Description
Some online banking customers have been receiving emails claiming
to be from Barclays bank, asking users to confirm their email address
by entering their account details, including password and memorable
word.
The link contained inside the emails may at first glance appear to
be legitimate, but it is a scam to steal users' account details and
potentially gain illegal access to accounts.
A typical version of the email follows:
Subject: Barclays E-mail Verification
Dear Barclays Bank Member,
This email was sent by the Barclays server to verify your e-mail
address. You must complete this process by clicking on the link
below and entering in the small window your Barclays Membership
number, passcode and memorable word.
This is done for your protection --- because some of
our members no longer have access to their email addresses and
we must verify it.
To verify your e-mail address and access your bank account,
click on the link below. If nothing happens when you click on the
link (or if you use AOL), copy and paste the link into
the address bar of your web browser.
<URL removed>
Another example of the scam reads as follows:
Subject: Barclays Customer Care
Barclays - Security Server update
Dear Customer
This message is from Barclays Bank, to inform you that we had
updated our anti-fraud system to prevent frequent fraud attempts.
At this moment we need you to reactivate your account due to
software security updates. All accounts that haven't been
reactivated will be placed on hold.
To verify your account, please visit the IBank website at
<URL removed>
If you have questions about your online statement, please send
us a Bank Mail or contact the Online Banking Helpdesk on
0845 600 2323. We appreciate your business. It's truly our
pleasure to serve you.
Barclays Customer Care
Another example of the scam reads as follows:
Hello dear client Barclays Bank.
Today our system of safety at night has been cracked!!!
It not a joke!!! It is the truth!!!
We ask you, in order to prevent problems, to repeat
registration of your data. Make it very quickly!
Administration Barclays Bank.
<URL removed>
Another example of the scam reads as follows:
Dear valued Barclays IBank Customer!
As part of our continuing commitment to
protect your account and to reduce the instance
of fraud on our website, we are undertaking a
period review of our member accounts. You are
requested to visit our site by following the link
given below. This is required for us to continue
to offer you a safe and risk free environment to
send and receive money online, and maintain the
Barclays IBank Experience. You will be redirected to
the Barclays IBank home page after verification. Thank you.
<URL removed>