How to recognise fraud

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: top fraud tips.

Like other banks, we've seen a rise in scams targeting the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Criminals are playing on our fears of the virus, and on the current uncertainties around travel, isolation and even the difficulty experienced whilst shopping for essentials.

So we’ve prepared some top tips for you to avoid becoming a victim during this uncertain time.   

Things to look out for:

Purchase scams:

Fraudsters will offer protective equipment, cleaning liquids and other desirable goods for sale that do not exist. They may also offer medical products or treatments that do not exist - for example, we're already seeing 'Coronavirus home testing kits' for sale. Apply the normal 'sense test', and be very careful paying for anything via bank transfer. Only purchase goods from reputable companies that you know and trust.

Smishing:

Fraudsters can ‘spoof’ text messages to look like they’ve originated from someone they haven’t i.e. the Government, the World Health Organisation or your local doctors' surgery. Never click on any links provided in text messages, and make sure you verify any telephone numbers given before calling them. The genuine organisation's website is a good way of doing this. 

Phishing:

COVID-19 tax refunds, refunds from your travel bookings, safety advice via email and donation requests are all ways in which fraudsters could try and make you click on dodgy links, or make you part with sensitive personal and financial information. An email offering you a refund is always to be treated with great suspicion.

Don't be tempted to follow a link offering updates on the pandemic. Just visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus directly - which is a trusted and reputable website for information.

Finally, always stop and think about what you are being asked to do, and if you have any doubts, talk to family or friends. And don’t open attachments from senders that you don’t know. 

Forward any suspicious emails to emailscams@tsb.co.uk.

Vishing:

Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls. Don’t be afraid to put the phone down if you can’t verify the caller and always guard your details. Appearances can be deceptive (Caller ID can be easily spoofed), so if you have concerns, call the organisation back on the number listed on their website, or if it’s your bank, use the number on the back of your card. 

What to do:

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud or given away more information than you wanted to, please contact your bank as soon as possible. If you bank with TSB, rest assured that you are protected by our Fraud Refund Guarantee. If you bank elsewhere, refund policies differ widely - but in any case, don't delay. The sooner you report the fraud, the more can be done to help you.

Here are some examples that our Partners have seen already: