Barclays has issued an alert to all UK customers as the banking giant warned “don’t” in a bid to keep people from having to part with their hard-earned cash. In a social media post, Barclays warned people to “always be suspicious”.

In full the update, shared on X, reads: “Scammers impersonate people or companies you trust and convince you to send them money. Always be suspicious of unexpected requests for money. Before you pay, contact them on a number you know is genuine to check the request is real.”

Graphics attached to the post explain further that people should: “Be suspicious of urgent or unusual requests for money by text, chat, email, or phone call”. Barclays’ guidance goes on to say: “Don’t click links in unexpected emails, chat or text messages [and] if a company unexpectedly asks for money, get their phone number from their official website and call to check the request is real.”

Anyone who thinks they may have been scammed – or otherwise needs support – is advised to call Barclays for help on 159.

Barclays warns that scammers are quick to adapt and said it is “constantly uncovering new scams.” Advice on its website adds: “If you receive an unexpected call and you’re not sure it’s from us, end the call. Then call us back from a different phone, or call a friend to make sure the scammers aren’t still on the line.”