jargon buster
Don’t know your malware from your money mules?
We explain some of the words and phrases we use to talk about fraud and scams.
Fraud and scam events
We run regular online events to help you learn about fraud and scams. Visit our events page to watch any you might have missed.
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.
1. Stop
Take a moment to stop and think before giving out your personal or payment details.
2. Challenge
Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests you think seem suspicious – only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
3. Protect
If you believe you’ve been targeted by scammers, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk. If you’re in Scotland, please report it to Police Scotland directly by calling 101.
Are you a business customer?
Read more on how to protect your business from fraud and scams on our scams business page.
How to report suspicious messages and QR codes
Please report any email, text message or QR code that looks like it might be a scam. This helps us and other organisations find and remove fraudulent websites.
You can:
- Email us at internetsecurity@barclays.com with the details of any suspicious emails, text messages or QR codes
- Forward suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report suspicious or unwanted text messages to your mobile provider by forwarding them to 7726 for free
If you've been the victim of a scam, please remember to tell us immediately so we can help you. Our report a fraud or scam page explains how.
