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Cyber Security


Here are some key areas to be aware of from Take Five to Stop Fraud:

Requests to move money to a ‘safe’ account
A genuine bank or trusted organisation will never contact you asking for your PIN or your full password, or requesting that you move money to a safe account. Do not give out personal or financial details.

Clicking on links/files
Do not be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link within an unexpected email or text.

Personal information
Always question uninvited approaches and never give out personal or financial details, in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic
Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try to trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud. Criminals often use this to draw you into the conversation, to scare you into acting and revealing security details. Remember, criminals are also able to make any telephone number appear on your phone handset; so even if you recognise the number or it seems authentic, do not use it as verification that they are genuine.

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision
Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions. A genuine bank or some other trusted organisation will not rush you or mind waiting if you want time to think.

Listen to your instincts
If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it.  Criminals may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about, or rely on your defences being down when you’re in the comfort of your own home.

Stay in control
Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.

If you’ve taken all these steps and still feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you’re being asked, never hesitate to contact your bank or your BRI advisor on a phone number you trust.

BRI to start using secure email
BRI has been using secure email since 2018 for any communications which include personal or financial information. We have also introduced the PFP – Personal Finance Portal – this service includes a secure messaging function. This means we can use email to communicate with clients more widely in a safe and secure way, without the need for additional hardware or software. Any communications exchanged via this portal are accessible only to those with the login details. If you would like more information about our security protocols, please do not hesitate to contact us via the web enquiry form or call us on 01676 523550.

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