Coronavirus scams
Some criminals are using coronavirus to trick people into sharing personal or financial information. In particular, watch out for suspicious emails or texts relating to coronavirus asking you to update details, or log-in directly to your internet bank via a link in the message. Also watch out for cold callers asking you to move your money to a ‘safe account’ and strangers offering to buy your shopping if you give them your card and PIN.
Mobile digital banking fraud
There’s only one-way fraudsters can access your money digitally, and that’s by getting hold of your secure information. They can do this online or through your mobile, and often try to trick you into giving them details.
- By contacting you over the phone Fraudsters may contact you by phone or text, pretending to be from a trustworthy organisation.
- Getting in touch by email, text or social media messages Fraudsters might try to get you to share your personal or banking details, by pretending to be someone you know or trust.
- Getting into your computer, tablet or mobile Your device contains lots of your personal details. If fraudsters can gain access to your phone or computer, it’s much easier for them to get hold of your information.
Always:
- safeguard your mobile and computer with a passcode or password
- protect your computer with a firewall and anti-virus software
- tell your mobile provider immediately if your phone’s been stolen, and de-register your device from the Banking app. You can de-register your device in the Internet Bank or Banking app (if you log in from another device)
- complete a factory reset if you sell your mobile phone or tablet.
Never:
- install apps from unknown sources – check they are legitimate before downloading to your device
- respond to a text message regarding a suspicious transaction, which doesn’t include the last four digits of your card number.
- give out your bank details (e.g. PIN, memorable data, pass number, codes from your card reader or codes sent to you by text message) over the phone or in response to a request by text message.
