Cyber Security Centre warns of scam texts posing as Lloyds Bank

The Cyber Security Centre for the Isle of Man has received reports of scam text messages pretending to come from Lloyds Bank, Energy FM has reported.

A spokesperson for the centre said the texts tell the recipient that an unfamiliar payment or Direct Debit has been put on hold. They then press the person to act straight away, either by replying or by ringing a phone number.

“If you receive a message like this, don’t respond using the contact details in the message,” the spokesperson said.

The centre recommends logging in through the banking app or website you would normally use to see whether anything is wrong. Anyone still worried should get in touch with their bank directly, on a number they already know to be genuine. The number printed on the back of a bank card is one example.

The centre said the reports it has received so far involve Lloyds, but it warned that fraudsters can pose as any bank.

It added: “Don’t let urgency pressure you into acting. Stop and check first.”