Fraud Prevention
Our fraud team is always on hand to help you stay safe from criminal activity.
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, you can contact us day or night. Someone will be here to take your call.
If you have been targeted, call us straightaway. The number to call is 020 7353 4522 and someone will be available to talk to you 24 hours a day.
Please remember that C. Hoare & Co. will never contact you by telephone, text message or e-mail asking you to disclose security codes or personal banking details (including your online banking login or password); nor will we ask you to move money from your account.
Type, don’t tap. Many scams depend on your following a fake link in an email or text, so please think twice before clicking on any link. Always check the web address in your browser and type it out in full. Remember: if you click a fake link and then share a one‑time passcode (OTP), card details, or online banking information, you are handing your security details directly to a scammer. The bank will never ask you to share these.
Sign up for Voice Identification. The bank has implemented a voice verification process for customers who call the bank. This helps make communication with us more secure. If you would like to be enrolled on this system, please telephone the bank.
STAYING AHEAD OF THE SCAMMERS
Fraudsters are inventive and their approach can be sophisticated. Our fraud team keeps abreast of current frauds and scams and updates customers via email and SMS to ensure that you remain as well informed as possible.
Talk to an expert. If you are interested in a personal session where you can learn more about how fraudsters operate, please email us at customerfraud@hoaresbank.co.uk. We will be happy to arrange a meeting.
Take five minutes to prevent fraud.
‘Take Five’ is a national fraud prevention campaign supported by the government, by UK Finance (an organisation representing financial services companies), and by banks including C. Hoare & Co. Here is a link to their website.
The campaign highlights that taking just five minutes to STOP and think before responding to an unsolicited request for information helps prevent fraud. So:
Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information. It could help you stay safe.
Challenge: Ask yourself, 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 been scammed and tell the police at https://reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
