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Fraud guide

Impersonation Scams

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Top tips to stay safe Open in new window
Impersonation scam examples Open in new window
How to spot this scam Open in new window
Other types of scams Open in new window
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Scam watch: Bank impersonation scams are on the rise

Be aware of fake messages or calls supposedly from NatWest claiming a payment is on hold or asking you to verify a transaction. Learn more about how to avoid this scam.

Tips to stay safe

These type of scams involve criminals pretending to be a trusted organisation such as a bank, the police, a government department or a service provider.

  1. Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account or ask for your full PIN, password or passcode.
  2. The bank won’t phone you and ask you to approve a payment – only approve payments that you know you’ve made yourself.​
  3. We will never ask you to generate a Get Cash code and share it with us for authorisation purposes.
  4. Contact your bank or an organisation directly using a known email or phone number.
  5. Don’t give anyone remote access to your computer or install any applications or software to your computer or devices following a cold call or unsolicited message or text.
  6. Register for biometrics within the app  as an extra level of security  which helps to protect you against fraud

Common types of impersonation scams

Impersonation scams take many forms, so familiarise yourself with these guides to protect your details and your money. While impersonation scams can look very different, most follow a familiar pattern so keep scrolling to read the common signs to help you spot them.

A screenshot of a text message claiming to be from the HMRC. The message informs the recipient they have a tax refund to claim through a link.

Scammers may pose as HMRC to persuade you to send them money or steal your details.

HMRC scam guide Open in new window
Screenshot of a scam text message that starts ‘Hi mum!’ pretending to be from a child, saying their phone was damaged, their SIM no longer works, and asking the parent to save a new phone number.

Fraudsters send you a message pretending to be your friend or family member.

Friends & family impersonator guide Open in new window
Scam text message impersonating a broadband provider, saying the latest bill couldn’t be processed and asking the recipient to click a link to update payment details to avoid losing service or fees.

Scammers are skilled in posing as trusted organisations like your phone or internet provider.

Spot service provider scams Open in new window
Scam email impersonating a pensions provider, suggesting the recipient they may be struggling financially and encouraging them to access their pension pot, with a ‘Tell me more’ button.

Criminals trying to convince you to move money from a pension for better returns, allowing them to steal funds.

Pension scam guide Open in new window
Scam message impersonating a delivery company, claiming a parcel could not be delivered and asking the recipient to click a link to reschedule delivery.

Text messages are often used by scammers  pretending to be a trusted organisation, such as a bank or delivery company. 

Text message scams Open in new window
Scam email impersonating a cloud storage provider, warning that storage is almost full and urging the recipient to increase their storage to avoid problems.

Phishing is one of the most common forms of scams, with fraudsters circulating malicious links or files under the guise of a legitimate email.

Protect your personal information Open in new window

How to spot Impersonation scams

  • Urgent requests: you receive an urgent request for your personal or financial information, to make a payment or move money.
  • They might try to make you panic: they may pressure you to rush causing a level of panic.
  • Ask you to move money: you’re asked to transfer money to another account for ‘safe-keeping’.
  • Ask you to approve a payment: scammers might pretend you are owed a refund to get you to give away your One Time Passcodes (OTPs) or ask you to approve a payment in the mobile app that you didn't make.
  • Deepfakes: scammers can use artificial intelligence (AI) to make their scams more realistic. They can make fake videos of celebrities, phone calls from people you know or websites and emails that look official. Be extra cautious of any unexpected contact. Read more about how AI is used in scams
  • Ask you to give your personal information: Social engineering is a method fraudsters use to manipulate people so that they hand over personal information. The aim is to trick you into giving them passwords, bank information and even to install malicious software on your computer. Read more about Social Engineering

 

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