Nationwide Customers Advised to Conduct Two-Second Security Check Before Holidays
As spring arrives and holiday plans take shape, Nationwide Building Society is urging its over 16 million customers to exercise extra caution. With many people booking or preparing for getaways, scammers are increasingly targeting individuals with deceptive calls and messages related to travel payments and refunds.
How to Verify Calls from Nationwide Using Call Checker
Nationwide has introduced a Call Checker feature within its mobile app, designed to work alongside the existing Scam Checker service. This tool allows customers to instantly confirm whether a call is genuinely from the bank, helping to prevent fraud. To use it, simply open the Nationwide app, tap "More," then select "Call Checker." The screen will display either "You’re on a call with [name]" or "You’re not on a call with us," providing quick reassurance or a warning.
According to Nationwide, 25% of younger people aged 25-34 would call back an unknown number, a risky behavior that scammers often exploit. This highlights the importance of verifying calls before sharing any personal or financial details.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For
Scammers frequently create a sense of urgency, claiming issues with travel insurance payments, overdue holiday instalments, or promised refunds. Their goal is to pressure victims into handing over sensitive information without proper checks. Nationwide is not alone in raising awareness; Lloyds Bank has also identified several prevalent holiday scams.
- Fake Accommodation: Be wary of unusually cheap holiday rentals, especially if pressured to pay via bank transfer. Always book through ABTA or ATOL-protected companies or use payment methods with buyer protection, such as credit cards. When using platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com, pay only through their official systems and avoid direct transfers to hosts.
- Cancellation Scams: Fraudsters may pose as refund agents after flight or accommodation cancellations. Always verify through official websites or contact the company directly before providing any personal information.
- Fake Tickets: Suspiciously low-cost flight deals can be a red flag for non-existent tickets. Book only with ABTA or ATOL-protected providers and confirm any payment issues directly with the company.
- Giveaway Frauds: Scammers on social media may impersonate brands, asking users to share posts and then contacting them with fake prize claims to steal data. Check the brand’s official website to confirm legitimacy.
How Lloyds Bank Protects Its Customers
Lloyds Bank emphasises that genuine communications will always include the customer’s name and the last four digits of an account. They may also provide links to their secure app for direct access to information. Importantly, Lloyds will never:
- Direct you to a webpage requesting login, personal, or banking details.
- Instruct you to transfer money to another account.
- Ask for a test payment online.
- Link directly to its Internet Banking login page.
If unsure about an email, customers should forward it to emailscams@lloydsbanking.com and delete it. The bank also advises using the Mobile Banking app or Internet Banking for secure communication. Lloyds notes that legitimate companies will not call unexpectedly to request money transfers, and encourages people to hang up immediately if suspicious, as prolonged conversations increase the risk of being tricked.
By staying vigilant and utilising tools like Call Checker, holidaymakers can better protect themselves from financial fraud during the busy travel season.
