Helping you stay safe from fraud
Our fraud hub is here to help you feel more confident spotting scams, protecting yourself, and knowing what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
Staying safe with your money
At Great Western Credit Union, keeping your money safe matters to us and we want you to feel informed, supported and confident enough to pause and check if something doesn’t seem right.
Having the right information, and knowing you can ask for help, can make a real difference.
How we help keep your account safe
We take your security seriously and have measures in place to help protect your money.
This includes:
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Monitoring accounts for unusual or suspicious activity
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Two factor authentication when logging into your account
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Secure identity checks when we speak to you
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The option to set up a safe word or password for extra peace of mind on phone calls
No system can stop every scam. Acting quickly can make a real difference, and we are here to help when you need us.
Common scam types
Scams can look very different on the surface, but many follow similar patterns. Knowing the most common types can make it easier to spot the warning signs.Â
Someone pretends to be from a trusted organisation such as your bank, HMRC or a service provider. They may say there is a problem that needs fixing straight away.
Emails or texts designed to look genuine. These often ask you to click a link, download something or confirm your details.
Fake online shops, social media adverts or marketplace listings offering goods that never arrive, or are not what was promised.Â
Offers that promise high returns with little or no risk. These often sound convincing and may be time limited.
Simple ways to protect yourself
Small steps that can help you stay safer
Pause before acting
Urgent messages are a common scam tactic. Taking a moment can help you think more clearly.
Don't share personal details
Take time to check who you are speaking to before sharing personal information
Be careful with links and attachments
Even if a message looks genuine, it's worth double checking before clicking anything.
Trust your gut
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t
Check your account regularly
Spotting issues early makes them easier to deal with.
Helpful resources
If you would like to learn more about how to spot potential fraud and scams and how to protect yourself, the following resources may help.
Some of these links may take you to external websites. They are provided for general information only.
Guides:
Clear, easy to understand guides explaining common scams, warning signs and what to do if you are concerned.
MoneyHelper Beginner’s guide to scams: A simple, step-by-step guide explaining what scams are, how to spot the warning signs, and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.
Financial Conduct Authority Protect yourself from scams: A practical guide from the FCA to help you spot common scams, understand how they work, and know what to do if you’re targeted.
Take Five to Stop Fraud- Protect yourself: A national campaign led by UK Finance that offers simple, practical advice to help you spot scams and stay safe, built around three key steps: Stop, Challenge and Protect.
Videos
Video content from trusted organisations that explain how scams work and how to spot them.
Type, don’t tap (Take Five to Stop Fraud): A short video from Take Five to Stop Fraud highlighting the risks of clicking links in unexpected emails or texts, encouraging you to stop and think.
How to spot and avoid a scam website (Which?): A short, practical video from Which? that shares simple tips to help you identify fake websites and avoid losing money to online scams.
Impersonation scams (Take Five to Stop Fraud): A short video from Take Five to Stop Fraud explaining how criminals pretend to be trusted organisations or people to trick you into sending money or sharing personal details, and how to spot the warning signs.
Tools
Tools from trusted organisations that can help you identify and report fraud and scams.
Check if something might be a scam (Citizens Advice): An online tool from Citizens Advice that asks you a few simple questions and helps you work out whether something is likely to be a scam, and what steps to take next if you’re unsure.
Report fraud (Action Fraud): The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, run by the police, where you can report scams online and get advice on what to do next if you think you’ve been targeted.
Financial Conduct Authority Firm Checker: A simple online tool from the FCA that lets you check whether a financial firm is real and has permission to offer the services you’re being contacted about.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I think I have been scammed?
Contact us as soon as possible. The sooner we know, the more we can do to help protect your account and talk through next steps.
Will you ever contact me about suspicious activity?
We may contact you if something does not look right. If you're unsure, you can check if the number calling you is the same as ours.
Can I set up extra security on my account?
Yes. We can help you set up additional checks, such as a safe word or password for phone calls.
What if I'm not sure it's a scam?
That’s okay. You can contact us to check something over before taking any action, or take time to speak to someone you trust.
Can you get my money back if I am scammed?
We cannot make guarantees, but we will always look at what support may be available and explain your options clearly.
Is it my fault if I fall for a scam?
No. Scams are designed to be convincing, and anyone can be affected. There is no judgement, and checking early is always the right thing to do.
Not sure? Get in touch
If you receive a message or call and you're not sure it's from us, please get in touch so we can check it with you.