Need help reading this page? Click to activate Recite Me popup.

Card safety

If a fraudster steals your card or details, they might be able to get access to your bank account.

Learn their tricks and keep your card safe.

 

Be vigilant when using your card

A safe way to pay for things is to use your debit or credit card. This helps to protect your money from scams because we can trace your money and often get it refunded if you fall victim to fraud.

Only you should use your card and PIN, and nobody else. So always know where your card is.

Common tactics to look out for

Card theft

Criminals may stand close behind you at a cash machine to see your PIN number. They might then try to steal your card at the same time or later. Keep your card in a safe place and always know where it is.

If you can, use a cash machine inside a branch. It’s safer and more private. Look around to make sure there’s no one too close behind you. Shield the keypad as you enter your PIN.

If your card is lost or stolen, report it

Phishing

Criminals send out fake emails and texts containing links, then try to steal bank and card details that they use to commit fraud.

We’ll never send you emails or text messages asking for your details. If in doubt, delete the message and contact us.

Learn more about scam messages

Keep your PIN safe

Never take a photo of your card or write down your PIN, try to memorise it instead.

If you forget your PIN, you can use our Mobile Banking app to view it.

If you think someone has seen or knows your PIN, change it. You can do this at a Halifax cash machine.

Card skimming

Fraudsters may use a small device on card readers or cash machines. They do this to capture data from the magnetic strip on the back of your card. They could also use a hidden camera to capture your PIN.

It’s safer to use a cash machine inside a branch, if you need to withdraw money.

When you need to pay for something, hold onto your card, pay at a till or wait for the card reader to come to you. Contactless and phone apps can be quick, safe and you don’t need your PIN.

If you notice anything unusual or suspicious on a card reader or cash machine, avoid using it and report it to the bank or cash machine operator.

Digital wallet fraud

A digital wallet is a contactless feature on your phone, where you can store payment information including your credit and debit cards. This allows you to pay by your phone instead of your physical card. 

The biggest threat is that fraudsters could steal your phone. If they get hold of your banking or digital wallet log on details, they could take control of your money.

If you receive a text message or phone call asking you for your wallet details, it is likely a scam. Go into your digital wallet and check your details, do not follow any links from an unknown source. 

Passcode scams

If a scammer gets hold of your card and personal or banking information, they might phone you pretending to be your bank.

They could ask you for a one-time passcode, password or to approve a payment or refund on the Mobile Banking app.

If you receive a call like this, hang up.

Learn more about passcode scams

Missing what you paid for?

If you have made purchases with your debit or credit card and they’re not as described or not delivered at all, there’s a possibility you could get your money back.

Learn more about transaction disputes

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Scam calls

Find out how fraudsters can use your details to win your trust.

Avoid scam calls

Scam emails and texts

Fraudsters use scam emails and texts to steal your details.

Avoid scam messages

Pension scams

Fraudsters can target your pension by pretending to be someone you trust.

Protect your pension

Investment scams

Fraudsters pretend to be a genuine company or adviser.

Avoid investment scams

Protect your identity

Fraudsters want to steal your personal and banking details.

How to keep your identity safe

Protect your devices

Do you know how to keep your devices safe?

Learn about device safety

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

Go to latest scams

Have you been targeted by fraudsters?

Contact us right away if you think you've been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

Contact us now

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud