Security Centre | Ulster Bank

Cookies on the Ulster Bank website

Privacy Notice:

We use cookies and similar technologies on our websites and mobile applications to help provide you with the best possible online experience. By using our sites and apps, you agree that we may store and access cookies and similar technologies on your device.

You can find out more and set your own preferences here.

Anytime Banking card reader on a laptop

Security Centre

Tips to stay safe online

Mobile App Security
Report a fraud, suspicious emails & texts
Protect yourself from scams & fraud
How we protect you
Unrecognised card transactions
Strong Customer Authentication
News Alert

Malwarebytes Premium

We’re committed to helping you stay safe and secure online and are continuously investing in new fraud prevention tools and the latest security technology to keep you protected online.

 

Following a review of our existing services, we have formed a partnership with Malwarebytes, a provider of industry recognised cyber security solutions, to make their Malwarebytes Premium product available for free (RRP £49.99) to our customers on up to 10 devices of their choosing.

 

During this initial phase the product will be available to our Personal Anytime Banking customers, initially to a small pilot group until early next year. The Bank will be looking to make the product available to our business and Bankline customers early in 2020.

 

Find out more

A customer of Thomas Cook?

We are aware that Thomas Cook has confirmed that they have ceased trading and now gone into administration.

 

What you need to do

If you have paid via PayPal or booked via a third party agent you will need to contact them directly.

 

If you booked directly with Thomas Cook and paid by Debit Card.

  • If you have booked a package holiday directly with Thomas Cook, contact ATOL on 0300 303 2800 for further advice.
  • If you have booked a flight directly with Thomas Cook Airlines, the quickest way to register your claim is by selecting the below link located on our Card Payment Support Zone

 

If you booked directly with Thomas Cook and paid by Credit Card.

  • If you have booked a package holiday directly with Thomas Cook, contact ATOL on 0300 303 2800 for further advice.
  • If you have booked a flight directly with Thomas Cook Airlines, the quickest way to register your claim is by selecting the below link

Start your claim

Strong Customer Authentication

Keeping your money safe and secure is at the heart of everything we do so we’ll be checking it’s really you more often – and not someone pretending to be you.

 

What does this mean?  When you buy something online or use Anytime Banking you’ll sometimes be asked to provide a one time passcode (OTP). This passcode is sent to your mobile phone by text and you’ll need it to complete your transaction.  All banks must do this as part of new regulations designed to improve the security of your purchases and reduce fraud.  It is sometimes referred to as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA).

 

Remember that you should never disclose your OTP to anyone, even someone who claims to be calling from the bank – we will never ask you disclose these codes to us over the phone.

 

Learn more

Telephone Scams - also known as Vishing

If you have been a victim of a recent data breach, following these simple tips will help you stay safe and secure.

 

Fraudsters often contact you pretending to be from the Bank, the Police or companies your trust to convince you to divulge information or pay money out of your account and they can use sophisticated technology to make the number appear like it's a genuine number, not their actual caller ID

 

Never give out your Mobile banking App Activation codes and Passcode

 

Never give your full Anytime Banking PIN, full Anytime Banking password or Card Reader codes to anyone over the phone, even a caller claiming to be from your bank or the police

 

Never move your money to a 'safe/secure' account if asked to do so by someone saying they are from the bank or the police

 

If you receive a request to download software to connect to your computer, and you have not initiated the conversation with the company, decline to do so

 

If you receive a suspicious or unexpected call, always verify the caller using an independently checked phone number such as a contact number from our website. 

 

If you are asked to do any of the above then end the call immediately

 

A common strategy fraudsters may use is to pose to be a known company that you may use and advise that you have overpaid a payment in the past and that you are owed a refund. The fraudsters would then try to get you to use your card reader to be able to process the refund.

 

More about vishing

Take Five to Stop Fraud

Take Five To Stop Fraud is a national campaign from Financial Fraud Action UK and the UK Government, backed by the banking industry coming together to tackle fraud.

 

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police.

 

They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.

 

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. 

 

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. 

 

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

 

My money? My info? I don’t think so!

Text Message Scams - also known as Smishing

Fraudsters send spoof text messages and emails to try and get your personal information. These messages may well have been doctored so that they appear to come from a genuine Bank number or email ID. They usually contain links which lead to websites asking you to enter your Anytime Banking login information or other personal information.

 

We recommend you follow these simple steps to help stay secure:

 

    Never give your full Anytime Banking PIN, full password or card reader codes to anyone

     

    Never respond to suspicious emails or text messages

     

    Be cautious when clicking links, Our text messages may contain links to our websites, but, like our emails, never link to pages that ask for any online banking or full card details.

     

    If you’re in doubt about the authenticity of a message from us, please contact us immediately

     

Stay safe while shopping online

Stay safe while you shop online by following these simple steps

 

    Only shop on secure and trusted websites

    More information can be found at Get Safe Online (opens in new window)

    On selected transactions we may send you a passcode for verification, which will be sent to a chosen contact method that we hold for you.

     

    Ensure all your contact details including your mobile number are up to date with us.

    Guidance on updating phone number and email address are available 

     

Friends against scams

Add your signposting title here… Give nothing away to scammers

There are many different types of scams. Keep your money safe from them all.

Scams can be very believable and are often the work of highly organised criminals. Here are a few tips for protecting yourself:

  • Don’t tell anyone your security details
  • Don’t assume the person who contacted you is genuine
  • Don’t let them rush you
  • If you’re suspicious, go with your instincts
  • Stay in control

Friends Against Scams

Friends Against Scams aims to prevent people becoming victims of scams. Joining Friends Against Scams will equip you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself from the emotional and financial impact. You’ll learn how to:

  • Spot a potential scam and report it
  • Avoid becoming a target for scammers
  • Find out about new scams so you can take steps to protect yourself
  • Have conversations with friends, family and community to share your knowledge and raise your collective awareness

Watch our film to become a Friend Against Scams in just ten minutes.

Take a look at our leaflet for more information about different types of scams and how to report them.

We can quickly let you know about any suspicious activity on your account if we have your current contact details. Check them today and tell us if there have been any changes to your mobile number or email address.

 

Add your signposting title here… Think you’ve been the victim of a scam? We can help you.

The new Authorised Push Payment (APP) Scam Code has been launched to help those who have lost money due to a scam.

Find out more
Add your signposting title here… Help with your card reader

Once you activate your card reader you'll be able to access the full features of Anytime Banking and telephone banking.

  Make a payment for the first time

  Set up or change a single or regular payment instruction

  Create or amend a standing order

  Update and change your details

  Set up travel markers

  Make international payments

More information & help on your card reader
Add your signposting title here… Not found what you're looking for?
Set Tab for lightbox