Common scams & how to report them

Scams are ways bad people try to trick you and take your money. Knowing how to spot scams can help keep your money safe. We’re here to help you understand common scams and what to do if you see one.

Common scams to watch for

1. Phishing scams

This is when someone pretends to be from a company, like a bank or your credit union. They might send you an email, text, or message asking for your personal details, like your password or member number.

Signs it’s a scam:

• The message sounds urgent or scary.
• It has spelling mistakes.
• The email address or phone number looks strange.

What to do: Don’t click any links. Don’t share your details.

2. Fake phone calls

A scammer might call you pretending to be from the police, your bank, our credit union, or other trusted groups. They may say your money is not safe and ask you to move it to a “safe account.” This is a lie.

What to do: Hang up right away. Banks or police will NEVER ask you to move your money. If unsure, call your bank using the number on their website.

3. Fake investment offers

Scammers may promise you big money for investing in things like cryptocurrency or gold. They might pressure you to act fast.

Signs it’s a scam:

• They promise very high returns.
• They want you to decide quickly.

What to do: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful of offers you didn’t ask for.

How to report a scam

If you think someone is trying to scam you, tell someone right away. Here’s what to do:

1. Tell us

If it involves your account with us, call us as quickly as possible. We’ll help keep your account safe.

2. Report phishing messages

• For emails: Send them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
• For texts: Forward them to 7226. This is free and sends the message to your mobile provider.

3. Report to Action Fraud

In the UK, you can report scams to Action Fraud online or by phone. This helps stop scammers and protect others.

Your safety is important to us. If you’re ever unsure about a message, call, or email, contact us. It’s always okay to ask for help!