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As a trusted financial provider, we recognise the importance of protecting yourself against phishing attempts and other forms of digital fraud.
Drawing on our experience and commitment to your security, we’ve compiled a set of tips and guidance to help you stay vigilant and informed.
Whether you’re navigating emails, text messages, or online shopping platforms, our resource is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to spot and avoid scams with confidence.
Emails - Keep your inbox safe with these simple steps
Pause before opening
If you don’t recognise the sender of an email, take a moment to review the subject line. Does it look familiar or relevant to you? A quick check can help you avoid potential risks.
Trust your instincts
If an email looks suspicious – perhaps due to poor formatting, inconsistent text sizes, or unusual images – it’s best to delete it without replying.
Clicking on links or responding may signal to scammers that your address is active.
Online Shopping – Shop Smart, Stay Safe
Check before you buy
When you're purchasing from a new website or seller, check what other buyers have said in online reviews and customer feedback.
When in doubt, proceed with caution—this could be a sign that things aren't always as they seem.
Double-check your sources
Be wary of emails or text messages claiming to be from well-known brands that ask you to log via unfamiliar links. Always compare the link with the official website address before entering any personal details.
Mobile Apps - Protect your mobile experience
Review before installing
Before you install anything on your computer or mobile phone, thoroughly check reviews and security settings. If you're unable to find credible information, consider whether it’s worth the risk to your device and data.
Keep your information private
Even apps that offer end-to-end encryption shouldn’t be used to share confidential information.
Devices may be compromised by malware, giving cybercriminals access to the information you share.
What are the different types of scams and what can you do to protect yourself?
Online Marketplace Fraud
This occurs when a criminal advertises goods that don’t exist.
It’s common on online marketplaces, social media shops, or in adverts that appear too good to be true or offer “limited time only” deals.
Beware
- Links redirecting you to unfamiliar platforms for payment
- Identical product images appearing across multiple sites
- Pressure to “buy now”
- Requests for courier or insurance payments
- Suspicious or overly positive reviews
- Poor grammar or spelling on websites
Impersonation Fraud
This common scam is when a criminal poses as a trusted official, such as a Bank, the Police or other Law Enforcement Agencies. They attempt to manipulate victims into transferring money. In some instances, they may claim the victim’s bank is under investigation and ask them to “go undercover”. Others impersonate friends or family, often via cloned social media profiles.
Beware
- Unexpected calls claiming to be from official sources
- Requests to move money to a “safe account”
- Social media messages asking for money or personal details
- Slightly altered email addresses
- Urgent requests for help or information
- Pressure to act immediately
Investment Fraud
This happens when you’re persuaded to invest in fake funds, pyramid schemes, or high-risk opportunities. These scams typically appear via adverts, emails, or social media.
Beware
- Websites with unusual URLs or branding
- Documents with official-looking logos—verify independently
- Early “returns” used to lure larger investments
- Celebrity endorsements or success stories
- Requests to install screen-sharing software
- Promises of high returns from crypto, gold, property, or luxury goods
Romance fraud
Criminals build fake relationships online to gain trust and eventually ask for money.
Victims may feel emotionally invested and find it hard to say no.
Beware
- Quick declarations of love
- Requests to move conversations to private apps
- Avoidance of video calls
- Emergencies requiring financial help
- Requests for travel funds or investment
- Pressure to lie to banks or loved ones
Invoice fraud
Fraudsters send fake invoices, often impersonating genuine suppliers. They may gain access to email accounts or spoof addresses to request payments to fraudulent accounts.
Beware
- Requests to pay to new bank accounts
- Multiple or unexpected invoices
- Urgent payment requests from familiar-looking sources
Car finance compensation scams
Following the FCA’s announcement that they will consult on a potential car finance compensation scheme, here have been reports of scammers contacting people.
These fraudsters are asking individuals for personal information including their name, address, date of birth and bank details. They then falsely claim that people are owed compensation.
Beware
- There's no car finance compensation scheme in place yet
- Car finance lenders are not yet contacting customers about compensation
Money Mules
A money mule is someone who receives illicit money into their bank account and transfers it on to another account. The mules are often promised money, a percentage of the transfer or gifts in return.
In order to move on illicit funds, criminals use money mules to launder the profits of their crimes. Typically, younger adults are targeted via social media, clubs, schools or universities and may be unaware of the consequences of them allowing their Bank account to be used.
A mule may also be someone who receives money and purchases a vehicle on behalf of someone else and then shortly afterwards disposes of the vehicle but passes the funds received on to the person for whom they purchased it.
Once identified, the consequences of being a Money Mule can be quite severe. Money Muling is a criminal offence and, by allowing it to happen, you could find yourself with a criminal record.
Other consequences include:
- Your bank account being closed
- Potential removal from university or professional organisations
- Difficulty in obtaining employment
- Difficulty in gaining credit, a mortgage or even a phone contract
Those who become money mules are often unaware that the cash they are laundering is used by criminals to facilitate serious crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking and people smuggling. In some instances, it may result in a custodial sentence of up to 14 years.
Online Marketplace Fraud This occurs when a criminal advertises goods that don’t exist.
It’s common on online marketplaces, social media shops, or in adverts that appear too good to be true or offer “limited time only” deals.
Beware
- Links redirecting you to unfamiliar platforms for payment
- Identical product images appearing across multiple sites
- Pressure to “buy now”
- Requests for courier or insurance payments
- Suspicious or overly positive reviews
- Poor grammar or spelling on websites
Impersonation Fraud This common scam is when a criminal poses as a trusted official, such as a Bank, the Police or other Law Enforcement Agencies. They attempt to manipulate victims into transferring money. In some instances, they may claim the victim’s bank is under investigation and ask them to “go undercover”. Others impersonate friends or family, often via cloned social media profiles.
Beware
- Unexpected calls claiming to be from official sources
- Requests to move money to a “safe account”
- Social media messages asking for money or personal details
- Slightly altered email addresses
- Urgent requests for help or information
- Pressure to act immediately
Investment Fraud This happens when you’re persuaded to invest in fake funds, pyramid schemes, or high-risk opportunities. These scams typically appear via adverts, emails, or social media.
Beware
- Websites with unusual URLs or branding
- Documents with official-looking logos—verify independently
- Early “returns” used to lure larger investments
- Celebrity endorsements or success stories
- Requests to install screen-sharing software
- Promises of high returns from crypto, gold, property, or luxury goods
Romance fraud Criminals build fake relationships online to gain trust and eventually ask for money.
Victims may feel emotionally invested and find it hard to say no.
Beware
- Quick declarations of love
- Requests to move conversations to private apps
- Avoidance of video calls
- Emergencies requiring financial help
- Requests for travel funds or investment
- Pressure to lie to banks or loved ones
Invoice fraud Fraudsters send fake invoices, often impersonating genuine suppliers. They may gain access to email accounts or spoof addresses to request payments to fraudulent accounts.
Beware
- Requests to pay to new bank accounts
- Multiple or unexpected invoices
- Urgent payment requests from familiar-looking sources
Car finance compensation scams Following the FCA’s announcement that they will consult on a potential car finance compensation scheme, here have been reports of scammers contacting people.
These fraudsters are asking individuals for personal information including their name, address, date of birth and bank details. They then falsely claim that people are owed compensation.
Beware
- There's no car finance compensation scheme in place yet
- Car finance lenders are not yet contacting customers about compensation
Money Mules A money mule is someone who receives illicit money into their bank account and transfers it on to another account. The mules are often promised money, a percentage of the transfer or gifts in return.
In order to move on illicit funds, criminals use money mules to launder the profits of their crimes. Typically, younger adults are targeted via social media, clubs, schools or universities and may be unaware of the consequences of them allowing their Bank account to be used.
A mule may also be someone who receives money and purchases a vehicle on behalf of someone else and then shortly afterwards disposes of the vehicle but passes the funds received on to the person for whom they purchased it.
Once identified, the consequences of being a Money Mule can be quite severe. Money Muling is a criminal offence and, by allowing it to happen, you could find yourself with a criminal record.
Other consequences include:
- Your bank account being closed
- Potential removal from university or professional organisations
- Difficulty in obtaining employment
- Difficulty in gaining credit, a mortgage or even a phone contract
Those who become money mules are often unaware that the cash they are laundering is used by criminals to facilitate serious crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking and people smuggling. In some instances, it may result in a custodial sentence of up to 14 years.
Coercion
Coercion (Coercive control) is a criminal offence in the UK and carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine.
This may happen if a victim suffers serious alarm or distress that impacts on their day-to-day activities, or if they fear violence will be used.
Criminals may use these tactics on victims who feel afraid to say no, maybe to taking out a credit agreement on the criminal’s behalf or by transferring money to them or for them.
If you see or are a victim of coercive control, please report it to the police.
Spotting signs of fraud and what to do if you think you’re a victim of fraud
We're dedicated to protecting the safety and security of our customers and partners, and we work diligently to prevent fraud. If you suspect you've been affected by fraudulent activity, please contact us right away – we’re here to support and guide you through next steps.
We’ll never contact you using generic or suspicious emails, request immediate payment transfers via email, or work with dealers who aren't properly regulated.
If you are approached about a scam or you believe that you are a victim of fraud, you should tell the FCA using the fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam-unauthorised-firm, where you can find out about the latest scams. You can also call the Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.
If you have already paid money to fraudsters you should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
You may also wish to inform Close Brothers’ Compliance Department:
- Telephone:
- +44 (0)20 3857 6000
Fraud Prevention: Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Be cautious when making payments—always ensure the beneficiary name matches the account details
- Think carefully before clicking on links that request personal or financial information
- Use secure, private networks when accessing your bank—avoid public WiFi
- Share personal or financial information only with trusted services you expect to hear from
- Research companies thoroughly and seek independent financial advice before investing or sharing sensitive information
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, take a step back and verify
- Use reverse image searches to check the authenticity of online profiles.
- Speak to friends or family if you're unsure about someone you've met online
Don't:
- Hesitate to hang up on a suspicious caller—you can always call back using a verified number
- Trust caller ID alone—criminals can easily spoof phone numbers
- Respond to pressure to move money to a “safe account.” Instead, contact your bank directly using a known number e.g on the reverse of your debit/credit cards
- Download software that gives others remote access to your device unless you’re certain of its legitimacy
- Click on adverts in social media feeds without verifying the source—celebrity endorsements are often used in scams
- Assume high returns with low risk are genuine—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- Rush into investments based on urgency or promises of quick returns—take time to verify and seek expert advice
- Send money to someone you've only met online or briefly in person
- Share confidential information via social apps, even if they claim to be encrypted
Cyber Aware
Action Fraud
Thinkuknow
Cifas
