Barclays - replacing debit card text?

howryoo

A relative of mine has recently received a text stating to the effect:

We've found an issue with your debit card.  Sent out new card but can continue to use existing card for 28 days ...

Not sure what's triggered this, but surely if they think the card's been compromised, they'll have:

1.  Been in touch regarding suspect transactions

2.  Stopped the card's functionality with immediate effect

None of their recent transactions are out of the ordinary.  Any one at Barclays making the assessment would have been able to see for the past 3 - 6 months the same payees etc.

There has however been a few smaller ebay payments, but can't imagine these triggering anything.

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced this recently?

Brie

If the card had been compromised they would have stopped it immediately to protect themselves as well as your relative.  (frankly they'll be more concerned about themselves)

Your relative should go online and look up a customer service number and ring to have things verified.  Likely at that point the card will be stopped and replaced for safety.  Do not respond to the text as that's likely going to trigger more contact where the scammer phishes for more info to set up their scam.  

WillPS

The text doesn't solicit a response. I doubt it's a scam.

Emmia

If in any doubt, call Barclays using the number on the debit card your relative has to check.

kimwp

Maybe they've realised the phone number has been printed incorrectly 

Emmia

kimwp said:

Maybe they've realised the phone number has been printed incorrectly 

That would mean that thousands of cards would need to be replaced. There would be a story in the paper telling customers about this, and not to use the number on that card.

The cards will all be blanks with the branding and the contact number already on the card, which the bank then "customises" with the card number, name,, bank account, etc.

boingy

Take no action. If a new card arrives then great but I'm pretty sure it's a scam.
I predict a follow-up text will contain the sting, explaining how you need you to verify something before they can issue your new card.

strawb_shortcake

I had this a couple of years back, no warning or explanation beforehand, card continued to work fine until the new card arrived a few days later, I seem to recall it happened twice in quick succession.

howryoo

annabanana82 said:

I had this a couple of years back, no warning or explanation beforehand, card continued to work fine until the new card arrived a few days later, I seem to recall it happened twice in quick succession.

Wonder what prompted it?

There isn't any transactions on my relative's card that could have triggered their suspicious flag.  Would have had a call from their fraud dept. and / or card stopped immediately.

howryoo

Thanks for the replies.

The text tagged onto the back of a previous Barclays text number where they've sent an OTP in the past.

mab3000

Used to work for Barclays. This does sound like a normal thing that they do.

They usually do this when they have reason to believe that the card details may have been compromised, usually when the card has been used somewhere where there has been a data breach. And although it will be a very low risk that those card details may be used down the line, they replace the card as a precaution. 

Barclays should be able to confirm to your relative that they sent the text and replacing that card. However it will be unlikely that they will divulge any details as to why they are replacing the card.