Scam messages

Fraudsters send messages to try steal your personal and banking details. 

 

Watch out for scam emails and texts

It’s important to stay vigilant against scam emails and texts. Fraudsters may pretend to be someone you know, tricking you to provide information they need to access your account.

Check the sender. Look for strange email addresses or phone numbers.

Watch for urgency. Scammers often try to rush you into sharing your details or sending money for something quickly.

Take care with links. Hover over them first to see where they lead and don’t click on them if you’re not sure.

Look for mistakes. Many scam messages have spelling or grammar errors.

Never share personal info. Real companies won’t ask for your details this way.

Stay ahead of the scam

Is it unexpected?

Scam emails, texts and messages often come without warning. If it comes out of the blue and is about money or sharing your details, it’s a scam.

Fraudsters use threats or tempting offers to make you feel rushed and hope you’ll react without thinking. Always stop, think and watch out for red flags.

Can you spot the red flags?

Fraudsters are clever and can write without mistakes. No spelling and grammar errors doesn’t mean the message is real. Be suspicious if:

  • The email or text doesn’t greet you by name
  • It ask you to follow a link
  • It tries to get you to make a payment.

If you spot any of these tricks, don’t reply. Report the message and delete it.

How to spot a fake Halifax email

Our emails will always include your name and part of your postcode, so you know they’re genuine. We may send you links to more information to help you or links to our secure app, to take you straight to the information you need.

We will never:

  • Send you to a web page that asks for your sign in, personal or banking details.
  • Tell you to move money to another account.
  • Ask you to make a test payment online.
  • Link directly to our Online Banking sign in page.

If you're not sure that an email is from us:

  • Forward it to security@halifax.co.uk and delete it.
  • You can also message us via the Mobile Banking app or Online Banking.

Fraudsters pretend to be real companies

They trick you into thinking a message is real by copying the company name, logo, and style.

Check the sender’s full email by hovering your mouse over the address or selecting it on a mobile device. If it doesn’t match the sender’s name, it’s a scam.

Fraudsters may use random or even genuine-looking numbers. So, don’t think a text is safe just based on the sender’s info. Call the company on a number you trust to ask if they sent it. Never use a number from a suspicious email. 

Can you spot the red flags in these messages?

 
An example of a fake royal mail email used by scammers

If this was a real email from the company, it would end @royalmail.com. It’s missing the customer’s name and looks rushed, with spelling and grammar errors. The suspicious links are after personal and banking details.

Avoid emails that look like this. If you’re unsure, contact the company directly or visit your account to make sure it’s real.

 
An example of a fake HMRC email used by scammers

The main trick here is a threat to make you act without thinking. Real companies would usually send you a letter with your name on it before they do anything serious.

If you get an email like this, go straight to the official website to check your account. And remember, don’t follow any links in the message.

 
An example of a fake royal mail SMS used by scammers

Fraudsters will chance it that you're expecting a delivery and text you with a problem.

They'll trick you by saying something like you need to pay an unexpected delivery fee. But it's a scam and they're trying to steal your details or money.

You should always check your account or order details directly with the company.

If you get a text like this, never reply. Report it by forwarding the message to 7726 and delete it. 

 
An example of a fake Governmental email used by scammers

Fraudsters can use the name of a real company when they send a text. This makes the message look official and can trick you into clicking the links.

To make sure a website is genuine you can use a website checker, like the one on Get Safe Online. If nothing is found, it’s probably a scam.

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

Go to latest scams

Have you been targeted by fraudsters

Contact us right away if you think you’ve been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

Contact us now

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud