Skip to main content

Fraud awareness

Find out how to keep your money safe

Find out how to keep your money safe in a changing world with our fraud prevention tips.

Protecting you against fraud

At Arab Bank Europe, your security is our priority. As your trusted partner in managing your financial affairs, we are committed to safeguarding you against fraud attempts. We understand that our clients value privacy and expertise, and we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to protect yourself from fraudulent activities.

Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it is essential to stay informed.

Here are some common types of fraud and actionable steps to prevent them:

  • Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud

Types of APP fraud

Invoice or mandate fraud

Fraudsters impersonate suppliers to request payments to fraudulent accounts.

Investment fraud

Promises of high returns lure victims into fraudulent schemes.

Purchase fraud

Victims pay for goods or services that don’t exist.

Impersonation of a bank/authority

Fraudsters claim to be bank or government officials requesting transfers to “safe accounts”.

Tips to prevent APP fraud

  • Always verify payment requests directly using trusted contact details.
  • Be cautious of urgent requests for payments, that pressure you to act.
  • Use Confirmation of Payee services to confirm recipient details (available for sterling payments only).
  • Card fraud

Types of card fraud

Lost or stolen cards

Fraudsters use misplaced or stolen cards for unauthorised transactions.

Card Not Present (CNP) fraud

Unauthorised transactions occur without physical card use, often online.

Counterfeit cards

Criminals clone card details to create fake cards.

ATM skimming

Devices installed on ATMs capture card information and PINs.

Tips to prevent card fraud

  • Regularly monitor your bank statements for unauthorised transactions.
  • Never share your PIN, card details or security OTP, keep your details private.
  • Use secure ATMs and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Report lost or stolen cards immediately and block them via your mobile app as soon as possible.
  • Impersonation fraud

Types of impersonation fraud

Bank impersonation

Fraudsters claim to be your bank and request personal or financial information.

Tech support fraud

Fraudsters impersonate IT support to access your devices or accounts.

Government official impersonation

Scammers pose as tax authorities or law enforcement demanding money.

Friend/family impersonation

Fraudsters can send a message claiming to be a loved one in distress asking for financial help.

Tips to prevent impersonation fraud

  • Always verify the identity of the caller or sender through official channels.
  • Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone or email.
  • Never share your PIN, card details or security OTP, keep your details private.
  • Remember, legitimate organisations will never ask for your full password or PIN.
  • Phishing fraud

Types of phishing fraud

Email phishing

Fraudsters send fake emails pretending to be legitimate organisations.

Vishing

Voice phishing involves scammers making calls to extract sensitive information.

Smishing

Scammers send fraudulent text messages with malicious links or fake requests.

Clone phishing

A legitimate email is cloned and replaced with malicious content.

Tips to prevent phishing fraud

  • Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
  • Verify the sender’s email address carefully for subtle discrepancies.
  • Use spam filters and report phishing emails to your bank or email provider.
  • Digital fraud

Types of digital fraud

Mobile malware

Apps or downloads infect your phone to steal data.

Online shopping fraud

Fake e-commerce sites trick users into paying for non-existent goods.

Social engineering scams

Fraudsters manipulate victims to reveal sensitive information

Account takeover fraud

Criminals gain access to your online accounts to steal funds or information.

Ransomware attacks

Malicious software encrypts your data until a ransom is paid.

Tips to prevent digital fraud

  • Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
  • Avoid downloading apps or software from unverified sources.
  • Monitor your accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
  • Never share your PIN, card details or security OTP, keep your details private.
  • Additional guidance

Please click the logos below for more fraud awareness tips:

How to report suspicious activity

Our commitment to your security extends beyond these tips. Should you have any concerns or suspect fraudulent activity, please contact your relationship manager directly, or for out of hours support call our dedicated helpline on +44 207 712 8833.

Our team is here to assist you with any inquiries and provide support tailored to your needs.

Join our mailing list

Keep in touch with Arab Bank Europe