Banking Safety & Security

Bank Security & Scams Know the Risks. Protect Your Money.

Learn how common banking scams work, recognise warning signs, protect your bank account and understand what to do if you think you have received a fraudulent request or been targeted by a scam.

✓ Practical security guidance ✓ Scam awareness ✓ Everyday banking education
Professional woman using secure digital banking
✓
Account Protected Verify unexpected requests before sharing information or making payments.
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Suspicious request?

Stop, do not click, and independently verify who contacted you.

Woman reviewing financial security information
Slow down and verify unexpected banking requests
Understanding the Risk

Why bank security matters

Banking scams are designed to persuade people to reveal confidential information, approve transactions or transfer money. Fraudsters may use emails, text messages, phone calls, websites and social media to make a request appear genuine.

Digital banking makes everyday money management convenient, but it also means that protecting your account requires good security habits. A genuine-looking message is not necessarily a genuine request.

One of the most useful habits is to slow down when something feels urgent. If a caller or message tells you to act immediately, share a security code or move money to a supposedly safe account, verify the request independently before doing anything.

Scammers often rely on social engineering

Many scams do not depend on sophisticated hacking. Instead, the fraudster tries to create fear, urgency, authority or trust so that the victim makes a decision without checking the request.

Common Scam Types

Banking scams you should know about

Understanding common techniques makes it easier to recognise suspicious behaviour before responding.

01

Phishing emails

Fraudulent emails may imitate a bank and ask you to sign in, confirm account details or follow a link.

Email scam
02

Smishing texts

Fake text messages can claim there is a suspicious payment, account problem or urgent security issue.

SMS scam
03

Impersonation calls

A fraudster may pretend to be from your bank and attempt to obtain sensitive information or control your actions.

Phone scam
04

Payment redirection

A scammer may persuade you to make a genuine transfer to an account controlled by them.

Transfer risk
05

Fake banking websites

Fraudulent websites can copy familiar branding and attempt to capture your login details or personal information.

Website scam
06

Remote access scams

Someone may claim your device has a problem and ask you to install software or provide remote access.

Device risk
Woman checking a potentially suspicious banking message
Warning Signs

How to recognise a suspicious banking request

A suspicious request often contains several warning signs. If something feels unusual, stop before clicking a link, sharing information or authorising a payment.

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Unexpected urgency You are told to act immediately or risk losing access, money or your account.
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Request for a security code Someone unexpectedly asks you to disclose a one-time passcode or authentication code.
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Pressure to move money You are told to transfer money to another account for "protection" or another urgent reason.
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Unexpected links A message asks you to log in through a link you were not expecting.
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Unusual contact details The email address, website or phone number does not match trusted contact information.
Woman using a secure mobile banking application
Protect Your Account

Simple habits that can improve your banking security

Good banking security does not need to be complicated. Consistent habits can make it harder for fraudsters to access your information or persuade you to authorise a fraudulent transaction.

01 Use official banking apps Download banking apps through trusted official app stores and keep them updated.
02 Never share authentication codes Keep passwords, PINs and one-time security codes private.
03 Use available security controls Consider device locks and multi-factor authentication where your bank provides them.
04 Monitor account activity Transaction alerts can help you identify unfamiliar activity sooner.
05 Keep devices updated Install operating system and security updates when available.
06 Verify independently Use trusted contact details rather than information supplied in an unexpected message.
If Something Goes Wrong

What to do if you think you have been scammed

If you have shared information, approved a payment or believe someone has accessed your account, act promptly and contact your bank using a trusted official route.

1
Contact your bank immediately Use the bank's official website, app, statement or another independently verified contact route.
2
Stop communicating with the scammer Do not continue following instructions from a suspicious caller, message or website.
3
Secure affected accounts Follow your bank's instructions regarding cards, passwords and account access.
4
Keep useful evidence Save relevant messages, emails, transaction information and other details that may help explain what happened.
5
Follow official reporting guidance Your bank or relevant official service can explain what further action may be appropriate.
Woman dealing with a potential banking security issue
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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about bank security and scams

Understanding common scam techniques can make it easier to pause, verify unexpected requests and protect your banking information.

A banking scam is an attempt to deceive someone into revealing information, giving access to an account or making a payment or transfer to a fraudster.
Never assume an unexpected request for a security code is genuine. If someone contacts you and asks you to reveal a one-time code, stop and verify the request through a trusted banking channel.
Look for unexpected urgency, unusual links, requests for confidential information or instructions that do not fit normal banking procedures. Contact the bank independently rather than using the link in the message.
Be extremely cautious. An unexpected caller telling you to move money for protection can be a scam tactic. End the call and independently contact your bank.
Contact your bank immediately through a trusted official contact method. Explain exactly what information was shared and follow the bank's instructions to secure the account.
Fraudsters can use techniques that make calls appear more convincing. Do not rely only on the number displayed on your phone. Independently contact the bank if something feels wrong.
Using the official banking app can reduce the risk of being directed to a fraudulent website. Download it through a trusted app store and keep the app and device updated.
Stop before taking action. Do not click links, share information or transfer money. Verify the request independently using the organisation's official contact details.
Safer Everyday Banking

Pause. Verify. Protect your money.

Explore more GrowthSmartly banking resources to understand accounts, digital banking, payments and everyday money management.

Important: GrowthSmartly provides general financial education and information. It does not provide personalised financial, banking, investment, tax, legal or security advice. Scam methods can change and individual circumstances vary. If you believe you have been affected by fraud, contact your bank or the relevant official service directly using independently verified contact details.
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