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Customer Security

We want your experience with Shawbrook Bank to be as safe as possible and the security of your data is of the upmost importance to us. However, internal measures we have in place alone cannot protect you personally from the potential of cyber-attacks external to our systems. There are many things you, as an electronic user, can do to protect yourself from these attacks just by being aware of the potential threats. We hope the information provided on this page will give you an insight to what can happen and how to protect yourself.

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General Tips and Advice on Being Vigilant

 

  1. NEVER click on links in texts or emails
    If you receive any communication  that looks suspicious, it’s always best to verify it first before clicking on any links included in a text or an email.

  2. Shawbrook will NEVER ask you to share personal or sensitive information
    Personal information includes PIN numbers, 16-digit account numbers, email passwords or three-digit card security numbers. If someone is claiming to represent Shawbrook and is asking for these details, it is a SCAM.

  3. Do not be pressured into taking immediate action – ALWAYS TAKE YOUR TIME
    Fraudsters are renowned for using scare tactics in a bid to force you into taking action. Shawbrook – or indeed any trusted organisation – will NEVER try to panic you or force you into sending money. We will also never stop you from talking to friends or family for advice.

    If you are unsure – always take your time.

  4. BE WARY of the offer of financial incentives
    Never trust a message or an offer which says you're entitled to money or are required to pay a fine without checking it is genuine.

Further Online Security Best Practice and Guidance 

Electronic communication from Shawbrook

Within the normal course of our business with you Shawbrook may call, email or text you (depending on your preferences) to confirm details of a transaction. If we contact you by email or text, we will never ask you to send personal or sensitive information. 

If you receive any communication from Shawbrook that you are suspicious about, always check directly with us to confirm the validity of it. Our contact details are available on the Shawbrook website here.

Phishing Scams

The term ‘Phishing’ is the fraudulent practice of sending emails purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. 

Occasionally, fraudsters set up websites purporting to be an official site, asking for personal and security information. They want you to divulge enough information for them to use to either take payments directly from your accounts or have it sent back to your nominated account which they then ask you to transfer to another ‘reserve account’ which they control.  

Shawbrook Bank will NEVER ask you to transfer money to a ‘reserve account’, from your existing account or to open a new account. If you receive a phone call, email or other method of communication advising you to do so please ignore the request and contact us immediately 

Recently we have been made aware that a scam website replicating the official Shawbrook Bank website was operating and ranking highly on Google searches. If you normally access your savings account by searching for Shawbrook through Google or you believe you may have inadvertently provided a fraudster with any of your account details, please contact us immediately on 0345 266 6611. 

Scams

We have recently been made aware of a company called WeRe Bank which purports to be a Community bank, and appears to have created its own currency, the RE. This tender is not considered to be legal tender, for more information please visit the regulators website: https://www.fca.org.uk/news/news-stories/consumer-notice-were-bank

Keep yourself secure

  • Always be aware of opening emails and attachments from sources that you are unsure about or look too good to be true.
  • Protect your data with up-to-date anti-virus and internet security software.
  • Back up sensitive files on your computer on a separate source in case you need to restore this information later.
  • Keep your information private. Do not share logon details with others or with anyone asking for it online.


Online safety – how to protect yourself and family: https://www.getsafeonline.org

The Metropolitan Police also issues guidance on the different types of scams that can occur.
A PDF version is available here:
https://www.met.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/central/advice/met/fraud/the-little-book-of-big-scams.pdf

Reporting internet crime to the National Fraud and Cyber Crime Reporting Centre: 
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Take Five offers straight-forward and impartial advice to help everyone in the UK protect themselves against financial fraud:
https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk