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Nationwide customers told their overdrafts are being processed - but it's fake

Nationwide has warned of a rise in text message scams that could leave people's savings at risk of being stolen.

The building society has asked customers to watch out for a text message purporting to be from the lender.

It claims "your overdraft application is in process" and advises anyone that didn't request one to call a specific number - in this case 0333 0508 045.

While the scam is likely to be sent out to thousands of people - it's those that are already with the lender that could panic - and call the number to cancel the alleged application.

On Facebook , Nationwide said: "Watch out for this scam text that's been spotted. If you've received this message, please don't reply or call the number.

"Remember, we will always include the last few digits of your account number in a text about your overdraft, and we will never ask you to use your card reader over the phone."

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Protect yourself
  • Don’t assume anyone who’s sent you an email or text message – or has called your phone or left you a voicemail message – is who they say they are.
  • If a phone call or voicemail, email or text message asks you to make a payment, log in to an online account or offers you a deal, be cautious. Real banks never email you for passwords or any other sensitive information by clicking on a link and visiting a website. If you get a call from someone who claims to be from your bank, don't give away any personal details .
  • Make sure your spam filter is on your emails. If you find a suspicious email, mark it as spam and delete it to keep out similar emails in future.
  • If in doubt, check it’s genuine by asking the company itself. Never call numbers or follow links provided in suspicious emails; find the official website or customer support number using a separate browser and search engine.
  • Spot the signs
    • Their spelling, grammar, graphic design or image quality is poor quality. They may use odd ‘spe11lings’ or ‘cApiTals’ in the email subject to fool your spam filter.
  • If they know your email address but not your name, it’ll begin with something like ‘To our valued customer’, or ‘Dear...’ followed by your email address.
  • The website or email address doesn’t look right; authentic website addresses are usually short and don’t use irrelevant words or phrases. Businesses and organisations don’t use web-based addresses such as Gmail or Yahoo.
  • Money’s been taken from your account, or there are withdrawals or purchases on your bank statement that you don’t remember making.
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