Is it safe to pay for a product or service by bank transfer?

It's always safest to pay by card if you can 👍

Bank transfers arranged online or over social media are at a higher risk of fraud. They're not protected in the same way as card payments.

Here's how to spot these types of scams:

• If you’re paying for a product from an online marketplace (like Gumtree), does the deal seems too good to be true? If it does, it’s probably a scam.

• If you’re paying for a service (like insurance), do an online search and check the company's reviews.

You might not be able to get your money back if this turns out to be a scam. It's always best to find a legitimate seller who lets you pay by card instead.