The Money Saving Expert says app users need to be seriously careful – or risk having money taken out of their accounts
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has shared news of a worrying scam doing the rounds on WhatsApp and Facebook – and it involves him.
A fake post is being heavily shared on Facebook and WhatsApp, which claims Martin Lewis has confirmed the ‘scam’ it is talking about.
The warning – which you can watch above – says there’s an “extremely sophisticated” scam involving banks.
It adds that you get a message saying payment hasn’t been taken from O2, Vodafone, 3, GiffGaff or EE and you should click on a link.
“As soon as you touch it you money is gone,” the viral warning adds.
It then says banks are inundated with calls, and that Martin Lewis confirmed it this morning.
But Martin is having none of it, reports the Mirror.
“This viral scam alert’s nowt to do with me,” Martin Tweeted.
“I’ve NOT talked about it. Always be scamaware, but this sounds nonsense.”
However, he did warn that it’s not an excuse to relax about scams.
“If you do get scam texts/emails it describes, it’s likely phishing for data, so delete,” Martin added.
Martin Lewis issues warning to anybody who has already bought Christmas presents
“Yet the scam alert’s no better and ain’t from City of London Police as far as I know.”
People replying to the tweet said they had had scam attempts, as well as the warning sent to them recently.
One person wrote: “Yes I’ve seen this warning! But also weirdly just had text supposedly from Halifax with a link to click. I don’t have an account with Halifax. Have blocked & deleted!”
Action Fraud – part of the City of London Police – confirmed as long ago as March that an incredibly similar message was nothing to do with them.
“We are aware of a rumour currently circulating via WhatsApp, SMS and social media which references the City of London Police Fraud Team and claims that Danske Bank customers are being targeted by a particular text message (smishing) scam. The content of this message is false,” Action Fraud wrote.
“However, smishing scams are common. Don’t click on the links or attachments in any suspicious emails or texts, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
“It’s important to remember that your bank would never ask you to move money out of your account, or contact you out of the blue and ask for details such as your full banking password or PIN.
“Anyone who has divulged information after receiving this type of message should contact their Bank immediately.”
Action Fraud has the following advice if you think you’ve been a target of fraud.
- Be wary of clicking on unsolicited messages on social media, email, texts or WhatsApp – even if they appear to come from a trusted contact.
- Do some online research first – check the official website to see if there is any information available.
- Ensure that you have anti-virus software on your computer
- Never give out personal or financial data including usernames, passwords, PINs, ID numbers or memorable phrases.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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Credit: ManchesterEveningNews.co.uk
