Cybersecurity Trends

share  21 September 2026 

Simply Changing the Language Could Increase the Risk of Falling Victim to a Scam

Banking apps have become an essential part of everyday life, making it quick and convenient to manage financial transactions. At the same time, scammers are continuously refining their tactics, making fraudulent schemes more convincing and harder to detect.

Most people are already familiar with common security advice: avoid clicking suspicious links, do not download apps from untrusted sources, and never share your OTP with anyone. Today, however, some scammers have shifted their approach. Instead of sending malicious links, they may call victims directly and guide them through a series of actions over the phone.

One tactic to watch out for involves scammers posing as bank representatives or officials from government agencies and other organizations. They may instruct users to change the language settings in their banking app, adjust system settings, or follow specific instructions, claiming that it is necessary to protect their account, update information, or enhance system security.

While changing the language in an app may seem harmless, it can lead to a security risk. When users are unable to fully understand the information displayed on the screen, they may be more likely to make mistakes or overlook important details.

If menus, notifications, or confirmation messages appear in an unfamiliar language, users may find it difficult to verify what transaction they are actually authorizing. At the same time, a caller who provides step-by-step instructions can make users increasingly dependent on their guidance rather than reviewing the information themselves. In some cases, this may lead to the disclosure of sensitive information or an unintended transfer of funds without the user's knowledge.

The goal of this type of scam is not to help users understand what is happening on their screen. Instead, scammers seek to create confusion, anxiety, or a sense of urgency, making it more likely that users will follow instructions without carefully checking the details.

If you receive a call asking you to change the language settings in your banking app or follow their instructions to perform certain transactions, stop immediately. Do not proceed simply because the caller claims the matter is urgent or requires immediate action.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Claims that your account security is at risk or that a system update or information verification is required.
  • Requests to change the app's language to one you are unfamiliar with.
  • Instructions to follow steps one by one without giving you the opportunity to review the information independently.
  • Requests for sensitive information, such as OTPs, card details, passwords, or personal information.
  • Pressure to act immediately, remain on the call, or keep the matter to yourself.

What Should You Do If You Receive Such a Call?

If you are unsure whether the caller is a legitimate representative, the safest approach is to stop the transaction, end the call, and contact the bank or organization the caller claims to represent through its official channels.

Do not:

  • Call back a number provided by the caller.
  • Click on any links sent to you.
  • Follow instructions given while you are on the call.

Neither the information provided by the caller nor the messages displayed on your screen can reliably confirm that the person is genuinely authorized to represent the organization they claim to be from.

If the matter is legitimate, the bank or relevant organization will be able to verify it and provide accurate information through its official channels.

Important Reminder

Banks do not contact customers and ask them to change the language settings in their apps as part of a security update. Protecting yourself from online financial fraud depends not only on the bank's security measures but also on your own vigilance. Always be cautious when someone attempts to direct you to perform actions or transactions within a banking app.

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