Security Centre | Ulster Bank

Top tips to protect yourself:

1. Don’t get caught out buying online – we all love a bargain but be vigilant when buying from social media and online marketplaces.  Always do your research on the seller and if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is and could be a scam.  Check the contact details on the website, if there is no address given or phone number this is an indication that the site may not be genuine.

2. Use secure websites – Make sure the web address in your browser begins with 'https://'.  The 's' at the end indicates a secure connection.  Keep an eye out for spelling errors or strange characters in the web address - this can sometimes mean a fake site.  However, remember a secure page does not mean the retailer is reputable.

3. Always use a safe way to pay – Pay with your debit or credit card – it’s a safer way to pay and gives you more protection.  If a seller tells you they can’t accept a card payment and asks you to send them money directly don’t do it, it could be a scam.  Fraudsters often concoct stories to try to persuade you to transfer your money to a bank account instead of paying by another method – be suspicious of anyone asking you to do this.

4. Don’t give anyone your full details – Scammers are really convincing.  If anyone, even someone claiming to be from the bank, Police or another organisation you trust gets in touch and asks for information such as login details, passcodes, card reader codes, remote access to your device or tells you to transfer money from your account – don’t do it, it’s a scam.

5. Don’t open unexpected emails from anyone you don’t know – Fake emails and texts are doing the rounds - Be careful of out of the blue or suspicious emails, texts or phone calls that appear to be from a genuine organisation or company.  Fraudsters use these fake emails as a way to steal your personal information.  If in any doubt, don't click on any links or download files.

6. Get in touch with us if you’re ever unsure something is genuine – Call us using the number from the back of your card or from our website.

We’ve seen an increase in criminals exploiting the coronavirus and using this as part of their scam tactics.

Don’t fall victim by looking out for the following:

Impersonation scams and emails offering health updates or cures

Scammers are sending out emails that look like they come from trusted organisations, like the World Health Organisation (WHO).  An attachment in the email claims to provide safety measures to combat coronavirus but opening it actually infects your device with malware that monitors your online activity and captures your information.

Claims you are due to receive a tax refund

Criminals are bombarding mailboxes with emails saying you’re entitled to a tax refund due to coronavirus – but it’s a trick.  HMRC will never contact you by email to discuss tax refunds, so don’t click or respond.  Report emails like this to phishing@HMRC.gov.uk

Purchase scams

Watch out for emails, ads, posts, texts or phone calls advertising anything to do with coronavirus – whether it’s for facemasks, vaccines or access to testing kits – any deals that look too good to be true usually are.  These approaches are very likely to be a scammer trying to get their hands on your money or personal details – make sure you don’t give them what they want.

Offers to make quick money 

There has been a huge increase in criminals trying to lure people into becoming money mules through ‘get rich quick’ job offers during these uncertain times. If a job ad looks too good to be true – it probably is and the personal consequences of allowing criminals to pay money through your account can be life-changing.  Reject any offers of cash to let someone else use your bank account, it’s simply not worth it!

Always remember:

Stay alert to suspicious phone calls, texts or emails from anyone claiming to be from the bank or other trusted organisations. We’ll never ask you to share your full PIN, password, card reader code, one time passcode or to move money from your account.

Never download attachments, software or let anyone remotely log into your computer following a call or email you’ve received out of the blue

If you are ever asked to do any of these things, refuse and contact us immediately using the number on the back of your card or a number you trust. If possible, call us back from a different phone or mobile.

For all the latest fraud and scam insights including real life examples so you know what to watch out for, follow us on social media

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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.

That’s why we’re offering Malwarebytes Premium to our customers free of charge (it’s worth £49.99) until at least May 2022. Malwarebytes Premium is an anti-virus security software solution  that protects your PC tablet and phone from malicious software.  It’s available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chrome OS devices and you can protect up to 10 of your devices.

Protect your online and mobile devices for free with the latest software.

Find out more

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