New Fraud Warning Over Fake Bank Texts - Must Read

UK banks issue warning over scam text messages.

Beware of text messages from your bank warning you about fraud – they may be part of a spate of scam messages criminals are using to trick people into handing over personal and financial information.

The messages say there has been some fraudulent action on your account, adding that your details now need to be updated. You may be asked to click a link or call a phone number to confirm your personal details, or be told that you’ll receive a call from “the bank” soon which is followed up by a phone call from the same number.

"These text messages can look very authentic, so it's important to be alert,” says Katy Worobec, director of FFA UK. “Always be wary if you receive a message out of the blue asking you for any personal or financial details.”

Scammers are even using specialist software to make the sender IDs appear the same as your bank’s. This might mean they show up in the same thread as legitimate messages.

Never fear: there are some failsafe ways to spot a scam, according to the Financial Fraud Action UK (FFA UK)’s Financial Fraud Bureau.

To start with, your bank will never ask you for your PIN or online banking ID number, not even by asking you to tap it in using your phone’s keypad.

Banks will never ask you to update personal details using a link in a text message, and they will never ask you to transfer any money to a new account for fraud reasons – even if that new account is supposedly in your name.

If you receive a suspicious text message, call your bank using a phone number you trust to check if they have been in touch with you. You can find your bank’s legitimate phone numbers on the back of your bank card or your monthly statements.

"If you're ever at all suspicious, call your bank on a number that you know,” says Ms Worobec. “Remember, fraudsters are after your security details – don't reveal anything unless you are absolutely sure who you are dealing with."

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