London - Fraudsters are sending text messages to victims, pretending to be from their bank to try to trick them into handing over personal information to steal their cash.
Financial Fraud Action UK has put out a warning to consumers about the new scam, where victims receive a message on their phone claiming there has been fraud on their bank account and that they must update their personal information urgently.
The texts usually tell the customers to call a number or visit a website to enter their personal details — but rather than going to their bank, these will be sent directly to the fraudsters themselves.
Criminals are using specialist software to make the messages believable. It overwrites the number a text is sent from, so it shows up as the name of a bank on the victim’s mobile.
In other versions of the scam the text message will tell the victim to expect a call from their bank, so they are not suspicious when a fraudster then rings asking for details.
Katy Worobec, director at Financial Fraud Action UK, says: “These text messages can look very authentic, so it’s important to be alert.
“You should always be wary if you receive a message out of the blue asking you for any personal or financial details.”
If you are suspicious, you should always call the number shown on the back of your bank card or on your bank’s website, and never give over any security details unless you are absolutely certain who you are speaking to.
Daily Mail