Staying scam-free: an essential guide to financial fraud prevention

Helping you stay safe from financial crime and scams

Staying vigilant: how to prevent fraud

Criminals know which buttons to push to get what they want. Fraudsters often use physical and psychological tactics, which we cover in more detail on this page. But what steps can be taken to help prevent fraud happening in the first place? Below we outline the ways in which Canada Life UK will never contact you and the key steps you can take to stay vigilant. 

How will Canada Life UK contact you?

Canada life UK will:

  • Never cold call you to ‘review’ your policy or chat to you through Whatsapp.

  • Only call if you have asked us to, or if we need to verify your details or to speak to you about something you already know about.

  • Only contact you by phone, email or letter. Or by secure message using Proofpoint.

  • Never contact you by social media or web chat unless you have contacted us first.

  • If we need to call you about something, we may need to ask some security questions over the phone but you will always have the option to call us back if preferred. We will always give you contact options to send us your information. We will only ever ask security questions on the phone to verify your identity.

  • Never ask you to pay a fee to subscribe to our website. Or contact you from a website based in a different country.

Six steps to help protect yourself from fraud

1. Report immediately

If you encounter any suspicious activity, report it to the Financial Conduct Authority, Action Fraud, or contact your provider immediately, especially if you're in the middle of a transfer.

2. Monitor your statements

Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unusual activity or unauthorised changes. Let your financial provider know about any transactions that you didn't authorise.

3. Use strong, unique passwords

Make sure to update your passwords frequently and avoid using the same password for different websites. It is essential for your security!

4. Enable two-factor authentication

This will add an extra layer of security to your accounts and help prevent unauthorised access.

5. Freeze your accounts

If you suspect fraud, let your financial provider know and ask them to deactivate your account to prevent further unauthorized transactions temporarily.

6. Be cautious and stay informed

Avoid clicking on suspicious links or giving away personal information. Stay updated on the latest fraud trends and tactics to protect yourself. Beware if you are discouraged from seeking professional financial advice or talking to Pension Wise or The Money and Pensions Service.

Useful contacts when reporting fraud

Contact your provider immediately if you're in the middle of a transaction. If you believe any products with us may be at risk, contact the product support lines; all our contact details are here.

Report any other incidents to:

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA):
Contact their consumer helpline at 0800 111 6768 or use their report form at www.fca.org.uk

Action Fraud:
On 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk

If you experience any payment, cheque or banking related scams, contact your bank immediately.