Anti-fraud tips

Be fraud smart: helping to protect you from fraud

When receiving calls, emails or texts:

Never reveal personal or ﬁnancial data including usernames and passwords. Remember that a bank or other reputable organisation will never ask you for this type of information other than via a secured connection
Don’t assume a caller is genuine because they know information about you/your company or the telephone number looks genuine, fraudsters can ‘spoof’ telephone numbers to make the call seem legitimate
Don’t click on links or attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages even if appearing to be from a known sender, such as your bank or government body
Make sure that all sensitive information and ﬁles are backed up offline in a different location from your network and systems, or in a cloud service designed for this purpose
Install and regularly update anti-virus/anti-spyware software and make sure ﬁrewall settings are up to date and set to the highest protection level
Memorise your PIN and don’t allow your web browser to remember details of the PIN

Helping you prevent invoice fraud if you are a company:

Always verify details of any new/amended payment instructions or changes in contact details by using details held on file, and not on the instruction. Fraudsters can spoof or compromise email addresses to make emails appear to be from a genuine contact, including someone from your own organisation
Consider setting up dual control procedures for any changes of payment information
Staff should check invoices for irregularities and escalate suspicions using known contacts
Consider setting up single points of contact with the companies you pay regularly
Regularly conduct audits on your accounts
Use leveraging technology that matches invoices with purchase orders, flagging any rogue invoices
Electronic payments in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man are made based on sort code and account number only, and any account name given is not routinely checked, so always check all account level information
Make your staff aware of the threat of invoice fraud.

Helping you prevent invoice fraud if you are a personal client:

Always personally verify details of any new/amended payment instructions or changes in contact details, don’t simply rely on the instruction received. Fraudsters can spoof email addresses to make them appear to be from a genuine contact, such as a solicitor or private school
You should check invoices and bills for irregularities and escalate suspicions to the company or organisation directly using a verified channel. If it feels too good to be true, it may be fraud
Regularly review and check payments you’re making to make sure they’re successfully being received by the genuine company.
Electronic payments in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man are made based on sort code and account number only, and any account name given is not routinely checked, so always check all account level information
Make sure that anyone else with access to a joint account is also aware of the threat of invoice fraud.

When connecting to Wi-Fi:

Don’t use the public Wi-Fi if doing anything conﬁdential online, particularly when logging onto online bank accounts
Remember that just being given an access code or being asked for your email address, doesn’t indicate that the Wi-Fi connection is secure
Instead of using premises’ hotspots, use a mobile broadband dongle that secures your 3G or 4G data connection even if it’s slower, or wait until you can access a router you know to be secured
Make sure your wireless networks are properly secure
Keep your details safe. Keep your cards, passwords, PINs, documents and personal information secure.

Be careful

Never download software, open attachments or follow links that you've been sent by email unless you're sure they're safe.

If in doubt, delete the email immediately. These tricks are commonly used by fraudsters to install Trojans or spyware.

Check your bank and credit card statements carefully.

Let us know if you're going somewhere unusual. This helps avoid problems with using your cards and accounts overseas, as well as helping to protect you from fraud whilst you're away. You can use contact us to tell us.

Learn about scams

There are some common scams that may target our customers.

Be vigilant and up to date:

If you have a personal credit file check it regularly, particularly if you've recently moved house
This will help you to spot any fraudulent activity that may be conducted in your name. You can get reports from Callcredit, Equifax and Experian – please note that a record of this check will be kept by the agency carrying it out; this may affect your credit rating for a short time.
Keeping your computer and mobile's software, operating systems, applications, virus checkers and firewalls up to date is the best proactive protection for your computer, mobile and data
Be vigilant when using cash machines
Move to another machine if someone behind you is behaving suspiciously or attempts to distract you
Check for signs of tampering, as this could mean that the machine has been fitted with a skimming device
Never leave receipts behind - keep them until you've checked them against your statements and then dispose of them safely, preferably by shredding them.

If you’re concerned about the security of your account, contact us immediately.

Learn more about fraud prevention

The Barclays website contains lots of information about how you can protect yourself from financial fraud. But if you'd like to know even more, these sites can help:

Get safe online
This site has been developed by the Government, police and industry. It offers advice on staying safe online and protecting your computer and the personal information it contains.
Action Fraud
The UK’s national fraud reporting centre where you should report fraud if you have been scammed or defrauded. This site also offers detailed advice about identity theft and how you can protect yourself from it.
Visa website
This service, in association with Visa, protects your card against unauthorised use when you shop online at participating retailers.
Mailing Preference Service
By registering with this service, you can reduce the amount of unwanted mail you receive, which can help reduce the risk of identity theft. You can also register the details of relatives who've passed away.
Metropolitan Police Service
This site contains more detailed information about specific frauds, such as identity theft and advance fee fraud, as well as alerts about the latest scams in London.
Pay.UK
Pay.UK and its website contains information about the major types of payment fraud.
Card Watch
Contains useful information about card fraud for consumers and businesses.
Be Card Smart Online
Packed with tips for protecting yourself against online card fraud, this site is specifically designed for online shoppers.

Check these sites regularly to make sure that your browsers, operating systems and applications are up to date and install any patches that may be required.

If you are concerned about the security of your account, contact us immediately.

Security of your credentials

Identity theft now costs the UK more than £1billion a year. Avoid falling victim to this fraud by following our simple tips. If you are concerned about the security of your account, contact us.