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Padlocks locked onto a red-painted fence

Protect yourself from fraud

Learn about the different types of fraud

More and more people are being targeted by fraudsters, so it’s important to be alert. Knowing about the different types of fraud can help you protect yourself and your money.

Why you need to stay alert

Fraudsters try to appear legitimate, so it’s important to be vigilant.

Think you’ve been targeted? 

Contact us straight away if you think you may have been the victim of fraud or a scam.

How to report fraud or scams

Types of fraud to watch out for

These are among the most common tricks currently used by fraudsters but they constantly come up with new ways to contact you, so be vigilant.

Card fraud

A fraudster gets access to your personal information or steals your credit or debit card details. This lets them spend with your card.

Identity fraud

Fraudsters steal personal information about you to impersonate you. They then take out loans and credit cards in your name, or withdraw cash from your bank account.

Cash machine fraud

Fraudsters continue to find new ways to pull off this con, but the outcome is still the same – distracted at an ATM, you lose sight of your card and your bank account is emptied before you realise.

Phishing, smishing and vishing

You get an email, text message or call claiming to be from a company or organisation you trust, like your bank or the police.

Remote access fraud

Someone calls claiming to be from an organisation you trust. They say there's a problem with your computer or bank account and offer to take remote control of your computer to help fix it.

Mobile malware

Criminals sneak harmful software onto your mobile device. They hide it in apps and updates so you install it without realising. Once installed, the software can steal your personal details and passwords, then log in to your apps.

Our top tips to help you stay digitally safe

Boost your digital skills

Learn digital skills with Digital Wings – our bite-size learning modules will boost your digital confidence and help you stay safe online, for free.

Protect your PIN

Never give anyone your banking codes or passwords – this includes any type of PINsentry code, Online Banking login details1, Barclays app activation codes or QR code.

Create a strong password

Mix numbers, letters and other symbols. Try a memorable phrase such as ‘I started Baker Secondary School in 2000!’ and use each word’s initial letter i.e. IsBSSi2000!

Click links carefully

While links in emails or texts from family or friends may be fine, don’t click on any link (or open attachments) in unsolicited emails or in texts you weren’t expecting.

Avoid ‘remote access’

Don’t let someone you don’t know have access to your computer, especially remotely over the phone (not face-to-face).

Always double-check

If you’re not sure you’re safe or something feels unusual, remember to always check, act with care, and never share.

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