Fraud prevention and security

• How we protect your account?

  However you choose to bank with us, you can be sure you're protected. We take the security of your account and finances very seriously.  We do this in a number of ways:

  • Strong Customer Authentication; we’ll ask you to confirm your identity and payment approval prior to sending any money​.

  • We use verification codes and security tokens as they provide you with an additional layer of protection when you bank online and make payments.

  • We use a timed logout system, which means that after a certain period of inactivity, you will be automatically logged out of your business banking dashboard.

  • We constantly review our fraud controls.

• How you can protect your account?

  We do everything we can to keep your firm’s money safe and secure. However, there are common threats you can be aware of and some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself from fraud and enhance your security.

  If you notice any transactions on your account you don’t recognise, or you’re concerned someone has unauthorised access to your personal details, security details or information, please call our Client Services team as soon as possible on +44 03301659131. Our lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (excluding bank holidays in England and Wales).

  We will never ask you:

  • To transfer money to another account for safe keeping.

  • Your full log-in details, PIN or a one-time passcode.

  • To pass on any of our emails or SMS.

  • To download any software or screen sharing links​.

  • To change your password without you requesting it to be changed​.

• What to do if you suspect a fraud has occurred?

  If you suspect your account has been subject to fraudulent activity or if you believe you've paid money to a fraudster as part of a scam, please:

  • End communication with the suspected fraudster or scammer immediately – this could be via a phone call, email, SMS, WhatsApp or in-person contact.

  • Do not click on any suspicious links or attachments.

  • Call our Client Services team straight away on +44 03301659131, or email us on uksupport@thebankoflondon.com.

  When you contact us, whichever type of fraud you’re reporting, you’ll need the following details to hand:

  • Business account name, number and sort code and business partner ID.

  • Date and amount of any transactions you do not recognise.

  • A brief overview and some background information – what’s happened?

  Report the incident to the police. It is important that a police report is filed. The Bank of London can also supply them with information to help your case.

  If the money has already left your account, we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to get it back. But we’ll do everything we can to help. We’ll send you any money that comes back to us.

  The Bank of London cannot get involved in disputes between senders and recipients, so please make sure you know and trust the person or business you're sending money to before setting up a transfer.

• Quick tips

  • Memorise your PIN, password and other security information.

  • Keep your passwords safe. Never give your passwords or other security information to anyone who calls, emails or texts.

  • Use strong passwords containing a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, and numbers. Try to avoid using anything obvious like your name, username or date of birth.

  • Use separate passwords for all your accounts and where possible use 2-factor authentication.

  • Double-check all invoices or payment requests that come by email. Call the sender on a phone number you know and trust – not one from an invoice or message.

  • Install internet security or antivirus software and ensure that you have an active firewall.

  • Only download files or programmes from the internet if they’re from genuine, trusted websites or senders. Check first to make sure it is safe

  • Help protect your devices by installing software and internet browser updates as soon as they become available.