Suspicious emails, texts and phone calls
Learn how to spot a fraudulent email, text or phone call, so you’re not reeled in.
What is phishing, vishing and smishing?
It’s all too easy to get caught out by email. Before you know it, you’ve shared your personal information or opened an attachment that contains malware; this is known as phishing. Vishing is when fraudsters try to extract personal details directly by phone, using social engineering techniques. Smishing is when a fraudster tries to trick you into providing personal or account information via text or SMS message (this can include texting you links to fraudulent sites or phone numbers to fake call centres).
Spotting and avoiding suspicious emails and phone calls
It's not always clear you're being targeted. Fraudsters will impersonate genuine organisations and firms to convince you to provide usernames, passwords for online accounts and emails. They may contact you to say they have concerns or inform you there is fraudulent activity on your account and then ask you to provide remote access to your computer or device. Be aware, trust your instincts and take your time. Don’t rush into providing any personal details or sending monies. It’s okay to hang up the phone, ignore emails and to obtain information by researching trusted sources.
Urgency
Any message that says ‘Reply Now’ to avoid losing money, have your account deleted or access cut-off are designed to panic you. Stop. Take your time. Investigate.
Unexpected calls, emails, text or social media messages
Don’t trust unexpected emails, texts, social messages or cold calls from anyone trying to get you to reveal personal information or telling you your money is at risk. Be suspicious and challenge.
Requests for personal information and passwords
Never confirm one-time passcodes, usernames or passwords online or in person. Genuine companies never ask for this. Contact the impersonated company through official channels to check legitimacy.
Emails with suspicious or mismatched URLs
These may look valid but can be subtly different from the real website address. Hover your mouse over the link to reveal the actual destination address and check the details. If in doubt don't click.
Poor spelling or grammar in emails
Major organisations have legal, marketing and publicity checks. It’s rare their communications will carry these kinds of mistakes. Human error happens, so don’t base your decision on this alone.
Remote access requests
Never allow remote access or provide log in details for your secure Fidelity online accounts or your online banking
Where to get help
If you’ve received an email or call from someone posing as Fidelity contact us on 0800 358 7712. Here are some other useful contacts.
Take Five
A national campaign offering advice to help consumers protect themselves against financial fraud
Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime
NCSC
Helping to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.
Other threats to look out for
Investment scams
Be wise. Don’t fall prey to too-good-to-be-true, high-pressure, deadline-driven offers.
Pension fraud
All that glitters isn’t gold. Discover how to dig deeper and protect your pension with our tips.
Financial abuse
Find out more about criminal influence, to ensure you’re in control of your financial purse strings.
Identity theft
Look beyond the disguise. Impersonation can be the first step to someone stealing your assets.
Deepfakes
Don’t believe everything you see or hear! Understand the tell-tale signs that could help you identify a deepfake.
