⚠️ FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PHISHING MESSAGE WARNING

⚠️ FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PHISHING MESSAGE WARNING

Fraudsters are sending emails, text messages and other communications claiming to be from banks, building societies, credit card providers, or other financial institutions. These messages often ask customers to verify or confirm personal, security or banking information and may contain links directing recipients to fake websites designed to steal your details. 

These messages can appear genuine and may use official branding, logos, and language to encourage victims to act quickly. Information provided through these fraudulent websites can be used to gain access to accounts, commit identity fraud, and facilitate further scams.

Protect Yourself - Remember ABC

A - Never ASSUME

Never assume a message is genuine because it contains official logos, branding or appears to come from a trusted organisation.

B - Never BELIEVE

Never believe unexpected requests to click links, verify account details or provide personal information. Criminals rely on urgency and trust to encourage victims to act without thinking.

C - Always CONFIRM

Always confirm requests independently.

If you receive a message claiming to be from a bank, building society, credit card provider, or other financial institution:

• Do not click on any links or open unexpected attachments.
• Never share passwords, PINs, banking details, security information, or one-time verification codes.
• Only access your account through the organisation's official app or by typing the website address directly into your browser.
• Contact the organisation using a trusted telephone number obtained independently.
• Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. 
• Forward suspicious text messages to 7726. 

If You Have Responded

If you have clicked a link, opened an attachment, or shared personal, security, or banking information:

• Immediately contact your bank or financial provider.
• Change any compromised passwords and security credentials.
• Regularly monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

If you are the victim of Fraud or Cybercrime

🌐 Report online here: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud

📞 Or call: 0300 123 2040

📞 To quickly contact your bank dial 159

REMEMBER - Stop. Think. Verify.
Taking a moment to check that a message is genuine can protect your money, personal information, and identity.

👥Please share this advice with friends, family, and colleagues to help keep Devon & Cornwall safe online.