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0800 121 8899Fraudsters are clever. They're constantly changing the way they do things to try and trick you into giving away your money or details. Be aware - and try to stay one step ahead of them. But if you think you've been a victim of fraud, call us immediately on 0800 121 8899.
Identity fraud
Identity fraud is when someone steals your personal details and uses them to act fraudulently in your name.
They can open new bank accounts, take out loans, apply for credit cards and order goods leaving you with the debt. They can also take over your personal bank accounts, order new cards and re-register for online banking so they can withdraw your cash.
Spoof websites
A spoof website imitates a genuine website in order to fraudulently collect personal or sensitive data from customers. Spoof websites can be hard to spot because they're designed to look like the genuine article - but watch out for small clues like a spelling mistake in the web address.
Suspicious emails (phishing)
Phishing emails look like they come from a genuine company, such as your bank or building society, but they encourage you to enter or update your personal or security information so it can be accessed fraudulently.
Remember - we'll never send you an email asking you to enter your details or linking you directly to Online Services.
Suspicious phone calls
If you're called unexpectedly by someone who says they're phoning about your Coventry account, ask for the caller's full name, job title and department. Then end the call and call us on 0800 121 8899.
To be sure that the line is clear, use a different phone to call us, or call a friend before you call us.
Remember, never give out your full password - we'll only ever ask you for selected characters from your password and Grid Card.
Suspicious text messages
Fraudsters will sometimes send SMS text messages randomly to mobile phones. The message will usually ask you to click on a link or call a phone number so that you can 'verify' or 'update' your details.
We'll never send you a text message asking you to click on a link or send us information, so don't include any of your personal details in a text message.
The message might look like it's from a reputable organisation but look out for small clues, like a spelling mistake in the email address.
More about suspicious text messages
Rogue
traders
Many legitimate businesses and charities sell products or raise funds on the doorstep; however, not everyone who knocks on your door has good intentions. Rogue traders obtain business by cold-calling you at home.
They use high pressure tactics, and sometimes make threats, to make you agree to them undertaking work for you.
Courier card scams
These scams are used to try and trick you into handing over your debit or credit card and PIN.
Often you'll get a phone call telling you that you've been a victim of fraud and your card must be collected by courier. The scammers will then use your card to make fraudulent purchases and cash withdrawals.
Remember - we'll never ask you to send your card back to us or to reveal your PIN.
Money
mules
Fraudsters like to use innocent and often vulnerable people to launder funds or channel cash through their own account. Often these people are in the UK and asked to send the money overseas. Beware of anyone asking you to carry out international bank transactions.
Money laundering is a serious criminal offence so watch out for unsolicited offers that look too good to be true - they usually are.
Investment fraud
There are various types of investment fraud but they have one common feature - the promise of a high return with low risk to your investment.
You might get a phone call, email or letter out of the blue offering to buy or sell shares, land, rare goods or other investments. But if an offer seems to good to be true, it probably is.
Want to find out more?
There's more information about fraud and how to protect yourself here:
Cyber Aware
Get Safe Online
Action Fraud
Metropolitan Police