One in five Britons (15%) have provided personal information to someone before realising they were not genuine, according to new research from Nationwide.
Among them is actress and broadcaster Lisa Riley MBE, who was tricked into providing personal information through a convincing scam that appeared completely legitimate.
The research also found consumers are exposed to potential scams almost daily, receiving suspicious phone calls more than three times a week on average and suspicious text messages around twice a week.
Nearly one in five (19%) would be likely to call back an unknown number, potentially putting themselves at risk. The findings reveal how criminals exploit personal information, familiar details and technology to make their approaches appear genuine.
When asked what would make them trust an unexpected caller claiming to be from their banking provider:
- 20% said seeing their banking provider’s name displayed on their phone
• 19% said the caller knowing some recent account activity
• 14% said the caller knowing their full name
• 13% said the caller knowing their date of birth
• 12% said the number appearing genuine
• 10% said the caller sounding professional
During the past 12 months, more than a quarter (26%) of consumers received a text message claiming to be from their banking provider, while 25% received an email and 22% received a phone call.
With Nationwide data showing the average impersonation loss is nearly £2,200, consumers are being reminded to remain vigilant when receiving unexpected contact.
Only 26 per cent sometimes or rarely check a number before responding to a text or call. A further seven per cent never check. Yet 14 per cent are not confident they know how to spot a scammer impersonating their bank.
Annya Burskys, Head of Fraud Operations at Nationwide, said: "Scammers are increasingly sophisticated at making unexpected calls, texts and emails appear genuine. They may disguise a call as coming from a trusted organisation, use personal details to gain your trust or pressure you to act quickly.
"Many scams are connected. Criminals may first obtain information about you through a fraudulent website, phishing email or text message. They can then use those details to make future impersonation scams appear much more convincing.
"They may also tell you what to say if your banking provider questions a payment, claiming it will speed things up. In reality, the more your banking provider knows, the better it can support and protect you."
Lisa Riley on why scams can happen to anyone
Lisa Riley MBE said: "Being scammed is sadly something I have experienced. I provided personal information to what I believed was a genuine travel permit website. I'd completed the process many times before, so there was nothing that immediately raised alarm bells.
"That's what frightened me most. The website looked completely legitimate and I genuinely believed I was doing the right thing.
"What that experience taught me is that criminals are incredibly clever and convincing. Once fraudsters have your personal information, it can be used in all sorts of ways and that's a frightening thought.
"It's made me much more cautious about any unexpected contact, whether that's online, by text, email or over the phone. I can absolutely see how people could be persuaded by someone claiming to be from their bank if they appear to know information about them.
"It has had a real impact on me and changed the way I behave online. I think people sometimes believe scams only happen to other people, but they can happen to anyone."
How to spot a bank impersonation scam – expert tips:
Annya Burskys, Fraud Operations at Nationwide, said: “We may contact you if we’re concerned about activity on your account but be aware fraudsters may impersonate your bank, can disguise the name or number they’re calling from, and may provide information to appear genuine.”
The five red flags you need to know:
- Financial providers will never ask you to move your money – there is no such thing as a safe account
- Financial providers will never tell you what to say to your bank or to misrepresent payments – even if they claim it will make it quicker or easier
- Banks will never ask you to share a one-time passcode
- Financial providers will never ask you to download an app or share access to your computer or app
- Financial providers will never put you under pressure to act fast
“If anything doesn’t feel right, you can end the call and contact your bank using the number on your bank card, through your app or website, or by dialling 159. Take time to stop and think before making a payment or sharing information. Use the tools available to you – Nationwide’s Call Checker in the app confirms whether a caller is genuinely from Nationwide, while its Scam Checker service lets customers verify a payment by phone or in branch.”
