Be aware that some criminals are exploiting coronavirus to trick people into sharing personal or financial information via phishing emails and cold calls. We’ve created an article that shows how criminals do this, including images of recent examples.

We’ve also provided extra education on the potential ‘coronavirus twists’ to the common scams below:

Purchase scams

Criminals will advertise goods such as face masks, anti-bacterial gel and vaccines.

They ask for payment directly to their account, however once they receive your money, they disappear and you never get what you paid for.

Always purchase goods through a reputable​ website or app.​

Courier scams

Criminals may contact you offering to do your shopping whilst you’re in isolation.

They trick you into handing over your card and PIN. They might also ask you to withdraw a large sum of money. 

Stay alert! Never give your card and PIN to a complete stranger.


Safe account scams

Criminals may call and claim that your money is at risk due to the possible collapse of the economy. 

They convince you to move your money to a ‘safe account’.  When you do, you realise you can’t access it, and your money is gone.

Genuine organisations will never ask you to move your money to a safe account.

Money Mules scams

You might see what looks like a genuine advert offering a chance to earn easy cash in these difficult times by moving money through your bank account.

It’s actually a trick to get you to transfer funds earned through criminal activity.

Don't accept any job offers that ask you to do this.



Investment scams

Criminals may get in touch to try and sell you investments in response to the coronavirus outbreak, claiming you'll see fantastic returns when in fact the investment doesn’t exist and you’ll lose your money. 

Genuine investment companies don't cold call potential investors. 

Don't be pressured into making a quick investment decision - always get independent advice.

Advanced fee scams

Criminals may use coronavirus  as a way of tricking you into believing you are due compensation like with your travel insurance, but in order to receive it, you have to pay some money upfront.

They may also trick you into paying in advance for a loan. 

Stay alert! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.


Impersonation scams

Criminals may contact you pretending to be from various authorities and institutions to offer you tax relief and/or financial assistance. 

Always check requests with the organisation or individual  directly using the number from their official website or original correspondence.



Rogue Trader scams​

Criminals may knock on your door offering to install ‘ventilation systems’ or to help ‘safeguard your house against coronavirus’.

Don’t get work done by someone who knocks on your door without any notice.

If you need some work done in your house, take your time, do your research, and get quotes from various businesses before making any commitment.

Romance scams

Criminals will build an online relationship with you to gain your trust. Then they may start asking for money for coronavirus related medical fees but will eventually disappear with your money.

Keep your conversations inside dating apps or websites.

Never send money or handle it for someone you haven't met in person.

Check we've got your mobile number, so we can alert you to recent scams, and reach you if we notice unusual activity on your accounts.
​If a criminal convinces you to make a bank transfer, it can be difficult or impossible to recover your money.​

We're committed to helping you stay safe from fraud

Criminals plan carefully and use sophisticated methods to catch you off guard.
With the right information we can help you protect yourself and your money. Lets fight fraud. Together.

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Remember, we'll never ask you to: 


- disclose security details, like your PIN, generated card reader code or one time code over the phone

- log directly into the Internet Bank via a link in an email, text or social media message

- transfer your money to a safe account

- use, re-enable or re-sync your card reader over the phone

- update your details directly from a link in an email or text

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And we'll always: 


- include the last four digits of your card number if we email, text or message you querying a suspicious transaction on your card

Concerned you're a victim of fraud or a scam?

Call 0800 30 20 11 (UK)
or
+44 1793 65 67 89 (Abroad)

Available 24 hours

Credit card fraud enquiries

Call 03456 00 66 11 (UK)
or
+44 2476 43 89 97 (Abroad)

Monday to Saturday: 8am - 8pm
Sunday: 9am - 5pm


Report it

Help us stop fraud. Report suspicious emails, texts and messages by emailing: phishing@nationwide.co.uk

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