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Scamwise

Online and mobile banking are quick and simple ways to manage your money. Banks take your online security seriously, but it's still important to take steps to stay safe while banking online. Find out what to expect while using online banking.
Online banking lets you access your bank account and manage your money over the internet on a computer, smartphone or tablet.
You can use online banking to do tasks such as:
Banking online is usually quick, free and secure. Some banks also have free applications (apps) which you can download to your smartphone or tablet – this is known as mobile banking. See our page Starting on the internet for more about apps.
When banking online, make sure you do the following checks.
Visit Get safe online for more advice on online banking and mobile banking.
Banks take your online security very seriously. They typically use features such as:
It’s important that you also follow steps to keep your details secure, such as keeping your device updated with the latest software, using strong passwords and using a secure internet connection. For more information, see Staying safe online.
Watch out for scammers who try to trick you into giving away your bank details. Some common scams include fake phone calls, emails and text messages which pretend to be from your bank.
Remember, your bank will never ask for your PIN, password or for you to transfer money to another account.
Learn more about how to spot and avoid a scam.
Many banks have online tutorials and videos on how to use their online banking system or mobile banking app. Visit your bank's website or pop into your local branch to find out more.
You can also try Learn My Way's free online course on managing your money online to help boost your skills.
If you want to use online banking, you’ll need to register for it with your bank. There will usually be a few steps that you'll need to follow before you can access an online account. For example, you may need to:
It's best to visit your local branch or call your bank to find out about getting online access to your account.
If you notice any suspicious activity on your bank account or accidentally transfer money to the wrong account, contact your bank as soon as you can.
You should also contact your bank if you think your bank card details have been stolen. Some banks may allow you to pause or stop bank cards from your online account or banking app.
If you think you’ve been scammed, you can report it to Action Fraud. Find out more on What to do if you’ve been scammed.
If your device is lost or stolen, you should tell your network provider. If it's been stolen, call 101 to report it to the police straightaway.
If you used mobile banking on it, ask your bank to stop your mobile banking app. You can then start it again if you get a new device. If you have another device already, you may be able to use it to log into your online account and stop the banking app on the missing device yourself.
See Citizens Advice for more on what to do if your mobile is lost or stolen.
Visit MoneyHelper for an introduction to online banking.
Get Safe Online has more safety tips for online banking or mobile banking.
To find out more on internet safety, read Staying safe online.