UK bank customers are being warned to stay alert after a rise in sophisticated phishing scams impersonating Lloyds Bank. The fraudulent scheme uses panic-inducing text messages to trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information.
The scam starts with an unexpected SMS claiming an unauthorised transaction, often a specific amount such as £278.91 or £587.65, has been charged to the recipient's account by airline EasyJet. Fearing they have been defrauded, targets are urged to immediately call a "customer service" number provided in the text or click a link if they do not recognise the payment.
Example of the scam message
An example of the scam text reads: "LLOYDS: 478203 is your OTP code for the payment to easyJet.co.uk for GBP £587.65. If you don't recognise this contact us on 03300590012 or +443300590012 (for calls abroad)."
People have been sharing the scam message on social media after receiving it themselves. On Facebook, a user called Paul posted a warning to others, writing: "Just got a message from Lloyd's Bank saying a payment for £278.91 to easy jet was made. If this wasn't you, please call 03333 050938." He added: "Didn't call that number, I called the bank, and it was a scammer.... So be careful peeps... Bank said don't ever call them... You did the right thing calling us."
Red flags to spot the fraud
These numbers and links are entirely malicious. Instead of reaching the bank, victims are connected directly to fraudsters who use high-pressure tactics to extract online banking credentials, PINs, and personal information.
Industry watchdogs have identified several critical red flags indicating the messages are fake. Genuine alerts from Lloyds Bank typically address the customer by name or include partial card details, whereas these scam texts rely on generic greetings. The contact numbers provided do not match official banking channels.
What to do if you receive the text
If you receive this text, authorities advise against interacting with it. Do not reply, click any embedded links, or call the listed phone number. Instead, verify your account status independently by logging in to the official Lloyds Bank mobile app or by checking a trusted paper statement.
Those who suspect they have been targeted should forward the fraudulent text to 7726, the UK's free network reporting service. Anyone who may have inadvertently disclosed their financial details should contact Lloyds Bank immediately by calling the number on the back of their debit card or by dialling the secure 159 hotline to safeguard their funds.
How to tell if a message really is from Lloyds
A statement on the bank's website reads: "We'll always include your name, and the last four digits of an account you have with us, so you know our emails are genuine. We may also send you links to our secure app, to take you straight to the information you need." Lloyds says it will never: send you to a web page that asks for your logon, personal or banking details; tell you to move money to another account; ask you to make a test payment online; or link directly to its Internet Banking log on page.
It adds: "If you're not sure that an email is from us, forward it to emailscams@lloydsbanking.com and delete it. You can also speak to us through the Mobile Banking app or Internet Banking." If you want to check a website address from a message like this, use a website checker like the one on Get Safe Online.
This comes as another scam alert has been issued about a separate text message circulating that also impersonates Lloyds Bank. The messages claim an unfamiliar payment or Direct Debit has been placed on hold and urge the recipient to take immediate action by replying or calling a phone number.
