Beware of NatWest phishing emails

NatWest customers are being targeted by fake "phishing" emails promising them access to their accounts if they reveal their personal information.

The latest opportunistic scam is cleverly designed to play on the anxiety of NatWest customers locked out of their accounts. In one of the phishing emails, purporting to be from Stephen Hester, the head of RBS, ‘Mr Hester’ apologises for the problems at RBS and says a "security upgrade" requires them to update their information. But if customers follow the web link in the email, they are taken to an "incredibly realistic" replica of the NatWest website. If they do enter their account details on the fake site, the fraudsters will be able to log in to their account and steal all their money. There is also a risk that your identity could be compromised.

If you’ve received a NatWest phishing email...

• Do not click on any links in the scam email.
• Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
• If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.
• Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email.

Please follow the link to Action Fraud for the full story and advice and visit NatWest’s website for more advice about phishing.

Our thanks to Graham Houghton, one of our supporters on Facebook, for bringing this to our attention