HSBC issues scams warning following spike in cases in Cardigan area

HSBC bank is urging the public to be alert to potential scams following a spate of attempted fraud attacks targeting the Cardigan area in recent weeks.

Colleagues at the bank’s Cardigan branch have seen an increase in customers reporting having fallen victim to fraud, with spurious emails and text messages a common theme.

The most common scams being reported are;

• Courier scam – the victim typically receives an email from a well-known courier firm or Royal Mail, claiming they have been unable to deliver a parcel. The victim is asked to complete a form with bank details to cover additional postage costs. This can be followed by a phone call posing as a bank representative, asking the customer to move their money to a ‘safe account’.
• Queried transaction – fraudster posing as the bank calls to advise money has been withdrawn from the customer’s account and asks if it was a genuine transaction. The fraudster will then obtain personal details to gain access to customer’s account – or ask them to move money to a ‘safe account’.
• Police scam – fraudsters posing as police saying that bank staff are being investigated for card cloning. Victims are then advised by the fraudster to visit their branch and temporarily withdraw funds. They are coached to what questions the branch would ask. These details are then being used by unscrupulous criminals to steal personal and financial details.

Mark Fearn, local director at HSBC UK said: “Sadly, fraudsters are criminals trying to trick you out of your money.

“They pose as trustworthy organisations to encourage you to hand over personal or financial information.

“We see a lot of scams where customers are told their account has been compromised, or the bank can’t be trusted, and to move their money to a ‘safe account’. This is not genuine and your bank will never ask you to do this.

“Our advice to people is to take a minute to stop and think – does this feel right? Your bank will never ask you to share passwords or PIN numbers, or to move your money. If in doubt, call your bank on the number shown on the back of your debit card.”

How to stay one step ahead of fraudsters:

HSBC UK has issued the following advice to help boost security and protect customers from fraud:

• Beware of criminals phoning and asking you to move money. If someone calls you and asks you to move money, it’s probably a scam, even if it’s to another account you already hold
• Remember: your bank will never ask you to send money to a ‘safe account’ or to another bank
• If you get a call like this, even if they say they’re from HSBC, don’t make the payment. Call us using the number on the back of your card
• Banks never ask you to send money to a ‘safe account’, or to another bank. Criminals will

For the latest information and advice, visit HSBC UK’s Security Centre.