How to spot a phishing scam
Phishing is a type of cyber-attack, where criminals pose as a trusted source to trick you into revealing sensitive information – like card payment numbers or account login details. They might try to impersonate someone from HL.
While email is the most common channel, phishing can also take place through:
Text (smishing)
Phone calls (vishing)
Social media
Postal letters
Tips to spot a phishing attack
Cyber criminals are clever, but there are some giveaway clues to help you identify an attack.
If you’re not sure if an email has genuinely come from HL, check the following:
1. What’s the sender’s email address?
Criminals create email addresses similar to those used by the company they’re impersonating. Carefully compare the sender’s address with a previous HL email that you know is legitimate.
2. What’s the email asking you to do?
Is it asking you to click a link, provide sensitive information or open an attachment? These are all signs the email could be a phishing attack. Don’t click on any links or respond to the email, and log into your HL account separately through your internet browser.
3. How does the email make you feel?
Trust your gut. Criminals often create a sense of urgency, fear or curiosity, hoping you will click quickly. They might say there’s an alert on your account or an amazing product offer. If something feels off, it probably is.
If you’re not sure whether an HL email is genuine, we’re here to help. Get in touch on:
Telephone: 0117 900 9000
Mon - Fri: 08:00 - 17:00
Sat: 09:30 – 12:30
Email us at any time.
What to do if you’ve interacted with a phish
If you’re concerned you might have shared your details, please call us immediately and we can guide you through a full reset, to secure your account.
HL will never ask you to disclose your login credentials or Secure Number in full.
More information
To read more about scams and fraud and help protect yourself more widely from phishing scams, visit Take Five To Stop Fraud | To Stop Fraud
Help with the emotional impact of fraud
If you do fall victim to fraud, this can have a huge emotional impact as well as being financially crippling. Victims can often feel embarrassed and don’t want to tell people what’s happened, even though they’re not to blame.
If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, you can contact Victim Support either online or via their support line on 0808 168 9111. You can also contact Samaritans at any time of the day or night on 116 123.