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What is a fake text message?
This is when a fraudster sends a text message to you pretending to be from your bank. This is also known as 'smishing'.
The text message may advise that there's a problem with your bank account, asking you to call a phone number. If you call, fraudsters will try to trick you into giving away your personal and security information.
The message may say that personal information about you has been posted online and ask you to visit a website. Using the link in the message may lead to an attempt to infect your computer or mobile device with a virus.
There will be a sense of urgency to the message, encouraging you to act fast, open a link or respond to the message.
They could try to alarm you
The scammers might use capital letters or frightening language to make you believe your bank account has been accessed.
- 'WARNING we’ve noticed some suspicious activity on your account. For your security, your account will be suspended if you do not get in touch. Click this link to contact our fraud team.'
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They might use shocking numbers
By telling you a specific amount has been withdrawn from your account, fraudsters want to make you panic.
- 'A withdrawal of £1566.04 has been made from your account. If this wasn’t you please call the fraud team on XXXX XXX XXXX immediately.'
Don’t respond to them. Check your bank balance using online banking or our mobile app for peace of mind.
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They'll often try to rush you
They will tell you to “act fast” so you will act without thinking or claim that your account has been accessed at a specific time to make the message seem genuine.
- 'Our security team need to speak with you urgently. Your bank account was accessed at 14:35PM. If this wasn’t you, please call our fraud team immediately on XXXX XXX XXXX.'
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They might tell you a certain device was used
Scammers will say a specific device was used to log in to your online banking to make the scam seem real. They may tell you an unauthorised or unknown device was used.
- 'An unknown device has just been used to log into your bank account. Your account may be at risk. Please visit www.afakelink.com to secure your account immediately.'
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They‘ll try to sound helpful
Another way fraudsters try to trick you is by using language you’d expect to hear from a bank or a company you trust, such as a slogan or phrases.
- 'Someone tried to access your account today, but thankfully we stopped them in time. To protect you we’ve put a temporary block on your account. All you need to do is use this secure link to log in: www.afakesite.com.'
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They may follow up a fake text with a call
There have been cases where fraudsters send a smishing text and then quickly follow up with a phone call, to make the scam appear more real. When a fraudster uses a phone call to try to trick you into telling them your financial information, it’s known as vishing.
- 'Hello Sir, I am calling as we have detected some suspicious activity on your account. I believe we texted you about this yesterday.'
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How to report a suspicious text message
If you think you've received a fake text message then we're here to help. Please forward the text to:
0044 7860 009378
Gibraltar customers please text 0034 638 444947
Standard network rates apply. Please contact your network provider for more information on charges.
Fake emails
Emails pretending to be from legitimate sources, however that are asking you to give away personal or private information.
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Fake telephone calls
Phone calls from fraudsters that encourage you to give out personal details, such as your debit card number or card reader codes.
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Identity theft
Identity theft is when a fraudster steals your personal information to impersonate you, open accounts, obtain credit or set up businesses.
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