NatWest customers urged to watch out as hundreds targeted with fake emails designed to steal bank details
NatWest customers are being urged not to click the scam links and submit their details
PA
NatWest customers have been warned about scam emails purporting to be from the bank are circulating.
The national fraud reporting centre Action Fraud recently said it has received 1,478 reports within two weeks relating to fake NatWest emails.
The emails, which are not from the bank, claim the recipient needs to “verify” or “update” their bank account information.
The scammers claim this is needed to maintain access to their online banking.
NatWest customers are being urged to watch out and not fall victim to this convincing scam tactic
X | @ACTIONFRAUDUK
The messages include links which lead to malicious websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information, Action Fraud has warned.
In an alert posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, the department urged people to contact the organisation directly if they have doubts about a message.
They added: “Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website.
“Your bank (or any other official source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.”
In one example of the scam email, the fraudsters claim to be “making significant changes” to NatWest’s Online Banking which will affect current accounts.
Another example of this type of scam tactic, which features the NatWest logo despite not being from the bank, read: “Dear Customer.
"A recent maintenance has just been completed, we therefore require you immediately login to your online portal, in order to ensure this has not affected your account(s).
“We will send you a one time passcode by text to ensure it is actually you logging in.”
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In one form of the scam emails, fraudsters claim to be “making significant changes” to NatWest’s Online Banking
PA
The message goes on to encourage people to click a link within the email, and even claims account security is their “priority”.
“Click here to complete online portal verification. We are here to assist you anytime. Your account security is our priority. Thank you for choosing NatWest.”
Action Fraud has urged people not to “take the bait”, warning: “The emails are FAKE and the links lead to malicious websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.”
If a person has spotted a suspicious email, they are directed to forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) via report@phishing.gov.uk.