Someone asking for your bank details or telling you to move money? Stop, hang up and call your bank using a trusted number.
Call 159Cybersecurity & personal safety
Stay secure at home
Clear, practical steps to protect your money, accounts, devices and home from scams, cybercrime and bogus callers.
Do these first
Six actions that prevent most problems
Work through these one at a time. Ask a trusted relative or friend to sit with you if you would like help.
Use a different password for email
Your email can reset many other accounts. Give it a strong, unique password made from three unrelated words.
Turn on two-step verification
Switch on 2SV for email, banking, social media and shopping. It adds a second check even if a password is stolen.
Install updates
Allow automatic updates on your phone, tablet, computer and apps. Updates repair security weaknesses.
Back up important files
Keep another copy of photographs and documents in trusted cloud storage or on a drive that is disconnected after use.
Use screen locks
Protect every portable device with a PIN, fingerprint or face lock. Set it to lock automatically after a short time.
Pause before acting
Urgency, secrecy and fear are warning signs. Genuine organisations will let you stop and check independently.
Take Five Mins to Stop Fraud
A simple response whenever somebody asks for money, passwords, codes or personal information.
Take a moment before giving money or information. End the call or conversation.
Could it be fake? It is fine to refuse, ignore or ask someone you trust.
Contact your bank immediately if money or banking details may be at risk.
Recognise the approach
Common scams aimed at people at home
Open each section for warning signs and the safest response.
Bank or police impersonation calls
The caller may claim there is fraud on your account, ask for a security code or tell you to move money to a “safe account”.
- Hang up. Do not press a number to continue.
- Wait, then call your bank from another phone or dial 159.
- Never disclose a PIN, full password or one-time code.
Delivery, tax and benefit messages
Unexpected texts or emails may say a parcel fee, tax refund, pension issue or benefit payment needs urgent attention.
- Do not use the link in the message.
- Open the organisation’s official app or type its web address yourself.
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Investment and pension scams
Be wary of guaranteed returns, time-limited opportunities, cryptocurrency promotions or offers to “unlock” pension money.
- Do not invest because of an unsolicited call or online advert.
- Check the firm independently with the Financial Conduct Authority.
- Discuss major decisions with a trusted person or regulated adviser.
Friend, family and romance scams
A message may appear to be from a relative with a new number, or an online relationship may quickly lead to requests for money.
- Call the person on a number you already have.
- Ask a question only the real person would know.
- Never send money to someone you have not met and verified.
Computer support scams
A caller may claim your broadband, bank or computer has a fault and ask you to install remote-access software.
- End the call and do not install anything.
- Never let an unexpected caller control your screen.
- If access was granted, disconnect from the internet and contact your bank and a trusted technician.
Bogus callers and rogue traders
Unexpected callers may claim to be officials, utility workers or tradespeople who have spotted urgent work.
- Keep the door closed and use a chain or video doorbell where available.
- Verify identity using a number found independently, not one the caller provides.
- Do not agree to work, sign a contract or pay on the doorstep.
Personal security
Make your home a harder target
Simple routines reduce both crime risk and the pressure created by unexpected callers.
At the door
- Look through a window or door viewer before opening.
- Keep unknown callers outside while you check who they are.
- Use a trusted telephone number to verify appointments.
- Say “No thank you” and close the door. You do not owe an explanation.
- Call 999 if a caller is threatening, tries to force entry or a crime is happening now.
Around the home
- Lock doors and accessible windows, including when you are in the garden.
- Keep keys, wallets and devices away from letterboxes and windows.
- Use outdoor lighting and a timer when away.
- Do not advertise holidays or an empty home on social media.
- Agree a family password for genuine emergencies and unusual money requests.
On the telephone
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail when convenient.
- Do not trust caller ID; numbers and names can be spoofed.
- Ask your provider about call screening and scam-call blocking.
- Register with the free Telephone Preference Service to reduce legitimate marketing calls.
- Forward suspicious mobile calls and texts to 7726.
With family and trusted contacts
- Choose one or two people you can call before making an unusual payment.
- Keep their numbers beside your landline and saved in your mobile.
- Review bank statements and credit reports regularly.
- Ask for help setting account alerts for transfers and card purchases.
- Remember: being targeted is not your fault. Tell someone promptly.
Act promptly
Think you have been scammed?
Do not feel embarrassed and do not wait. Fast action can limit the damage.
- Contact your bank or card provider immediately. Use the number on the back of your card or call 159.
- Change affected passwords from a device you trust, starting with your email. Turn on two-step verification.
- End remote access. Disconnect the device from the internet and remove any remote-control software with trusted technical help.
- Report the incident. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland use Report Fraud; in Scotland call Police Scotland on 101.
- Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger, violence is threatened, forced entry is attempted or the suspect is still present.
- Tell somebody you trust. Keep messages, receipts, phone numbers and screenshots as evidence.
Trusted contacts
Who to contact
Use these details rather than any telephone number or link supplied by an unexpected caller or message.
Your bank
Suspected bank fraud or a suspicious call about your account.
Call 159 or use the number on your card
Suspicious email
Forward a scam or doubtful email to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Suspicious text or call
Forward the text or mobile number to your network provider for investigation.
Send to 7726
Report Fraud
Report cybercrime or fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Police Scotland
Report fraud or cybercrime that happened in Scotland.
Emergency
Immediate danger, violence, forced entry or a crime in progress.
Citizens Advice
Consumer advice about scams, rogue traders and what to do next.
NARBTPO
For association and membership enquiries.
Keep it visible
Print this page and keep it near the telephone
The printed version concentrates on the golden rule, five protective actions and the steps to take after a scam.
Official guidance used
This page is general safety information, not financial, legal or technical advice. Guidance and contact arrangements can change; follow the linked official services for current details.