Remember that fraud wasn’t invented especially for the internet: other types of fraud are still more common than online fraud. Stay alert and follow these tips to help keep your details secure:
- When receiving unexpected telephone calls, be cautious if you're asked for personal information.
Remember that they have instigated the call and should already know who you are.
If you receive a call requesting your complete security details do not reply and do not follow the instructions even if the caller suggests that you need to take immediate action to stop your account being frozen or if they suggest that you may incur a fine if you don’t. These are just tricks that the fraudster is using to manipulate you in to giving away your vital details.
If you're ever in doubt, take the caller’s name and call them back using your usual telephone banking number and not the number they may give you. - NatWest will never ask for your full security number, password, or four-digit card PIN.
- Always take a moment to thoroughly check your statements.
Check your statements as soon as you receive them. If you find a transaction on your statement that you did not make, contact your bank or card company immediately. - Destroy unwanted financial and personal papers. Always shred these papers before throwing them away. If you don't do this, criminals can find out your name, address and other details by going through your household rubbish. Examples of such papers are:
- old bank statements
- discarded or partially completed application forms
- renewal notices
- partially completed direct debit or standing order mandates
- detailed mailshots
- Keep your plastic cards and chequebooks in separate, secure, locations.
- Let the bank know about your current details.
Let your bank know as soon as possible when you change your:- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- E-mail address (if this is how we communicate with you)
We are aware of incidents where bank customers have been approached to allow their accounts to be used for the receipt of funds on behalf of third parties, normally with the offer of a commission payment. These funds are often the proceeds of fraud and such requests should be refused whatever the circumstances. Allowing your account to be used for third party transactions may lead to the closure of your account. Any such transaction, together with related parties, could become subject to police investigation.
We are aware of an increase in the number of forged and counterfeit bank drafts which are being presented at banks across the Financial Services industry in the UK and Ireland. It is important that you are aware of potential implications when receiving a bank draft in exchange for goods or services and of the steps that you can take to protect yourself against this type of fraud. For more information visit the British Banking Association's website. "A Guide to understanding a bank draft"
If you ever think that your account details have been obtained by a third party without good cause, please contact us immediately.
For more useful information and advice on this topic, visit the following sites:
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group does not endorse or indemnify information carried on sites outside of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group
