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Cumbria Trading Standards are reminding people of banking scams that are circulating.
A post on Facebook from them read: “Just a reminder for those who didn’t see our message the other day regarding scam text messages spoofing Barclays, Halifax, HSBC and Lloyds Bank!”
It is important you are aware of the scams doing the rounds to give you the best chance of keeping your personal details safe.
Scammers will often make contact via email, phone calls and texts using sophisticated methods to exploit people while there are so many concerns from the vaccine rollout to the economy.
HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Halifax bank customers
Banking customers at Barclays, Halifax, HSBC and Lloyds are being warned of new scams targeting their details.
Potential victims will receive fraudulent text messages from scammers.
The text message reads: “A payment was attempted from a NEW device and needs approval. If this was NOT you, please visit ______ to secure your account.”
Another message will tell customers that they have “successfully added a new payee” prompting customers to share their details saying: “If this was not you, please visit ____ to secure your account.”
The warning comes from Katherine Hart, a Lead Officer at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
She said: “I am witnessing so many reports of this scam; indeed, I have received multiple versions of it on my phone.
“The public is very vulnerable to this type of fraud, especially when more people rely on online payments.
“Fraudsters change the form and methods of their scams to match shifting consumer behaviour.
“The surge in online shopping and payments means that the public must be more vigilant when making online payments and receiving messages claiming to be from their bank.”
HMRC
Cumbria Trading Standards received the following information: “I received a voice mail supposedly from 020 3276 9589. The voice mail said they were HMRC and threatened me that if I did not press 1 on my phone a warrant would be issued and I would be arrested shortly! Naturally I have deleted the message and did not press any keypad numbers. My worry is for others, it was a bit scary for me too!”
The member of the Neighbourhood Watch did not respond to the scam and other are being advised to do the same.
Residents have been advised to have a chat with elderly and more vulnerable family, friends and neighbours about these scams to help keep them safe.
Royal Mail
Royal Mail is warning the public over a worrying parcel scam doing the rounds across the UK.
The scam comes in the form of text messages and emails asking customers to make extra payments to ensure their package is delivered.
The message reads: “Your package has a £2.99 shipping fee, to pay this now visit…Actions will be taken if you do not pay this fee.”
The link will then take you to a replica of the Royal Mail website where scammers try to convince customers to hand over their details.
A number of variations of the Royal Mail scam is doing the rounds and the latest ones can be found on their website.
NHS vaccine scam
According to Trading Standards, people are reporting to have received a text message claiming to be from the NHS.
It reads: “We have identified that you are eligible to apply for your vaccine. For mor information and to apply, follow here.”
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) said that text messages had been sent out including links to fake NHS websites that asked recipients for bank details, supposedly for verification purposes.
Such messages were first reported at the end of December on the Western Isles of Scotland, but the CTSI says they are “by no means limited to the region”.
Katherine Hart, lead officer at CTSI, said: “The vaccine brings great hope for an end to the pandemic and lockdowns, but some only wish to create even further misery by defrauding others.
“The NHS will never ask you for banking details, passwords, or pin numbers and these should serve as instant red flags.”
Any scams you come across can be reported to Action Fraud.
