Banco de Portugal warns of fraudulent attempts to obtain credentials

The Banco de Portugal (BdP) warned this Thursday of fraudulent attempts to obtain, via text messages or email, the credentials of bank customers.

In a statement, the banking regulator explained that the message contained content such as “security warning – your account has been blocked for security reasons.”

“We have detected that you have not updated your application. To unlock it now, click the Continue button or click here,” he adds.

Fraud attempts may also include a message such as “Manuel, your username is expiring today. Follow the link and correct the situation so you can continue to use your card.”

BdP also warns that in the case of text messages, the contact may be linked to other legitimate messages from the bank/payment service provider.

“Never click on links or open such messages as they may be scams. In case of doubt or suspicion, contact your bank/payment service provider immediately through the usual means,” says the institution headed by Mario Centeno.

BdP urges “if you access the links, do not disclose or enter personal information, home banking or app credentials, or any codes the bank sends to your mobile phone.”

“As a general rule, the bank/payment service provider will never ask for this information over the phone,” he warns.