The aim of a fraudulent message – whether it’s sent by SMS, WhatsApp or other messaging service – is usually to get you to click on a link. This link will take you to a fake website that can steal your data and money or infect your device with a virus.
Fake texts are often short and simple, but the fraudsters use cunning tactics to make them believable. They can even ‘spoof’ the mobile number they message from, so it appears in the same thread as a genuine contact such as your bank. However, there are a number of signs that the message might be fake, so here’s how to spot a suspicious message.
We’ll never send you a link in a text message going directly to our log-in page or ask you to enter your online banking details.
We’ll always use NSandI as the sender ID in any text messages you receive and sign-off with NS&I at the end of the message.
If you think you may have been a victim of a scam please call us immediately.
Please also report it to Action Fraud
Learn about phishing
If you’ve seen something that doesn’t feel right, STOP!
Don’t panic! What you do next depends on whether you’ve replied, clicked a link, sent information or made a payment. Take a look at the advice on the government’s new Stop!ThinkFraud website on what to do if you’ve been a victim of fraud .
Stop!ThinkFraud - National Campaign Against Fraud is brought to you by UK government in partnership with City of London Police, National Cyber Security Centre and National Crime Agency. stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/