- 27/5/2025

Beware of doorstep scams: protect yourself against fraud

3 min

New forms of bank fraud are emerging all the time. One of the most common at the moment? A fake bank employee turning up at your home pretending to be official bank staff.

How does it work ?

It often begins with a vishing attempt (a type of telephone fraud). You receive a worrying call. The person on the line claims to work for your bank or Card Stop and tells you that suspicious activity has been detected on your account. They may sound very convincing – even using personal information to appear credible.

To “resolve the issue”, they ask you to share your computer screen, install remote access software, or provide your personal codes. Once they are connected, the fraudster can access and manipulate your account without your knowledge.

In other cases, they may offer to send a so-called bank employee to your home to collect your bank card and PIN code. 

Unfortunately, this is a well-rehearsed scam. The fraudsters leave with your card, your PIN – and sometimes other valuable items. Within an hour, your account could be emptied.

Who is being targeted?

Older people or those in vulnerable situations are particularly at risk from this type of scam – but not exclusively. Faced with the shock of a supposed security breach, anyone can be caught off guard.

How can you protect yourself?

• Never share your personal codes. Not by phone, online or in person.
• Never share your screen or install any software at someone else’s request.
• Always refuse home visits announced by phone.
• If in doubt, contact your bank directly via the official phone number.
• Be cautious if you feel pressured to act quickly. Panic plays into the hands of fraudsters.

Remember: A bank employee or IT support agent will never ask you for your personal codes or ask you to install software that allows remote access to your device.

Stay alert to stay safe

If something feels wrong, do not take any risks. Hang up and contact your bank immediately via its official channels. When it comes to your safety, it is always better to do too much than not enough.

Watch out for door-to-door sellers too!

Whether it is for home services (patio cleaning, roof treatment…) or selling products (fruit, wine…), some scammers take advantage of your trust.

They charge excessive prices, pressure you to sign contracts, or disappear after taking a deposit.

Some also exploit mobile payment terminals to charge you far more than agreed – either by discreetly increasing the amount or claiming the first payment did not go through, prompting multiple transactions.