Urgent warning issued to anyone who has bank account with Halifax, Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds

If you use online banking, you should make sure you’re aware of the latest text message scams circulating, which are targeting savings accounts.

The messages, which claim to be from Barclays, Halifax, HSBC and Lloyds – have been sent in the past seven days, and ask account holders to verify suspicious transactions.

The texts appear to be security messages and ask account holders to confirm a payment made from an unrecognised digital device.

Tens of thousands of the scam messages have been issued, the Mirror reports.

In another string of messages, the recipient is asked to tap a link to confirm payment to a named person.

All of the messages contain fraudulent links that request sensitive information such as online banking details and full names – putting the person at risk of theft and banking fraud.

It follows warnings of another scam which sees messages being sent claiming a parcel is awaiting delivery – but a charge must be paid first.

Katherine Hart, a lead officer at CTSI (Chartered Trading Standards Institute), 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.

“If you receive a suspicious text like this, please contact your bank directly and verify with them. Also, forward any scam texts to 7726, which is a free reporting service ran by Ofcom. We must protect ourselves and others from these scams but also provide vital intelligence to authorities.”

How do I report scams or seek help?

To report scams, contact Action Fraud, or if in Scotland, contact Police Scotland.

To report email scams, contact the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) by emailing report@phishing.gov.uk.

For consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.

Reputable firms such as banks and Royal Mail will never ask you to enter your bank details via text or email.

If in doubt, delete the message and call the official customer services line.

Want more news? Head to our homepage.