Common frauds

Fraudsters create authentic-looking fake websites and emails. Their purpose is to tempt you to enter personal information, such as passwords and memorable information. The fraudsters will use this information to access your bank accounts.

Throughout this year, some of our customers have received fraudulent emails asking them to confirm their banking details. We will never ask for your internet or telephone banking user ID, password or memorable information by email.

If you get an email asking you for banking details:

• don't provide any information
• don't click on any links in the email
• delete the email from your inbox

If you think your account information has been compromised, call us immediately:

• From the UK: 0845 3000 116
• Outside the UK: +44 20 7649 9437

Download email scam examples (PDF).

These scam emails ask you to receive funds, and then transfer the funds on to another account or overseas. The sender will offer you a commission in return.

If you do take part, you will not receive any commission – and you will automatically become involved in subsequent Police investigations.

These scam emails tell you that you have won a substantial amount of money in a lottery draw. If you reply, the sender then asks you for bank account details and other personal information so they can transfer the money to you. They may also ask you to pay a handling fee.

These emails are fake. You will lose any money you pay, and your personal information may be used in other fraud.

These scam letters and emails offer you a generous reward for helping to move a large amount of money, usually in US dollars. The sender may claim the money comes from all kinds of sources – such as corporate profits, accumulated bribes, unspent Government funds or unclaimed legacies from a deceased person.

They will ask you to pay a fee, tax or bribe to complete the deal – this is the advance fee. You will lose the advance fee and your banking details may be used in other fraud.

Many emailed warnings about viruses are hoaxes, designed to cause concern and disrupt businesses. Such warnings may be genuine, so don't take them lightly, but always check the story out by visiting an anti-virus website before forwarding them to friends and colleagues.

A number of customers have received telephone calls from individuals claiming to be from a credit card scheme (i.e. Visa or MasterCard). The caller then persuades the customer to give information about their credit card, including the security code found on the back of the card.

Lloyds TSB and Visa/Mastercard do not contact credit card customers directly or ask for any security information regarding cards.

If you receive a telephone call like this, do not give the caller any card security information.