Security & Scam Alerts

• Keep your personal details secret. Never write down or disclose your account details, and passwords with anyone. Keep your credit card and ATM cards safe.
• Do not hand-over your card to anyone even if they claim to be representatives from your Bank and always cut the plastic in four pieces across the magnetic stripe before disposal.
• Ensure your personal documents are always secure. Do not hand-over the copies or original documents containing your personal data like your DOB, PAN number, financials, address proofs, etc to an unknown person. Always ask for identification.
• Check your bank account statements regularly. If you notice any transactions you don't remember making on your account, report the discrepancy to the customer service department immediately.
• Use common sense and trust your instincts – if something looks too good to be true
• Do not respond to the offers or deals unless you seek clarification from your bank customer service and you are absolutely convinced that it is in your best interest.”
• Check the ID card of the collector before making a payment against your loan account.
• Check the receipt for hologram before making a payment against your loan account.
• You can call +91 22 6000 7888 for hot listing your Barclays Debit card as well as for reporting fraudulent activity on your account. This number is available to you 24X7 (Standard Calling Rates Apply) or you may e-mail us at customerservices@barclays.com. Please note that no other product or service related information will be available on this number.
• Do change your ATM / Debit card PIN at a regular intervals to prevent fraudulent transactions. 
• Please ensure that you do not  lose sight of your card while transacting and ensure that the PIN is entered with secrecy to avoid compromise.
• Do not share Card PIN, CVV, OTP, Internet banking password with anyone via unsolicited call, SMS or Emails received.
• Should you observe any unauthorised transactions, please report them promptly to our customer service team or visit the nearest Barclays Bank branch.
• To help us protect you from fraud, kindly keep your contact details updated (such as phone number, email and postal address) to receive prompt transaction alerts and other important communication related to your account. Stay safe, stay vigilant!

Read More on Invoice Fraud Scam

Fraud Presentation

Protect against Fraud_Stay Vigilant

• Report a Suspicious E-mail
• Fraudsters generally send e-mails to customers of various banks asking them to update confidential account information like their debit/credit card numbers, internet banking User ID & Passwords, etc. by clicking on an e-mail link or by visiting a website.
• Please note:
• Barclays Bank PLC does not seek such information from its customers in any online communication. Hence please do not part with this information. If you receive any such suspicious emails, please report tocustomerservices@barclays.com
  
• Know more about safety tips for using Online Banking
• What is Phishing?
• We seek your co-operation to serve you better.

• Is your Computer protected?
• Given below are guidelines to protect your computer:
• Install up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer to safeguard against viruses being downloaded onto your computer
• Use a Personal Firewall
• Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date with Software Updates
• Scan your computer for spyware regularly
• Install up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer to safeguard against viruses being downloaded onto your computer
• It is highly recommended that your computer be scanned from time to time for protection against viruses entering your computer through emails or browsed websites. Anti-virus software with updated signatures prevents viruses from infecting your computer.
• A Trojan horse is a piece of software which appears to perform a certain action, but in fact, performs another, thus potentially enabling others to gain control of your computer system remotely, without your knowledge or consent. As a result, they can capture and transmit sensitive information stored on your hard drive.
• Numerous anti-virus software packages are available in the market. If you have automatic updating feature in your software package then your software gets updated after the expiry period. To avoid the agony of restoring your computer system in case it gets infected, you simply have to install anti-virus software package.
• Use a Personal Firewall
• A computer is susceptible to a number of vicious encroachments and attacks through its internet connection, if it is not protected securely. You may be getting your internet connection through cable modem, digital subscribe line (DSL) or dial-up. The longer your computer and internet connection is switched on, the more the possibility of an unwanted identity penetrating your computer. This holds true more so for connections from cable modem and DSL users since these tend to remain in the 'always-on' mode.
• At this juncture, a personal firewall comes to the rescue. It acts as a wall between your computer and the rest of the internet. It can be in the form of a hardware component, a software application or a combination of both. Firewalls stall malicious attacks and act as a filter for unwanted data entering your computer or private network. If an intruder tries to access your system harmfully, firewalls would warn you.
• Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date with Software Updates
• Where do security 'holes' or 'bugs' come from? They are contained in the software and the Internet activities itself that is in use. Hence, it becomes mandatory to check for security bulletins that alert you about them. To avoid any adverse effect on the software and Web browser you are using, it is crucial to visit the Web sites of your operating system and Web- browser vendors for software "patches" and "updates". Updates can be automatically made on to your system if it is so configured.
• It is highly recommended that your computer and Internet connection be appropriately configured to ensure a secure internet banking

Scan your computer for Spyware regularly

Did you know that spyware and adware can keep a track on your Internet activity? In all probability, it would disclose information to disreputable sources. The best practice to adopt would be downloading free spyware removal programs available on the Internet.

As a precautionary step, you can shut down your computer or internet connection when not in use.

What is Mobile Scam?

A Mobile scam usually begins with a harmless but attractive text message that would encourage the recipient to peruse further on their given instructions for a prize. The message (or sometimes, an advertisement) could also invite you to take part in a trivia competition, with a great prize on offer if you provide information as instructed (mostly personal information like Full Name, DOB, email ID etc) or answer a certain number of questions correctly. 

The objectives of the scammers are to slowly take you into confidence and get you to compromise your personal data. Once the data is compromised, the scammers adapt their own avenue towards other frauds like identity theft or lottery frauds.

Examples

Some instances of the message types being sent across to customers via sms:

• Your Mobile No has won you GBP 200.000 in the 2009 New Year Shell In't Mobile-Draw [PIN#012009]To claim,E-mail your Name & Pin# to E-Mail: claims01@live.co.uk
• CONGRATS! YOUHAVE WON GBP 200000.00 IN THE 2009 [SHELL] INT'L MOBILE DRAW. TO CLAIM CONTACT CAPT.JOE, E-MAIL: claims01@live.co.uk

Warning Signs

• You receive a text message offering you the chance to win a prize by sending a return email as instructed or entering a competition or providing personal details.
• The text message may inform you that you have won or could win a prize by participating in a trivia competition over responding on the mail or SMS.
• The SMS normally does not display the sender’s details.
• The first text message or the advertisement for the competition does not contain all the terms and conditions.

Protect yourself

• Always remember the saying : "If it looks too good to be true—it probably is".
• Use your common sense: the offer may be a scam.
• Contact your bank customer service and confirm on any such offers.
• Do not reply to the offers or deals unless you seek clarification from your bank customer service and you are absolutely convinced that it is in your best interest.
• Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it.
• Only give out your personal details and information where it is absolutely necessary and where you have initiated the contact and trust the other party.
• Treat your personal details like you would treat money: don’t leave them lying around for others to take.

Advance Fee Scams (Lottery / Inheritance / Lotto / Lucky Draw / Job related)

Advance Fee scams pertain to unsolicited E-mail messages or letters sent out by scammers to tempt people with promises of large cash pay-outs in exchange for a small advance payment as fee.

The email or the letter may appear to be from a foreign government, agency, or sweepstakes company that offers to transfer millions of pounds into the person’s bank account and sometimes the email will appear to come from a senior bank executive.

This email or letter you receive about your winnings/opportunity will ask you to respond quickly or risk missing this rare opportunity. You’re usually asked to pay some fees towards insurance costs, government taxes, bank fees, legal fees or courier charges to process your winnings. The fraudsters may also provide copies of documents, or cheques as ‘proof’ of authenticity, although these were produced fraudulently. Sometimes you’re also be asked to provide personal details to ‘prove’ that you are the correct winner and to give your bank account details so the ‘prize’ can be sent to you.

This is known as an ‘advanced fee fraud’ or a ‘419 scam’.

From time to time, fraudsters use the Modus operandi in different forms like Lottery, Inheritance, lotto, lucky draw and also offering jobs under the names of reputed organisations/Banks and well-known financial institutions to try to con people out of money.

These scammers make money by collecting ‘fees’ under different heads from you and stalling the payment of your ‘winnings’. They may also use the personal details to steal your identity or make off with money from your bank account.

Such scams have been around for many years but unfortunately, criminals still continue their efforts to defraud people. Use of the Internet is yet just another means that the criminals use, especially since it has made it easier for them to reach large numbers of potential victims around the world. However the best way to defend ourselves is to be more alert by understanding and following simple measures.

Warnings:

• Unsolicited Email or letters received from any company /organisation which you have never interacted with.
• The scammers create urgency by putting strict deadlines & clauses like failure to respond could lead to forfeiture or loss of the winnings, thereby trying to stop you from thinking thru the situation rationally.
• You are asked to send a ‘fee’ or bank account details to collect your prize.
• You are asked to provide your personal details along with bank details.
• A post office (PO) box number, email address (free email service provider) or mobile phone number is provided as a contact point.

Protection Measures:

• Do not assume that the sender’s email address is genuine. The fraudsters will often use an account at a free email provider, which you can tell by reviewing the 'properties' of the address.
• Never pay any money or fee to claim prize money.
• Never open suspicious or unsolicited emails (spam), always delete them.
• Do not click on any links in a spam email, or open any files attached to them.
• Do not reply to a spam email, even to unsubscribe.
• Never call a telephone number provided in the email or letter. – If a telephone number, account number or address is provided within the e-mail forward the details to the law enforcement authorities.
• If the mail has purportedly come from the Bank, please check with the Bank’s customer service before acting on the mail.
• If you have paid money, report the matter to your local police station.
• Use common sense and trust your instincts – if something looks too good to be true.

https://www.rbi.org.in/CommonPerson/english/scripts/rbikehtahai.aspx

Financial Frauds

Coronavirus/COVID19

We remain open for business, and would like to reassure you that Barclays has Resilience Plans in place to support our clients and customers. We are at your service, but do bear with us for any delays in these challenging times.

You may call on  912260007888 or write to customerservices@barclays.com , should you need to report any fraudulent activity on your account.

Additionally, in case you receive any suspicious documents, please report them to internetsecurity@barclays.com

For up to date information around new COVID19 related fraud threats, please visit https://www.barclays.co.uk/coronavirus/scams/

For general fraud awareness updates, please visit - https://www.barclays.in/home/security-scam-alerts/  

Aarogya Setu Mobile Application 

The following message has been displayed on the advice received from the Government of India.

1. Aarogya Setu is a mobile application developed by the Government of India to connect essential health services with the people of India in our combined fight against COVID-19.

2. The App is aimed at augmenting the initiatives of the Government of India, particularly the Department of Health, in proactively reaching out to and informing the users of the app regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19.

3. Aarogya Setu App tracks through a Bluetooth & Location generated social graph, the users interaction with someone who could have tested Covid-19 positive. The user of app will be alerted if someone has come in close proximity of, even unknowingly, someone who is tested Covid-19 positive.

Download Aarogya Setu App and help India win this fight against COVID 19

Details of the app is given in the attached banner.

Disclaimer : The above message has been displayed without any responsibility or liability on the part of Barclays Bank PLC or its affiliates. Aarogya Setu App has been developed and distributed by the Government of India. Barclays Bank Plc, or its affiliates do not have access to any user information or commercial interest in the Arogya Setu App.

Users are advised to read the ‘Terms of Service’ and ‘Privacy Policy’ during installation of the App. 

Warning: Have you been approached with an Investment Opportunity?

Fraudsters are impersonating Barclays to scam individuals and businesses

Be alert for any investment opportunities (e.g. mortgage, investment bonds, online trading) offered to you by someone claiming to be a Barclays Representative – it could be a scam. Approaches have been known to be made via social channels including WhatsApp Groups, Facebook, Telegram, and Instagram and may reference genuine Barclays websites to try and convince you that the approach is genuine.

What to do if you are approached with an investment opportunity

If you don’t already have an existing relationship with Barclays, be mindful that Barclays would not contact you offering investment opportunities. If you are an existing client, contact your Relationship Manager, or call the number on the back of your card, to verify if the request is legitimate. 

What to do if you think you've been scammed

If you think that you have made a payment in relation to a fraudulent investment opportunity or scam, contact your bank to attempt retrieval of the payment and file a complaint with the local police as soon as possible. Barclays Bank cannot accept responsibility for a payment made by yourself in good faith, that turned out to be a scam.

If you have been the victim of a fraud or scam (e.g. Investment/Romance/Inheritance/Marketplace scam) that isn’t related to a Barclays product, but have made a payment to a Barclays account, contact your bank immediately. They will take steps to investigate the receiving accounts and retrieve funds wherever possible. You should also file a complaint with local police who will contact us directly should an investigation be launched. Barclays Bank will fully co-operate and assist with any Law Enforcement enquiries.

Remain vigilant for further approaches

If you have interacted with fraudsters it is likely that they will attempt to contact you again, but through a different approach. This includes scenarios such as pretending to be a solicitor, law enforcement or the fraud department of your bank looking to retrieve any lost funds, therefore it is important that you maintain vigilance when being contacted by a third party.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported misleading advertisements of unauthorised Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) offering forex trading facilities to Indian residents on platforms including social media, search engines, Over The Top (OTT) platforms, and gaming apps.
These ETPs have also been known to use agents to approach people with forex trading/investment schemes, enticing them with promises of disproportionate/exorbitant returns. Furthermore, there have been reports of frauds committed by unauthorised ETPs/portals and of many residents losing money as a result of investing in such trading/schemes.

To protect yourself from fraud and the ensure compliance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA), you should only undertake forex transactions with Authorised Persons, and should do only do so using Authorised Exchange Traded Platforms (ETPs).

The RBI also publish an Alert List of entities and persons who are not authorised to deal in Forex, or are not authorised to operate electronic trading platforms – Please refer to this list should you be approached with any opportunities of this nature, and ensure that you do not engage with these entities/persons.