NatWest has issued a scam warning – after 74 per cent of people in the UK have been targeted. NatWest has issued a warning after a fresh survey found nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) have been on the end of a digital, online or even a real-life scam from fraudsters and scammers.
Six in ten of the respondents in the new NatWest survey found digital and online scams are more common than real-life ones, but eight in ten are concerned about the rise in AI (artificial intelligence) sparking a fresh wave of sophisticated scams that could catch them out.
As many as a fifth have replied to a message from a scammer, thinking it was legitimate, while one in seven also said that they had previously lost money to fraud. Some 2,000 people across the UK were surveyed by OnePoll in September, according to the high street bank.
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Stuart Skinner, head of fraud management retail banking at NatWest, said: “We continue to see scams on the rise, especially through digital and social media channels. With the increase in new digital tactics used by fraudsters, it’s becoming increasingly harder for consumers to spot, avoid and track.”
Mr Skinner added: “Talking about fraud with your family and friends is a good way to share information across generations and keep up to date with latest guidance. This is particularly important following the increase in ‘friends and family’ scams, where fraudsters impersonate a family member and ask for cash or information.”
An HMRC spokesperson said: “Criminals are great pretenders. They use emails, phone calls and texts to try and dupe citizens, and often mimic government messages to make them appear authentic. Unexpected contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-hmrc-related-scam-phone-calls-emails-and-text-messa ges.
“Tax scams come in many forms. Some offer a rebate, others tell you that your tax details are out of date, or threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion. Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. HMRC will also never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that. To help fight these crimes, forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 and emails to [email protected]. Report tax scam phone calls to us on gov.uk. You can also contact HMRC directly but only use phone numbers from our contact details on gov.uk.
“According to the National Cyber Security Centre – part of GCHQ – HMRC was the third most impersonated UK government body in 2022, behind the National Health Service and TV Licensing.” NatWest says bever mislead your bank about the reason for a payment – if you are honest, the bank will be able to help you.
You should also be vigilant when buying from social media and online marketplaces or paying for an investment you have found online. Always do your research and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. The bank adds to never respond to unsolicited calls, texts, emails or social media messages or open attachments that you feel might be suspect.
They could be criminals attempting to steal your personal information.
