Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can be a big giveaway of a scam text message.
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Fraud guide
Text message scams
What are they
This is when a criminal sends a text message claiming to be from a company you trust or your bank and ask you to call a phone number or click on a link. This is to trick you into giving away your personal and security information.
Criminals may alarm or panic you into believing your account has been accessed and pressure you to send personal details.
We will never ask you to secure your account or click any links via text message.
How to protect yourself
- 01
If you recieve text messages informing you of unusual purchases and transfers from your account, check your bank balance using online banking or our mobile app for peace of mind. Don’t respond to them.
- 02
If you are unsure of a suspicious text message, contact your bank or an organisation directly using a known email or phone number.
- 03
Don’t download any apps to your phone or install any software to your computer or devices following an unsolicited text.
- 04
Download and register free for Malwarebytes premium to keep your devices secure against things like viruses, ransomware and email scams.
- 05
Register for biometrics within the app as an extra level of security which helps to protect you against fraud.
What to do if you get caught out
If you think you’ve been targeted by criminals, report it. Call the bank using the number on the back of your card, or from the numbers on our website. You can also dial 159 to be connected securely to your bank.
Forward any suspicious texts referring to NatWest to 88355
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