Protect yourself from impersonation scams

Have you ever received an unexpected call or email claiming to be from your bank, urging you to confirm your account details, make or confirm a payment, or move money?

If so, you're not alone. This increasingly common tactic is a classic sign of bank impersonation fraud. These scams are becoming more sophisticated, designed to trick you into handing over your personal information and money or granting access to your online bank accounts.

Fraudsters are getting smarter, too, copying the way real banks and businesses work to trick unsuspecting victims into providing them with security information or even access to their device – and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. 

The better news, as we explain below, is that if you know what to look out for, you can improve your chances of staying safe.

Relentless criminals

“We’re seeing a worrying rise in bank impersonation scams, with some Barclays customers being specifically targeted,” explains Hannah Rodden, Fraud Awareness Manager at Barclays.

“These scams are happening worldwide. For example, fraudsters in South Africa are setting up fake Barclays websites and apps, while in India, they’re using WhatsApp messages to lure people into fake investment opportunities.

“It's also important to understand that these scams aren’t just happening in specific countries or targeting certain banks. This is a global problem, and it’s crucial everyone is aware of these tactics to stay safe.”

However, you shouldn’t panic.  We've put this article together – to empower you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself against this threat. Below, you’ll learn how to spot a fake, keep your money safe, and what to do if you think you’ve been targeted.

Common impersonation scams

Impersonation fraud takes many forms. Here are some of the most common tactics used by scammers:  

• Fake bank calls: They’ll pretend to be from your bank – calling, emailing or texting with fake stories about suspicious activity or problems with your card. Their goal is to scare you into giving up your account details, security passcodes or access to your accounts.
• Government imposters: Watch out, too, for people claiming to be from government agencies, like the taxman or the benefits office. They will try to frighten you into paying fake debts, often demanding immediate payment.
• Friend or family pretenders: This scam plays on your emotions. A scammer will create a fake social media profile to look like someone you know. They will then contact you (posing as this person) with sob stories about being stranded or in trouble, hoping you'll send them money.

How to spot a fake

It can be tricky to spot a scam, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Don't be rushed: Scammers often try to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take your time.
• Beware of unexpected contact: Legitimate businesses rarely contact you out of the blue asking for personal details.
• Check for mistakes: Look out for spelling and grammar errors in emails or messages – they're often a sign of a scam. Be wary, too, of websites that look unprofessional or have unusual URLs. 
• Protect your personal info: Never share personal details like passwords, PIN numbers, passcodes, or bank account details with anyone unless you're absolutely sure who you're talking to.
• Be cautious of unusual payment requests: If someone asks you to pay using gift cards or wire transfers, it's likely a scam.

What to do if you suspect fraud

If you think you might have been the target of a scam, here's what to do:

• Don't engage: Ignore any emails, texts or calls from the scammer. Don't click on links or open attachments.
• Contact the genuine organisation: If you receive a suspicious call about your bank account, hang up and call your bank directly using a number you know is correct, such as the one on the back of your bank card.
• Report the scam: Help protect yourself and others by reporting the scam – to either your local law enforcement or consumer protection agency, or the company or organisation the scammer was pretending to be from. 

Important: If you believe you've shared any of your bank details with a scammer, including security passcodes or PINs, contact your bank immediately to secure your account and report the incident. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of recovering any funds.

Barclays – and how we protect you

We take your security extremely seriously. Here’s how we keep your money safe: 

• We never contact you on social media: Barclays will never contact you on platforms like WhatsApp or social media to ask for personal information.
• We only use your contact details: If we need to get in touch, we’ll use the email address or phone number you’ve registered with us.
• Stay safe, use official channels: Only interact with Barclays through our official website, telephone numbers, app, or by visiting a branch.

“You can help protect yourself by being on the lookout for scams,” says Rodden at Barclays. “If something feels off, it probably is. Always double-check before sharing personal information. And if you’re ever unsure, get in touch with us directly.”

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