Security Statement
Fraud Awareness
There are many different ways in which fraudsters may attempt to obtain your bank details. Below are a few of the scams currently being employed. We suggest you check this website regularly for any updates on fraud trends.
Should you think that at any time you may have been targeted please call the bank immediately on 020 7353 4522: someone is always available to take your call. Before telephoning please ensure that you can hear the dialling tone and only ever call us on a number you know to be that of the bank.
Keeping your bank account secure
Please be aware that nobody from the bank will ever visit you to collect your bank card, statement, cheque book or online banking token. Anybody suggesting this is not from the bank. Additionally, if you do not receive something you are expecting from the bank e.g. your regular statement, please telephone the bank to let us know.
Email hacking
Fraudsters are hacking personal email accounts and then using them to commit fraud. We advise all customers to use our Online Banking site whenever possible.
Cash machine (ATM) scams
Thieves tamper with cash machines (ATMs) by installing cameras to record the 4 digit PIN and other devices which retain your card. The cash machines often appear normal so as a precaution you should always try to shield the keypad with your free hand. If your card is retained by the machine you should contact us immediately. Fraudsters can also obtain your PIN number, simply by distracting you at the ATM in some way and viewing the number as you input it. Again, as a precaution you should always try to shield the keypad with your free hand.
Cheque frauds
There has been an increase in cheques being intercepted and altered. If you suspect that any of your cheques have gone astray, particularly in the post, or you discover that some cheques are missing from your cheque book, please telephone the bank immediately. We would ask that, where possible, you avoid issuing cheques and use electronic payment methods instead. Please also note a new type of fraud where a criminal pays for goods or services by cheque, deliberately making out the cheque for more than necessary, and then requesting the return of the excess via an electronic payment before you find out that the cheque will be returned unpaid. If you are selling something over the internet or through adverts you may be targeted for this type of fraud.
Cold calling
This is where we have seen the biggest increase in fraud attempts. Fraudsters telephone purporting to be from the bank or from other authorities such as the Police, FCA, Visa and Fraud Squad. Under false pretences they obtain information such as your bank account details, Visa card details, your PIN and Online Banking passcodes. To confirm their authenticity they ask you to call the bank. When you attempt to do so, the fraudster has stayed on the line and you reconnect to the fraudster or an accomplice. You should check that you can hear the dialling tone before you call out and then you will be able to call the bank. If you receive a call such as this please contact your Relationship Manager.
Computer access
Customers are receiving calls from fraudsters claiming their PC has a virus or other problem, and requesting remote control access to fix it. They will use this access to send payment instructions to us and/or steal your data.
Fake websites
Fraudsters are creating fake websites and then using these to send messages to customers seeking personal or financial information. Never provide this information to any company requesting these details from you. We will never email you to ask for these details. If you are in any doubt as to the authenticity of any request please call the bank.
House call
Fraudsters are becoming more confident and have even turned up at customers’ homes, in a fake C. Hoare & Co. uniform, to collect their Visa Cards following a cold call as above. The bank will never ask you to hand over your Visa card, statement, cheque book or Online Banking token. Please call the bank or phone the police immediately should this happen to you.
Online shopping scams
When purchasing goods online you may be taken to a Verified by Visa website and asked for some characters from your memorable password. Only enter those details if you are making a purchase from a reputable merchant and do not provide them in response to an unexpected enquiry for any other reason.
Phishing
Fraudsters telephone purporting to be from the bank or a police official and ask for information such as your bank account details, 16 digit card number, expiry date, three-digit security number, PIN and Online Banking passcodes.
You should never give out this information to anyone who telephones you. Similarly if you are asked for these details via email or any other means then please call us immediately. We will not change any security log ins on our Online Banking service without giving you written notice in advance, so if you are asked for anything that is different to your normal experience please do not continue but telephone the bank.
Please do not write down your PIN, memorable data or other passcodes.
Point of sale scams
Retail staff should never take your bank card out of your sight, even momentarily. Thieves can copy a card in a second by swiping it through a criminal’s card reader. If you think your card may have been copied please call us.
Security token scams (Online Banking)
The bank will never ask for your Online Banking Security Token number for any reason other than when you are prompted to by our Online Banking website. If you are asked for your Security Token number under any other circumstance, or our Online Banking process appears odd or different, then please do not continue but telephone the bank.
If your Security Token is lost or stolen, please call the bank. C. Hoare & Co. will not be responsible for any losses incurred by failing to report a lost Security Token within a reasonable period.
Your Security Token is issued to you as an individual – please do not share your passwords or logon credentials with anyone else.
Winning lottery scam
The bank plays no part in any lottery, nor do we hold our own lotteries. These scams, normally initiated through email but some times by letter or fax, are known as 'advance fee frauds’.
Please do not reply to these, just destroy or delete them from your inbox.
C. Hoare & Co. will not be responsible for any losses incurred through any such scams or frauds.
Further reading
C. Hoare & Co. has no control over and takes no responsibility for the security or content of the suggested further reading links.
General fraud information
ATM scams
www.scambusters.org/atmtheft.html
Bank card scams
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mg74/features/consumer-advice-fraud-prevention
www.banksafeonline.org.uk/node/25Payments Council
Cheque fraud
www.chequeandcredit.co.uk/resources/publications/consumer_advice/-/page/1909/
Verified by Visa
www.visaeurope.com/en/cardholders/verified_by_visa.aspx
