Taking your security seriously
Security and fraud
How we're making banking safe for our customers, information, tips and resources to help you avoid falling victim to fraud and/or scams.
Common frauds and scams
In this section you will find information on common frauds and scams. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Customer Service.
Examples of common frauds and scams
Internet banking fraud
This type of fraud occurs when a fraudster gains access to a customer’s bank account, through internet banking, using compromised personal details and passwords, and makes an unauthorised transfer of money.
How to protect yourself
Cynergy Bank, or the police, will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account, or ask for your PIN, or passcodes.
Always question uninvited approaches, in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly, using a known email, or phone number.
Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal, or financial details. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email, or text.
Ensure you have the most up-to-date security software installed on your computer, including anti-virus. Cynergy Bank offers free security software (IBM Security Trusteer Rapport).
Tell us straight away if you've given any details out, or think you may be the victim of fraud, or a scam
Fake telephone calls (‘Vishing’)
Fraudsters may call and pretend to be from the bank, the police, or other officials in a position of trust. The call may be made, to encourage you to give your personal details, such as PIN, mobile banking, or authenticator codes.
How to protect yourself
Be wary of unsolicited approaches by phone, especially if asked to provide any sensitive information.
If you are suspicious, don’t be afraid to terminate the call, and decline any requests for information.
Cynergy Bank, or the police, will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account, or ask for your PIN, or passcodes.
If you are unsure as to whether a call is genuine, hang up, and call back, using a trusted number.
Take your time. Don't be rushed on a call, into giving out personal details, or making sudden payments.
Tell us straight away if you've given any details out, or think you may be the victim of fraud, or a scam.
Text fraud (‘smishing’)
A fraudster may try to trick you into giving them personal information, via a text message. These texts generally ask you to click on a link, and enter your personal details, or, they may ask you to telephone an organisation, on a specified number.
How to protect yourself
Cynergy Bank, or the police, will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account, or ask for your PIN, or passcodes.
If you are unsure as to whether a text message is genuine, do not reply, or click any links, and contact Customer Services.
Tell us straight away, if you've given any details out, or think you may be the victim of fraud, or a scam.
Fake emails (‘phishing’)
Often criminals will send emails pretending to be from the bank, and other companies you trust, asking for personal information, or even banking details.
How to protect yourself
If in doubt, contact Customer Services, or the organisation directly, using a known email, or phone number.
Do not click on any suspicious attachments, or links, as these could direct you to a fake website.
Don’t download any software to your computer, or install any applications or software to your phone or devices, following an unsolicited email.
Cost of living scams
Criminals may be looking to entice you with great deals on energy prices, get rich schemes, or may even pretend to be a family member, looking for financial help. All pose a possible fraud and scam threat.
How to protect yourself
Cynergy Bank, or the police, will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account, or ask for your PIN, password, or passcode.
Always independently verify the person, or service, before making a payment to them.
Never respond to unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or social media messages.
Shop securely online, using a credit, or debit card. Remember to keep your cards in a safe place, and don’t give out your PIN to anyone.
Tell us straight away, if you've given any details out, or think you may be the victim of fraud, or a scam.
QR code fraud (‘quishing’)
Quishing, also known as QR code phishing, occurs when a fraudster tricks someone into scanning a QR code with their mobile phone. The QR code then takes the person to a fake website that lures the victim into providing sensitive information. These QR codes can be sent to the victim via emails or messages.
How to protect yourself
If you are unsure as to whether a QR is genuine, do not scan it with your phone.
Be wary of any unsolicited approaches by phone or email, especially if the QR code takes you to a website asking for sensitive information.
If in doubt, contact Customer Services.
Tell us straight away, if you've given any details out, or think you may be the victim of fraud, or a scam.
Don’t download any software to your computer or install any applications or software to your phone or devices, after scanning a QR code.
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