Another week, another scam. We can hardly open a newspaper or glance at a website without reading a sorry tale involving deception. With bank account text scams on the rise, the sums involved can run into many thousands of pounds.
The latest fraudulent activity is targeting NatWest customers and its aim: to obtain private details like card numbers and online bank access codes.
The messages warn people ‘a new device has been registered’ with their account and the warning is followed by a fraudulent link. Of course, by clicking the link, they are sent to an unrelated website that is not legitimate.
The initial text will look quite convincing, and the sender will even say that it is from the bank.
NatWest has released these tips for helping customers to spot a scam. Here’s what you need to remember if you receive a text:
- Never give your full online banking PIN, full password, card reader codes or mobile app codes to anyone via text.
- Do not call the number included in the message, as fraudsters will try to trick you into giving away personal information.
- NatWest text messages may contain links to the bank’s websites but never link to pages that ask for any online banking or full card details.
- If you have already clicked on a suspicious link, run a scan with your antivirus software.
It’s also worth looking out for these warning signs:
- Alarming texts – Scaring you into believing your accounts have been accessed, scammers might ask you to log in via a link! Likewise, they could ask you to disclose personal information to access your account.
- Rushing you – Telling you to ‘act fast’ is one method fraudsters can use to get you to act without thinking.
- Fake account activity – Don’t respond to fake text messages informing you of unusual purchases and transfers from your account. For peace of mind, check your bank balance using online banking or a mobile app.
- Confirmation of account login – A scam text message can feel genuine because it says a specific device was used to log in to your online banking. They may tell you an unauthorised or unknown device was used. Banks will never ask you to secure your account or click any links via text message.
- Follow up texts or calls – Fraudsters can send a fake text and then quickly follow up with a phone call, to make the scam appear more real.
To keep up to date with the latest scams operating online and on social media, sign up for Which? Scam Alert Service at https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-alert-service/