NatWest text message scam is allowing fraudsters to steal bank customers' cash

It could cost you dearly

The bank has confirmed that these text messages are a scam (Getty)

NatWest customers are being warned about a new ‘smishing’ scam that allows fraudsters to steal their cash.

The new type of scam, sees criminals sending unsuspecting victims a text message that appears to be sent from their bank.

It asks users to verify their account details by clicking on a link which takes them through to what looks like NatWest’s website.

Here, they are encouraged to log into their online banking account, giving the scammers access to their details and their money.

The fake texts, which have even been sent to people who are not customers of the bank, has prompted an outcry of reports to NatWest on Twitter.

Accordingly, the bank has confirmed that this is a scam and advises people not to click on the link.

“We are aware that a small number of customers received scam text messages this morning,” a NatWest spokesperson said.

“Once we became aware of the issue we worked to close down the URL contained within the text messages as quickly as possible.”

The bank also wants to remind customers that it will never ask them for their password, full pin, card details or security information via text, over Twitter, on the phone or when they log in to the online banking system.

If you suspect a scam you can report it to phishing@rbs.com or phishing@natwest.com.

This isn’t the first time banks have been targeted by fraudsters. In March, Santander customers were warned about a similar scam where criminals sent out text messages that appeared to be from the bank.