I've just had this in from Barclays...
Hello Derek
With the festive season fast approaching, and thoughts turning to treating friends and family, it’s important to stay alert when it comes to keeping your money safe. Urgent requests, unbelievable bargains and copycat websites are all tactics to trick you. So taking a moment to stop and think can help you beat scammers at their own game.
We’re sharing some tips on what to do – and what not to do. You’re also invited to a special Scams Event on 23 November, where you’ll learn how to best protect your money.
Search ‘Scams’ on the Barclays website for more help on how to spot them.
Make money work for you
Things we’d never do
If you get an unusual request, especially if you’re told it’s urgent, take a minute to think if it makes sense – there are things we’ll never ask you to do.
We will never…
Ask you to transfer money
Barclays would never ask you to transfer money out of your account. Scammers might claim you need to move money to keep it safe. They also might remind you about a text message link you clicked a few days ago. This is part of the same scam. If you’re ever moving money, make sure it’s on your terms, nobody else’s.
Demand your PIN or personal information
You should never reveal your PIN, PINsentry codes, Activation codes, QR activation codes or Online Banking passcodes to anyone. We don’t need this information from you, it’s yours. This sort of request may come via an unexpected text with a link, or a cold call asking you to reveal personal and security details.
Request remote access to your devices
There is no need for anyone from Barclays to have remote access to your smartphone, computer or tablet. We would never ask to view your online banking.
Tell you what to say
If someone asks you to lie to members of staff about payments, or tells you what options to select when making a payment, it’s a scam.
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Be wary of festive fraudsters
As you start to think about your Christmas shopping, scammers will be too. ’Tis the season for shoppers to be targeted – here’s what to look out for.
Fake adverts and deals
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers know people are looking for a bargain at Christmas time, so they’ll try and hook you in with deals on everything from cars to game consoles and mobile phones. Stay alert to what you click through to, especially on social media. Before committing to any purchase, do your research.
Websites URLs
Always check the URL of the site you’re on when online shopping – scam sites can often look genuine. Always look out for extra full stops and dashes. Scammers will target you with a professional looking advert, and then send you through to a copycat website. Don’t feel rushed into a purchase – be sure to stop and think before you buy and ensure the website you’re ordering from is legitimate.
Remember, adverts on social media and genuine auction sites could still be fake.
Always pay with your debit card, credit card or the site’s recommended payment platform for the best protection.
Learn more at our scams event
Join the Digital Eagles on 23 November and learn how to best protect your money. There’ll be a special guest from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), who’ll be talking about how scammers think and what to look out for. To register, search ‘Barclays Digital Wings Blogs’ and select the article ‘Scammers have met their match. It’s you’.
With the festive season fast approaching, and thoughts turning to treating friends and family, it’s important to stay alert when it comes to keeping your money safe. Urgent requests, unbelievable bargains and copycat websites are all tactics to trick you. So taking a moment to stop and think can help you beat scammers at their own game.
We’re sharing some tips on what to do – and what not to do. You’re also invited to a special Scams Event on 23 November, where you’ll learn how to best protect your money.
Search ‘Scams’ on the Barclays website for more help on how to spot them.
Make money work for you
Things we’d never do
If you get an unusual request, especially if you’re told it’s urgent, take a minute to think if it makes sense – there are things we’ll never ask you to do.
We will never…
Ask you to transfer money
Barclays would never ask you to transfer money out of your account. Scammers might claim you need to move money to keep it safe. They also might remind you about a text message link you clicked a few days ago. This is part of the same scam. If you’re ever moving money, make sure it’s on your terms, nobody else’s.
Demand your PIN or personal information
You should never reveal your PIN, PINsentry codes, Activation codes, QR activation codes or Online Banking passcodes to anyone. We don’t need this information from you, it’s yours. This sort of request may come via an unexpected text with a link, or a cold call asking you to reveal personal and security details.
Request remote access to your devices
There is no need for anyone from Barclays to have remote access to your smartphone, computer or tablet. We would never ask to view your online banking.
Tell you what to say
If someone asks you to lie to members of staff about payments, or tells you what options to select when making a payment, it’s a scam.
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
Be wary of festive fraudsters
As you start to think about your Christmas shopping, scammers will be too. ’Tis the season for shoppers to be targeted – here’s what to look out for.
Fake adverts and deals
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers know people are looking for a bargain at Christmas time, so they’ll try and hook you in with deals on everything from cars to game consoles and mobile phones. Stay alert to what you click through to, especially on social media. Before committing to any purchase, do your research.
Websites URLs
Always check the URL of the site you’re on when online shopping – scam sites can often look genuine. Always look out for extra full stops and dashes. Scammers will target you with a professional looking advert, and then send you through to a copycat website. Don’t feel rushed into a purchase – be sure to stop and think before you buy and ensure the website you’re ordering from is legitimate.
Remember, adverts on social media and genuine auction sites could still be fake.
Always pay with your debit card, credit card or the site’s recommended payment platform for the best protection.
Learn more at our scams event
Join the Digital Eagles on 23 November and learn how to best protect your money. There’ll be a special guest from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), who’ll be talking about how scammers think and what to look out for. To register, search ‘Barclays Digital Wings Blogs’ and select the article ‘Scammers have met their match. It’s you’.
