Stay scam-safe this festive season

The festive season is hectic – shopping, work deadlines, and last-minute plans can lead anyone to be distracted. Criminals know this and use these moments to strike. In the lead up to Christmas, year-end, and tax deadlines, you may be more vulnerable to approaches from scammers.

A recent UK Finance report shows 85% of purchase scams start online. So, if you’re buying gifts or making payments, please stay alert – fraudsters may try to intercept the process.

Below we explain how you could protect yourself from the criminals targeting wealthy individuals by purporting to be someone they are not.

• Fake delivery messages: Criminals pose as couriers, claiming you missed a delivery. They’ll send a link asking for your details, then use that information to steal your money or impersonate you.
• Survey or reward scams: Criminals may lure you with offers for completing surveys or securing packages to get you to reveal your personal or payment details.  They could then attempt to use this information to access funds elsewhere – such as by applying for a loan in your name.

• Pause before you click that link and pay: Were you expecting this message or delivery? Check directly with the retailer or service.
• Keep banking details secure: As your bank, we’ll never ask for your PIN, login details, or to move your money to another account in order to keep it safe. Only criminals do that.
• Use your challenge word: If someone purporting to be from Coutts calls you unexpectedly, ask for your agreed challenge word. If you don’t have one, please speak to your private banker to set one up.

• Contact Coutts 24 if you have even the slightest bit of doubt about a payment or communication.
• Set up your challenge word for extra security. Your Private Banker or Coutts 24 can help you do this.
• Visit our fraud hub for the latest tips and guidance.
• Remember: Fraud can happen to anyone. There is no shame if you become a victim and telling us what’s happened as soon as possible can help us and law enforcement prevent future frauds.

• We employ robust security processes such as multi-layered authentication and detection systems.
• We continue to monitor and improve our processes – our experts are supporting BBC Scam Safe week later this month and liaise with law enforcement regularly.
• We’re also part of industry wide intelligence and threat sharing, working globally to inform insight and intelligence through collaboration with partners, peers, working groups, detection capability providers and law enforcement agencies.