BRITS are being cautioned over a worrying message that could leave them out of pocket.
A major UK bank has issued a warning on how to stay vigilant against scammers.
Barclays has revealed a key sign to spot fraudulent messages[/caption]
Barclays has revealed a key sign to look out for to spot illegitimate messages from a bank.
One customer has contacted Barclays over social media to confirm if the SMS they had received was real.
The message read: “BARCLAYS: Your OTP code to approve a debit of 3733.50 to AVIVA is 44346. If you did NOT do this call us on 0330 133 0198 Ref: BR45.”
The number which sent the text had a “+447” prefix.
The customer posted a screenshot of the message with a caption: “Is this a legit number for you to use to contact people?”
Barclays responded: “I can assure you that we would never text from a number that is +44.”
The bank has also asked if the customer was a client of Aviva.
“If not, then this would certainly seem to be a scam text in my opinion. If you would like to make sure that your account is safe then you can certainly give a call to our fraud team on 0800 3891 652 and their lines are open 24/7 for you.”
In response, the customer confirmed that they had never interacted with AVIVA.
Scammers frequently pose as representatives of banks or other respectable organisations in order to send SMS and emails to victims.
They frequently contain a link to a fraudulent website where victims are tricked into giving away their personal or banking information.
If you are worried a fraudster is trying to con money out of you, dial 159 or report it to Action Fraud.
Many banks have created a helpline with an easy-to-remember number that can be used to assist.
HOW TO REPORT A SCAM
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible.
There is no guarantee you’ll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account.
You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website.
You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number.
You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
