Fraud awareness
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:
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.






