When we are all trying to keep hold of our money as much as possible, some people want to take it from us using nefarious means. And a warning is being sent out to bank customers about fraudsters targeting people using Apple Pay, Google Pay and other digital wallets.
More and more of us are using electronic means of purchasing goods and services - quickly flashing our phones and cards and paying with a beep. But as technology advances, so to do the tricks of the criminal trade.
The Co-operative Bank has been sending out messages to its customers warning about digital wallet scams. It says it is seeing fraudsters impersonating bank and service providers to request information they need to be able to use debit or credit cards, to commit fraud on people's accounts.
It has explained to customers the sophisticated tactics employed by criminals to get their hands on your money. It says ss mobile technology continues to evolve, making day-to-day spending more convenient and biometrically secure, fraudsters also continue to evolve their methods in order to find ways to navigate around these systems, through deceiving you into giving out personal information.
When targeting Apple Pay users:
The user receives a text message to advise they need to re-register their card in order to use Apple Pay
The text message contains a link which the user can click on, redirecting them to a page where they will be asked for their full name, address, date of birth, and contact details
Users are then asked to provide their sort code, account number, 16-digit card number, card expiry date, and the 3 security digits on the back of their card.
When targeting Google Pay and other digital wallet users
Users receive a call from someone claiming to be from their bank
The fraudster will discuss false unusual activity on the your account, and advise you need to add your card to a new security system called ‘Wallet Pay’
The fraudsters tell users they’ll receive a text message shortly, and they’ll need that code to register for the ‘Wallet Pay’ service.
If you are contacted either by text message or by phone call with any of the activity listed above— do not engage, this is a scam.
If you suspect you’ve received any form of suspicious contact, or may have been victim to a scam, please report it.
Need to report a scam? Call 159.
Now, when you call 159, you'll be redirected to a service that connects you to your bank so you can report scams or suspected fraudulent activity.
Find out when you should call 159
The Co-operative bank says it will never actively contact you to register cards in your digital wallet. If you have not personally requested to register a card for your digital wallet through your own device, and are contacted about doing so— do not engage, this is a scam.
Key tips to protect yourself against fraud
Never share your card details, bank account or security information in full.
Never share the PIN for your card with anyone.
Never share any verification codes with anyone, including someone you believe might be us.
Be very wary of out-of-the-blue phone calls. The Bank or the police will never ask you to move your money out of your account to keep it safe, or ask you to visit a branch and take out any cash to hand over to them.
Never tell anyone your Online Banking One Time Passcodes. Not even someone you believe might be us.
The Bank or police will never ask you to assist with an investigation.
