Impersonation scams

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.

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Scam watch: Bank impersonation scams are on the rise

  1. 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.
  2. Scammers are impersonating banks, the police and retailers. Never share your card or PIN with anyone. Your bank, retailers, the police and fraud investigation teams will never ask you to hand over your card, PIN or buy items for collection. If someone does, it's a scam.

Top 6 tips to stay safe

  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 as an extra level of security  which helps to protect you against fraud.

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.

Other guides to keep your money secure

My Security Profile

Enhance your security levels.

My Security Profile is a handy tool in your mobile app. It has personalised actions for you, that are quick and simple to take.

Learn more about My Security Profile Open in new window

Service provider scams

Scammers are posing as trusted organisations like your phone or internet provider. They want to trick you into sending money or giving away your personal info or passwords to allow them to access your account.

Service provider scams guide

Telephone scams

Scammers can call you pretending to be someone else, like your family, a bank, or police. Find out more on how to stay safe from these types of scams.

Telephone scams guide

Investment scams

An investment scam is when someone tricks you into giving them money for fake investments. They promise money back with little or no risk. In reality, they take your money and you can end up with nothing.

Investment scams guide