What to do if…
someone stands too close while you enter a PIN or passcode at an ATM or terminal

What to do now

1. Cancel the transaction if this is straightforward and safe. Take your card, phone, cash, receipt and other belongings, then move into a bank branch, staffed shop or another busy place.
2. If you are in immediate danger, a crime is in progress or the person is following or threatening you, call 999 when it is safe. Ask nearby staff or security for help where available.
3. Check that you still have your card, phone, wallet, cash and keys. Put them away securely before doing anything else.
4. If a bank-card PIN may have been seen, contact your bank or card provider using its official app, the number printed on the card, or contact details from its official website. Ask what immediate protection is appropriate.
5. Use your banking app to freeze or lock the card if that function is available and you are concerned that the card has been taken or compromised.
6. Check recent account activity and report any payment or cash withdrawal you do not recognise to your bank immediately.
7. If a phone, device or account passcode may have been seen, change it from a safe place. Choose a code that the observer could not easily guess and secure any other account using the same code.
8. If your card or phone is missing, contact the relevant bank, mobile network or service provider immediately. Report a theft to the police.
9. Once safe, record the location, approximate time and a brief description of what happened. For non-emergency police reporting, use the appropriate local police route or call 101.
10. If money has been taken through fraud, contact your bank first. Report Fraud handles fraud reports in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; incidents in Scotland should be reported to Police Scotland.