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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) fraud
It's natural to be concerned about the health and safety of your loved ones during the coronavirus outbreak. It's just as important to be aware of fraudsters who seize the opportunity to target you for their own financial gain.
There has been an increase in fraud and scams relating to coronavirus, especially fraudsters who have been using goods and services that may be required as a way to target people.
To help keep your funds and personal information safe, we’ve created a series of fraud prevention videos with case studies and practical fraud prevention advice from John Goddard, Group Head of Wealth Model Transformation, Wealth & Personal Banking, and Chris Beechey, States of Jersey Police Detective Chief Inspector, Crime Operations.
Free advice about how you can protect yourself and your finances online
Introduction & Scam Texts from Trusted Sources
In this introduction video, learn how fraudsters may pretend to be from trusted sources like the government or police by sending fake text messages. The texts will usually offer financial support or services, or will say that a penalty, fee or fine needs to be paid. If you receive a text like this, always verify it by calling the supposed sender on a trusted or published phone number. Remember, no government or police force will ever contact you by text to pay a fine.
Purchase & Refund Scams
Watch John and Chris talk about two of the most common scams at the moment, purchase and refund scams. Purchase scams may involve fake coronavirus testing kits or PPE, and refund scams may involve the possibility of a refund for cancelled flights, holidays or goods. Remember to always purchase items from a trusted website (look for ‘https:’ and a padlock icon), and always deal with goods and services providers using a trusted, published telephone number.
Charity Scams
Have you been contacted directly and asked to donate to a charity or charitable cause in the last few months? This video offers the warning signs of fraudsters who may take advantage of the coronavirus outbreak by pretending to be charities asking for donations. These charities are often fake and the donations go straight into fraudsters' pockets. Remember, if you want to make a charitable donation, do your own research first and always donate to a trusted charity using their secure website (look for ‘https:’ and a padlock icon).
Trusted Source Phishing Scams
Fraudsters may pose as your bank and want to talk to you about suspicious or blocked payments, or about moving money to another account. Remember, your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account. If you’re suspicious or feel vulnerable, you have every right to end the call and refuse their requests.
Malicious Links & Websites
Watch this video to learn how fraudsters may try to gain access to your device to steal personal and banking information by asking you to click on a link or view attached documents in an email or text. Never click on any links or documents in unsolicited emails or texts, and always verify what you have received with the sender first. You should never feel pressured into taking action.
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
Useful information
Fraud awareness
We are supporting the Banking Industry Joint Fraud Awareness campaign.
Stay safe online
We're helping our communities, customers and businesses stay financially safe online.
Email safety
Do you know how to spot a phishing email?
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)
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.