Barclays customers warned 'act immediately' and 'reset credentials' over scam threat

By Mieka Smiles, News Reporter

Barclays customers have been warned about Malware scams (Image: Getty)

Barclays has issued an urgent warning to its customers as a new wave of digital scams take hold.

The bank has urged account holders and customers to be vigilant about malware attacks that can gain full access to people’s mobile phones.

In very simple terms, malware is software that is specifically designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to a computer system.

Now a digital expert has revealed the sneaky tactics used by the crooks to access people’s accounts and data.

Kirsty Adams, a digital expert at the bank, said: “Criminals employ sophisticated tactics to often sneak malware onto your device – by adding apps that seem harmless and practical, such as a PDF reader, to official app stores.

Malware scams have soared in the UK recently (Image: UK)

“Once downloaded, these apps can sit dormant on your phone, raising no alarm bells, until you’re prompted to update the app – inadvertently installing mobile malware on your device.

“With full access to your phone, these harmful apps present you with fake login screens, scrape your phone for private information, and even spy on or control your activity on other apps.

“Therefore it’s important that you’re ultra cautious when installing anything on your phone.”

Barclays warned to always “be suspicious” if an app asks for accessibility permissions and Ms Adams warned to "research what’s available” before choosing an app, reports Birmingham Mail.

And if you do fall foul of the advice Ms Adams has some stark advice.

She said: “Act immediately. If your device becomes infected by malware take immediate steps to limit the risk of infection and seek professional assistance. Keep your device on, but disconnected.

“Unplug any network cables and de-activate Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth connections. Do not shut down your mobile device as you may not be able to access it again.

“Report the incident immediately to Action Fraud and preserve any evidence.”

She added: “Reset your credentials, including passwords, but make sure you don’t lock yourself out of systems that are needed for recovery.”