One of the most useful things you can know about staying safe from fraud is what legitimate organisations will never ask you to do. This is not a long list, but it is a consistent one. Banks, government offices, and utility companies follow the same basic rules, and knowing those rules makes it much easier to recognise when something is wrong.
Your Bank Will Never Ask for Your Full Password ¶
Banks may ask you to confirm part of a security code or a memorable word, but they will never ask for your full password over the phone or by email. If a caller asks for your complete password, PIN, or the three-digit security number on the back of your card, end the call. These details are not needed for any legitimate verification process.
Your Bank Will Never Ask You to Move Money to a Safe Account ¶
One of the most common and damaging scam tactics involves telling customers that their account has been compromised and that they need to transfer their money to a 'safe' account provided by the caller. No bank operates this way. If you receive this instruction, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card.
Government Offices Will Not Demand Immediate Payment by Gift Card ¶
Tax offices, pension authorities, and other government bodies do not collect payments by iTunes gift cards, Google Play cards, or cryptocurrency. If a caller claiming to be from a government office asks for payment in any of these forms, it is a scam. Legitimate government payment requests arrive by post and give you time to verify them.
No Legitimate Caller Will Ask You to Keep the Call Secret ¶
Scammers frequently ask their targets not to tell family members or their bank about the call, framing it as necessary for an ongoing investigation. This is a tactic to prevent you from getting a second opinion. Any caller who asks you to keep a conversation secret is not acting in your interest.
Keeping this list somewhere visible near your phone or computer is a practical step. Our support team is also happy to talk through any call or message you are unsure about, any time of day.