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Fraud Guide

If someone calls and asks you to move money from your account, don’t do it – even if they say they're from HSBC. We will never ask you to do this. But criminals will.

Even though HSBC has market-leading fraud detection systems, we want you to be aware of the different ways criminals may try to steal your money.

Keep your finances and personal data safe

Much has been made in the news media recently about the hazards of online hacking and data breaches, but what is seldom reported is how much simpler it is to "hack" people than computers. This process is called social engineering, and is far easier to do than one might think.

How social engineering works

Social engineering exploits aspects of human nature - behaviours that come naturally to us. Key to social engineering is the manipulation of trust - gaining a target's trust and thereby getting them to disclose information that should be kept secure.

Scammers contact their targets, usually via telephone (vishing), text or email (phishing), purporting to be individuals in positions of trust, such as bank staff, representatives of telecoms or utility companies, or even the police. Having gained their target's trust, they then request sensitive information or items which allow them access to their target's bank accounts - things your bank would never request themselves, such as:

  • your 4-digit PIN
  • credit or debit cards, chequebooks or cash
  • online banking codes or passwords
  • transfer of funds to a different account for "safekeeping"

Common social engineering scams

Cryptocurrency fraud is on the increase

What is cryptocurrency? Learn more about crypto and how we're using payment limits to protect you from scams.

Useful information

 
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We are supporting the Banking Industry Joint Fraud Awareness campaign.

 
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We're helping our communities, customers and businesses stay financially safe online.

Useful phone numbers

Customer Telephone Services (Please call this number in the first instance)

03456 00 61 61 or if outside the Channel Islands & Isle of Man +44 1470 697139

Security Reset Team (Please call this number if suspect you may have divulged your security details)

0345 600 2290

Lost or Stolen Cards

03456 007 010 or if overseas 44 1442 422 929

These links may allow you to access a non-HSBC website. HSBC Bank plc has no control over the linked website and is not liable for your use of it.

We're here to help you. Find the answers and while you're at it, tell us how we could do better.