The call felt urgent.
The voice on the other end sounded calm, professional, and reassuring. They said they were from NatWest's security team and that suspicious activity had been detected on my account.
To keep my money safe, they told me I needed to move it immediately.
It sounded logical. Responsible, even. So I did exactly what they said.
Only later did I realise that I had fallen victim to an authorized push payment scam, where criminals impersonate trusted organizations to persuade customers to transfer money themselves.
Why It Felt So Convincing
NatWest-related scams often rely on impersonation rather than technical hacking. Fraudsters use convincing phone calls, messages, and branding to create a sense of urgency and trust.
In many cases, victims are told to transfer funds to a “safe account” to prevent further loss. The pressure to act quickly overrides normal caution, making the request seem both legitimate and necessary.
Because the payment is authorized by the customer, it can be processed rapidly and the money may be moved through multiple accounts before the scam is discovered.
What I Learned Afterwards
Looking back, there were subtle warning signs:
- The urgency to act immediately
- Being asked to transfer money to a new account
- Not independently verifying the call through official NatWest channels
These scams succeed because they manipulate trust, not because they break into bank systems.
If This Has Happened to You
If you have sent money to a “safe account” following instructions from someone claiming to be NatWest:
- Contact NatWest immediately using official channels.
- Preserve evidence , including messages, call details, and transaction confirmations.
- Report the fraud through the UK's national Report Fraud service.
Reimbursement may be possible in some cases under the UK's APP fraud protection framework, although outcomes depend on the specific circumstances.
Learn More
To understand how NatWest bank transfer scams work, what protections may apply, and the steps to take after a fraudulent transfer, read our full guide:
NatWest Bank Transfer Scams Explained: How Customers Lose Money