PSA: Barclays Banking App Update - They Removed The 'Memorable Phrase'
So I went to use the app today - it all looks different and the bit at the top says "Hello EdgyMathWhiz" instead of my 'memorable phrase'.
Bugger, I've been hacked I think. I check and there's no recent update showing on the google app store.
I called Barclays, and apparently they've rolled out an update to selected customers that no longer shows the memorable phrase (even though the updated app still has a settings section with 'Set up a meaningful word' where it expressly says "We'll always show this when we ask for your passcode to confirm that you're using the genuine Mobile Banking App" - which is no longer true").
There's nothing on the Barclays website about the change.
I think this is pretty shoddy - making the change without notification seems a massive cockup, and they haven't even done it properly, because the app still contains access to the setting and still claims it is always shown before asking for the pass code. The initial front page looks more basic and unprofessional as well - which doesn't help with the "am I somehow running a hacked app?" questioning.
That said, if your app suddenly looks a little odd, it's probably that you've just received the new update. [It feels ridiculous writing that it's "probably OK", and you should still ring them to check, but it's unlikely to be anything to worry about].