Security

The following are the ways that you’re protected at every stage of your transfer with us:

• Smart Currency Exchange Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 for the provision of payment services. If you’d like to confirm our FCA authorisation, please visit our listing on the FCA’s Financial Services Register. Our reference number is: 504509.
• We are members of two industry trade associations: the UK Money Transmitters Association (UKMTA) and the Association of Foreign Exchange and Payment Companies (AFEP). These were established to ensure shared high standards across the money transfer industry.
• We are a fully incorporated and properly constituted company under English Law. If you’d like to confirm our status with Companies House, head to the UK Government website. The Smart Currency Exchange Ltd company number is 5282305.
• We work with Barclays Bank plc and Lloyds Bank plc. All funds are transferred directly to our client account with either Barclays Bank plc or the Lloyds Bank plc, which was set up in accordance with FCA regulations. This client account is separate from any operating bank accounts. Your money will be transferred in, exchanged and then transferred straight back out to the intended destination.
• Upon first contact with Smart Currency Exchange you will be allocated a personal account manager. They are there to walk you through the exchange process, to thoroughly explain each service and procedure and to answer any questions or concerns you have along the way. You can contact our team any time on (+44) 20 7898 0541.
• As we’ve helped so many people with their currency exchange needs, we have a lot of happy customers who can vouch for our safety procedures and service.

Don’t fall victim to phishing scams

Never respond to, or click a link in, an unexpected email or website that asks you for personal information or your login details. No matter how professional it looks. If a friend or colleague makes an odd request – check they haven’t been compromised before clicking on anything.

Phishing scams have grown more sophisticated, often leveraging fake websites, official-looking emails, or social media messages to steal your personal data. Always verify unexpected messages, even if they appear to come from trusted sources like friends, colleagues, or companies. Instead of clicking on links, visit the official website by typing its URL directly into your browser.

Be cautious with unexpected mobile texts and unsolicited phone calls (“vishing”). Scammers often impersonate banks, financial institutions, regulated firms, HMRC and tech support. Remember, reputable institutions will never ask for your sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or verification codes via text or call. If in doubt, contact the organization using their official contact details.

Modern phishing also happens through messaging apps and social platforms, so be wary of links or requests received on WhatsApp, Instagram, or similar apps.

Keep your device updated

You know those irritating OS (operating system) upgrades for your computer and smartphone? Scammers find them irritating too. Install the latest updates from your device manufacturer or operating system. These come with in-built security measures to prevent many types of online security breaches. If using a laptop or PC, keep your internet security and anti-virus/malware/spyware software updated. You can enable automatic updates on your devices and apps.

If your device behaves strangely – like slowing down, redirecting your browser, or showing pop-ups – it may be infected. Seek help from a trusted IT professional or use reputable online resources to diagnose and fix the problem.

Public places

Be aware of your surroundings and beware of being overlooked or eavesdropped on in public places.

Protect your screen: Many users have increased text sizes to make messages easier to read – but this can also make it easier for scammer to read over your shoulder. Your fast finger movements are never to fast for an HD camera.

Avoid untrusted devices: Never log in to sensitive accounts from public computers in cafe’s and the like. If using the local library, seek help from a legitimate trusted librarian or friend.

Avoid public Wi-Fi: Some of these Wi-fi networks or “free” hotspots are not as secure as you might think. Without good Wi-Fi security you are open to man-in-the-middle attacks, whereby someone could be intercepting your information as it passes over the Wi-Fi network.

Think sensibly. Printing a document, reading messages from friends or checking the train timetables are no problem, but logging in to your online banking apps, checking payments, or answering sensitive calls should be done only in private spaces and on trusted devices.

Change passwords regularly

Passwords are like toothbrushes – don’t let anyone else use it and change it regularly. A secure password will have a minimum of 12 characters including capitals, numbers and special characters such as @#$. You can use an app like Last-Pass on your device to keep them completely random without writing anything down.

Consider using passphrases, which are long, memorable combinations of words (e.g., “BlueElephant!Loves3Apples”).

Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. If one account is breached, attackers could gain access to others.

Enable additional forms of authentication wherever possible, such as a SMS code verification, app notification, or fingerprint/face scan.