Scammers can sound convincing. They may pretend to be from a bank, fraud team or trusted organisation, and often use pressure and urgency to encourage people to act before they have time to think.
One simple way to help protect yourself is to use strong, unique passwords for your banking and online accounts. Avoid using personal information that someone else could guess, find online or connect back to you, such as your date of birth, name, address, phone number, children’s names, pet names or favourite sporting team.
Using something familiar may feel easier to remember, but it can also make it easier for scammers to try to access your account. Strong passwords and passphrases add another layer of protection, especially as impersonation scams become more sophisticated. During Scams Awareness Week, we’re continuing the conversation through our Tea and Tips: Staying Safe from Scams event, sharing practical ways to help Members and the wider community stay safer online.
How to create a safer password
- Use a long password or passphrase that is hard to guess.
- Avoid personal details, including your date of birth, name, address or phone number.
- Do not reuse your banking password for other accounts.
- Keep your password private and never share it with anyone.
- Change your password straight away if you think someone else may know it.
Does something not feel right?
The Mutual Bank will never ask you to:
- move your money to another account
- share your one-time passcodes
- share your passwords or security codes
- act urgently over the phone or by text
If you receive a call or message that does not feel right, stop, hang up and contact us using the phone number listed on our website.
If you believe you have shared your password or security details with someone else, contact us immediately so we can help you take the next steps.
We’re here to help
When something feels wrong, it is always worth pausing and asking for help. If you’re concerned about your account or believe you may have shared personal or banking information, please contact The Mutual Bank so we can help you take the next step.
