The text may try to alarm you
They might try to scare you into believing your accounts has been accessed. They might ask you to log in via a link or disclose personal information to access your account
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Fraud guide
Text message fraud
How this page can help you
Fake text messages
This is when a fraudster 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. If you do so, fraudsters will try to trick you into giving away your personal and security information.
Things to look out for
Fake bank account activity
Fake text messages informing you of unusual purchases and transfers from your account. Don’t respond to them. Check your bank balance using online banking or our mobile app for peace of mind.
They'll often try to rush you
Telling you to “act fast” is one way fraudsters can get you to act without thinking. They might claim that your account has been accessed at a specific time to make the smishing text message seem genuine, or make you feel responsible by implying you’ve missed important calls or emails from your bank.
Text confirming 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. We will never ask you to secure your account or click any links via text message.
They'll try and sound helpful
Another way fraudsters try to trick you is by using language you’d expect to hear from a bank or a company you trust. They might use friendly words or even include some of the slogans and phrases you’ve come across before.
They may follow up the text with a call
There have been cases where fraudsters send a fake text and then quickly follow up with a phone call, to make the scam appear more real.
Steps to protect yourself
- 01
Never give your full Online Banking PIN, full password, card reader codes or mobile app codes to anyone via text.
- 02
Do not phone the number included in the message, as fraudsters will try to trick you into giving away personal information.
- 03
NatWest text messages may contain links to our websites, but, like our emails, never link to pages that ask for any online banking or full card details.
- 04
If you have already clicked on a suspicious link, it is advised to run a scan with your antivirus software to check your device for any malicious software.
- 05
Make sure you are running the latest software on your device as it helps with security
Forward any suspicious texts referring to NatWest to the number 88355
This is not a premium rate number, standard network rates apply, please contact your network provider for more information on charges.
If you have replied to the text or provided any sensitive information report it
Social engineering
Social engineering is the way fraudsters manipulate people so that they hand over personal information.
Fake telephone calls
Fraudsters call often pretending to be from the bank and encourage you to give your personal details, such as PIN, Mobile Banking and card reader codes.
Security centre
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