Tips for Safeguarding Against Fraud and Malware

At N26, the security of your account and your personal data is our top priority. We’ve recently received reports of customers being contacted by fraudsters who attempt to install malware on their mobile devices. 

While your N26 account is protected by powerful security features, it’s important that you also do your part to keep your data and your device safe. 

Recent reports have the following in common: 

1) Fraudsters send you a text message requesting you to call a phone number in order to resolve an issue with your account.

• N26 will never text you to request that you contact us via phone and never place outbound calls to customers unless these are arranged via the in-app Messages from N26 beforehand.
• Any N26 communication will be visible via the application.
• When in doubt, disengage and contact N26 Support via the in-app channels.

2) Fraudsters try to push you to download a new application outside the Apple or Google store.

• The only location to obtain the N26 app is via the Google Play store and the Apple App store.
• N26 does not have additional security applications.
• You do not need to download any additional applications to secure, certify, or use your N26 account.

3) Fraudsters try to push you to change your device's settings related to Security, Accessibility, or Developer Settings, to take control of your device.

• N26 will never require changes to these settings. Any instructions to change these settings should be cause for alarm.

If you believe there's an infection on a device you use, it's critical that you run malware-detecting software and regularly update your antivirus. Keeping your device's operating system up to date is also critical as many operating systems regularly push updates to resolve security issues. 

If you suspect you're the victim of a scam attempt, immediately end all communication with the suspected scammer and proactively contact N26 through our official channels.

Please refer to the below resources for more information on malware and how to protect your device:

• How to protect my account? (new tab) Do you have malware on your phone? Here's how to check (new tab)
• Wie kann ich mein Konto schützen? (new tab) Was ist Malware und wie kann ich mich davor schützen? (new tab)
• Come proteggere il mio conto? (new tab) Malware: cos’è, come funziona e come proteggersi (new tab)
• ¿Cómo proteger mi cuenta? (new tab) Malware: qué es, qué tipos hay y cómo protegerse (new tab)
• Comment protéger mon compte? (new tab) Malwares : Comment déjouer et éradiquer la menace ? (new tab)

To access educational material in all languages, see here (new tab).