Halifax is used by millions for their banking needs, but unsuspecting Britons are unfortunately being attacked by a new text scam. Many have reported receiving a text claiming to be from the bank and urging them to take action to secure their account. One such scam message reads: “HALIFAX: You have successfully set up a new payee Mrs Claire Wilson on 21/02/21 at 17:53:22. 

Following this, these details could be used for nefarious purposes such as identity fraud, and could mean a person’s bank account is compromised and they lose their hard-earned cash.

Often by the time people realise fraud has taken place it is too late, and they will have to approach their real bank to see if the situation can be rectified.

Understandably, a situation such as this can cause a great deal of stress, and so taking precautions to avoid it occurring is key.

Britons should never click a link contained within a text they receive out of the blue, and should always source the official link for their bank independently. 

Another told the official bank: “Not a customer but had a dodgy text. Just thought you should know. I haven’t clicked through.”

And a third warned: “Beware text scam purporting to be from Halifax.

“Whatever you do DON’T click on any links in the text. They get all your details and your account is compromised.”

Halifax has confirmed it will never ask people to share account details such as a User ID, password or memorable information.

Customers will also never be asked for a PIN code or card expert date, or to move their money around. 

People who suspect they have been in contact with a scam can forward the message to Halifax’s fraud team, or their own network provider on 7726.

Most of all, as the bank recently stressed, deleting the message and not replying to it are key steps to take. 

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