{"id":24639,"date":"2017-01-31T13:09:54","date_gmt":"2017-01-31T13:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.outsourcedacc.co.uk\/?p=24639"},"modified":"2017-01-31T13:09:54","modified_gmt":"2017-01-31T13:09:54","slug":"dont-get-caught-lets-beat-financial-fraud","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.outsourcedacc.co.uk\/blog\/dont-get-caught-lets-beat-financial-fraud\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Get Caught ! Lets beat financial fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you receive a request to provide personal or financial information, you need to take a moment to reflect and step back from the situation. Yes, even if they say they\u2019re the bank, police or other trusted organisation, you still need to take the time to stop and think about what\u2019s really going on.<\/p>\n

Deep down, you probably already know these basic rules on how to beat financial fraud \u2013 you just need to take a breath and stay calm enough to remember them.<\/p>\n

Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full banking password<\/strong><\/p>\n

A genuine bank or organisation will never ask you for these in an email, on the phone or in writing. Before you share anything with anyone, stop. Then pause to consider what you\u2019re being asked for and question why they need it. Unless you\u2019re 100% sure who you\u2019re talking to, don\u2019t disclose any personal or financial details whatsoever.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t assume an email or phone call is authentic<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother\u2019s maiden name), it doesn\u2019t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust \u2013 criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you\u2019ve been a victim of fraud. Criminals often use this to draw you into the conversation, to scare you into acting and revealing security details. Remember, criminals can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset so even if you recognise it or it seems authentic, do not use it as verification they are genuine.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be rushed or pressured into making a decision<\/strong><\/p>\n

Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions. A genuine bank or some other trusted organisation won\u2019t rush you or mind waiting if you want time to think.<\/p>\n

Listen to your instincts<\/strong><\/p>\n

If something feels wrong, then it is usually right to question it.\u00a0 Criminals may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when you\u2019re in the comfort of your own home. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be.<\/p>\n

Stay in control<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It\u2019s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it\u2019s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve taken all these steps and still feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you\u2019re being asked, never hesitate to contact your bank or financial service provider on a number you trust, such as the one listed on their website or on the back of your payment card.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Your bank or the police will never:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password, even by tapping them into your phone keypad.<\/p>\n

Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping.<\/p>\n

Ask you to transfer money to a new or other account for fraud reasons, even if they say it is in your name.<\/p>\n

Send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.<\/p>\n

Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe-keeping.<\/p>\n

CEO SPOOFING<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you receive an email from your CEO or some other senior member of staff asking you make an urgent payment outside of normal procedures, don\u2019t automatically follow their lead. It\u2019s become very easy for fraudsters to manipulate the characteristics of an email, including the sender address, so that it looks genuine, but when you transfer the money, it goes straight to an account controlled by a criminal. Keep an eye out for any emails that might be written in a different style to usual, and always check any unusual payment requests directly, ideally in person or by telephone, to confirm the instruction is genuine.<\/p>\n

INVOICE FRAUD<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not hard for criminals to investigate business invoice details (even down to payment dates) and then pose as regular suppliers. If a supplier contacts you to make a formal request for bank account details to be changed, always verify with that supplier using their on-file details. It\u2019s important that everyone inside a business is warned of the dangers of invoice fraud, and that everyone knows to always check invoices to identify potentially fraudulent transactions as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

PHONE SCAMS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fraud over the phone \u2013 or Vishing \u2013 is when a fraudster calls claiming they\u2019re from your bank or some other trusted organisation. It is easy for them to convince you too, since they can both fake the telephone number on the screen and do their research to find out some of your basic bank and personal details. Remember though, a genuine bank will never ask you for personal or financial details like your PIN number or full banking password (even by tapping it into your phone keypad).<\/p>\n

5 things to look out for on a scam phone call:<\/strong><\/p>\n