Fraudsters pose as family and friends to breach online security

A WARNING has been issued about fraudsters trying to bypass two-step security codes designed to protect bank accounts.

There has been a sharp increase in reports, according to police.

The force has been made aware of several recent incidents in which banking security measures – officially known as two factor authentication (2FA) – have been compromised.

The measures normally take the form of a password or PIN number to ensure only authorised people can access a bank account.

Police said that in each case the victims had been contacted online by individuals posing as friends or family members and asked to share their 2FA code.

“Recently we have seen an increase in the reporting of fraud offences where 2FA codes have been obtained in order to gain access to secure accounts,” said a police spokesman.

“This can take the form of something you know, like a password or PIN; something you have, like your phone, or something like a fingerprint.

“Typically, it involves sending a code to a registered mobile device after a user has entered their username and password into a website.”

The security system is mainly used by social media organisations and banks to ensure a user’s account details are kept secure and only they can gain access.

But police are concerned about the number of recent incidents where individuals have been duped into handing over the codes.

“In the past two weeks 14 reports have been received where people have been contacted by individuals online who they believed were family or friends and asked to share their 2FA code,” said the spokesman.

“It was later established that the accounts were compromised as the victims genuinely believed they shared the 2FA codes with someone they knew.

“The simple advice is never share your 2FA code with anyone else, whoever they claim to be and whatever the circumstances.”

If you believe you have been the victim of this fraud, contact police: