If you think someone has used your personal details, bank accounts or identity without your permission, we're here to help. This article explains how to contact us, what we'll do, and the steps you can take straight away to protect yourself.
It applies if you've completed, or been asked to complete, an Armalytix check through your conveyancer, solicitor or another firm.
Contact us
Contact us straight away if:
you received a request to complete an Armalytix check that you didn't expect
you think someone may have completed a check in your name
you think someone has misused a check you completed
you've been a victim of fraud and think it may involve information you shared through Armalytix
Email: [email protected]
Chat: use the chat button on this page
Tell us your name, the email address or phone number the check request went to, the name of the firm that sent it (if you know it), and a short description of what happened. Never send us passwords, PINs, full card numbers or codes sent to your phone.
If you need us to support you in a different way because of your circumstances, just tell us.
What we'll do
Our compliance team handles every request. We'll:
review your request straight away and send you practical advice on protecting yourself
confirm we're speaking to you, before we share any information we hold
tell you which organisation is best placed to lead each next step, such as your bank, the police or the company that asked you to complete the check
share the information you need for a fraud claim or police report, and work with those organisations if you ask us to
if we confirm someone used your identity without your permission through our service, give you written confirmation on request
delete all the information we hold for you, if you'd like us to.
Protect yourself straight away
Contact your bank. Call the number on the back of your card, or call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team securely. Ask them to stop or hold any payments you didn't authorise
Change your passwords. Start with online banking, email and social media, then change the password on any other account that might be affected. Use a different password for each account, and think about using a password manager
Secure your devices and Wi-Fi. Change your home Wi-Fi password, update your devices and turn on two-step verification wherever you can
Stop sharing information. Don't reply to suspicious calls, emails or texts, and never share codes sent to your phone
About Armalytix and your bank details: Armalytix connects to your bank through Open Banking, so you log in securely through your own bank's app or website. We never ask for your bank password or PIN, and we can't move money from your account. You can withdraw our access to your account data at any time through your bank's app or online banking, or by contacting us.
Report the fraud
England, Wales and Northern Ireland: report fraud and cyber crime to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040
Scotland: call Police Scotland on 101
If a crime is happening now, or you're in danger: call 999
Keep your crime reference number. Your bank and other organisations may ask for it.
Get support
Fraud can be upsetting, whatever the amount involved. Free, confidential support is available:
England and Wales: Victim Support, free 24/7 Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111, or visit victimsupport.org.uk
Scotland: Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm), or visit victimsupport.scot
Northern Ireland: Victim Support NI, visit victimsupportni.com
Citizens Advice: free advice on scams, fraud and money worries at citizensadvice.org.uk
Report Fraud victim services: reportfraud.police.uk/report-fraud-victim-services
Recover your money and accounts
Bank and payment fraud: ask your bank about its fraud claim and reimbursement process, and report it as soon as you can
Other accounts: contact each provider (email, social media, retailers, utilities) through its official website or app to recover your account, sign out of all devices and reset your security details
Your Armalytix check: contact us and we'll withdraw our access. If you still need a check for your transaction, speak to your conveyancer about sending a new request
Protect your credit file
Check your credit reports with the three main credit reference agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Look for accounts, searches or addresses you don't recognise, and ask the agency to correct anything wrong
Sign up to a credit checking service so you hear about new applications or accounts in your name
Contact your creditors. Tell any lender or card provider where an account was affected. If an account wasn't affected, ask them to keep an eye on it anyway
Apply for Cifas Protective Registration. This adds a warning flag to your details, so organisations carry out extra checks when anyone applies for products in your name. It costs £30 for two years. Find out more at cifas.org.uk/pr
Reduce the risk of it happening again
Register with the Mailing Preference Service at mpsonline.org.uk to cut down on unwanted marketing post
Register with the Telephone Preference Service at mpsonline.org.uk/tps to cut down on unwanted sales calls
Sign up for HM Land Registry Property Alert. This free service emails you if anyone tries to change the register for a property you're monitoring in England and Wales, which helps protect you against property and title fraud
If you're buying or selling a property
Fraudsters often target property transactions because of the large sums involved. To protect yourself:
always confirm your conveyancer's bank details by phone, using a number you already know is genuine, before you send any money
treat any email or message saying bank details have changed as suspicious, even if it looks like it comes from your conveyancer
only complete an Armalytix check from a request you expected, and if you're unsure, check with your conveyancer directly before you start
tell your conveyancer straight away if you think you've been targeted