NatWest customers are being warned to be wary, as criminals use a new fake email to try and get access to people's accounts. The phishing email is designed to look like it is from the bank trick people into giving away their details.
The dodgy message claims that the mobile linked to an account has been changed and tells people that a one-time passcode has been sent to their old number. Customers are then told to click on a link to cancel the request, the Mirror reports.
Those that do this will be taken to a webpage that looks just like the NatWest online banking site – although the URL contains a string of random words rather than a genuine NatWest domain. If customers enter their personal details on this webpage, the criminals will then use those details to gain access to their account.
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The phishing email was first reported by Which?. The consumer magazine explained the tell-tale signs that show it is not a genuine communication from NatWest.
Firstly, the email doesn't come from an official NatWest account, which would end @natwest.com. Instead, it comes from an address ending @natwestsecure.com.
The email also begins “Dear Customer” rather than addressing customers by their name. And the fake website contains errors, such as the wording “Online bankingservices”.
Genuine emails from NatWest will always include at least one identifiable piece of information, such as your name or partial postcode. A NatWest spokesperson said: “Criminals are using phishing emails to trick customers into giving away their bank details or downloading malicious software.
“A genuine email from NatWest will always contain at least one identifiable piece of information, such as your name or partial postcode. If unsure about an email do not click on any links, do not enter your bank details and do not install any applications or software to your device. If you have done so contact your bank immediately.”
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