Banking – security and fraud

Summary

When you contact your bank, they'll take action straight away to protect your account so no more money can be taken. For example, they might cancel your cards or cheque book and send you a replacement. You should also report the crime to Report Fraud. They'll log it and give you a crime reference number. Your call is likely to be free of charge if you have a phone deal that includes free calls to landlines - find out more about calling 030 numbers. If you've received a scam email, text or phone call you can report a scam. This is called 'identity theft'. If you start getting bank letters, bills or letters from debt collectors that you know nothing about, this might have happened to you. You should contact your bank straight away and let them know. Keep a record of all conversations you have with the bank and copies of letters to do with the fraud. The bank will investigate, take action to protect your accounts and refer the crime to the police. If you think someone has applied for credit in your name, for example because you've had letters about loans or credit cards you didn't apply for, you should also contact the main credit reference agencies. Explain you've been a victim of.

Key information

• •explain why they’ve delayed your payment
• •ask for information - make sure you give them everything they ask for
• •tell you if you need to do anything
• •get tips on how to keep your money safe from fraudsters on the Report Fraud website
• •get advice on how to prevent fraud on the Take Five website
• •find out how to keep your online banking details secure on the Financial Fraud Action UK website
• •get advice on how to shop and make secure payments online from Get Safe Online
• •When you contact your bank, they'll take action straight away to protect your account so no more money can be taken. For example, they might cancel your cards or cheque book and send you a replacement.
• •You should also report the crime to Report Fraud. They'll log it and give you a crime reference number.
• •Your call is likely to be free of charge if you have a phone deal that includes free calls to landlines - find out more about calling 030 numbers.
• •If you've received a scam email, text or phone call you can report a scam.
• •This is called 'identity theft'. If you start getting bank letters, bills or letters from debt collectors that you know nothing about, this might have happened to you.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Banking – security and fraud](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/banking/banking-security-and-fraud/)

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