Malware scams

Here's everything you need to know about malware scams and how to steer clear of them. 

 

Worried that you've been targeted? If you think you've been the victim of a scam, call us straight away. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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If you only read one bit…

Malware is software built to do you harm. Criminals use it to get hold of things like passwords, banking details or security codes.

 

  • don't click a link in a suspicious email, text or message

  • only install apps from official stores

  • be careful with accessibility permissions

  • if something feels off, disconnect and call us.

What's malware?

Malware is a harmful software that criminals use to steal personal information like your passwords, keep an eye on what you're doing, or even take control of your device. It can infect your phone, tablets or computers, and it not always easy to spot.

How does malware get onto your device?

Usually, it's one of these:

  • you click a link in a suspicious email, text or message
  • you download an app from somewhere other than an offical store (or from an advert or pop‑up)
  • you open an attachment you weren't expecting
  • you approve a permission that doesn't really make sense for the app (like accessibility).

Accessibility permissions and why they matter

For Android users only

 

Accessibility features exist help people use their phone. These include screen readers or text-to-speech features On Android, switching on accessibility for an app can hand it some fairly powerful access, including the ability to see what's on your screen and read what you type. 

 

Criminals know this. And they'll use it to capture sensitive information.

 

The safest approach: only turn on accessibility for apps that genuinely need it and switch off for the rest. 

What can malware do?

Once its on your device, malware can:

  • capture what you type, including passwords
  • read what’s on your screen
  • take over your accounts or your device.

How to stay safe

We've strengthened security on Android devices to help protect you from the rise in malware scams.

If accessibility permissions are switched on for certain apps on your phone, you might find you can't open our app, or that it closes on its own. That's deliberate. It's there to reduce the risk of high-risk apps getting anywhere near your banking details.

Do

  • keep your device updated (automatic updates are worth switching on)
  • download apps only from official app stores
  • use strong, unique password and switch on multi-factor authentication
  • pause if a message is pushing you to act urgently – that pressure is usually the point.

Don't

  • click links or open attachments you weren't expecting
  • install an app because a caller or message told you it would "fix a problem”
  • approve permissions that don't make sense for the app.

Frequently asked questions

How to report a scam    

If you think you've been the victim of a scam, call us straightaway on 03 456 100 100. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

 

Report it to Action Fraud  too. And if you'd like more information on protecting yourself against financial fraud generally, the government-backed Take Five campaign is a good place to look.