Following a spate of attacks on Gib-based businesses earlier this year, it looks like fraudsters are back. In an SMS sent to NatWest International customers this week, it warns of fraudsters trying to access accounts remotely and reminds clients to never transfer funds or make payments at the request of an unexpected caller and never give anyone remote access to your device.

Criminals purporting to be bank employees have contacted numerous customers across Gibraltar seeking details regarding bank account details and encouraging customers to download software in order to trace or stop fraudulent payments. The telephone number appears often to be that of a local bank. There have been numerous incidents of this nature over the course of the last few days.

The fraudsters are seeking to trick customers into downloading software or clicking on links. Banks usually never ask for your personal banking details, nor do they ask you to click on a link or ask you to download software as part of a telephone call.

The names the scammer has used to date have been “Michael Young”, “Michael Shields”, “Lewis Harding”, “Dylan Harding”, “David” albeit the criminals will use a variety of aliases that will change over time.
We would ask all customers to remain highly vigilant, guard their banking details safely, do not click on any links and do not download software and report to the Bank immediately any unusual or suspicious behaviour.

Remember! If you’re in ANY doubt:

If you can, visit the bank branch

Ask the caller for their full name and department and then call the bank back yourself using known numbers

For detailed guidance on this topic, read the GFSC’s Consumer Alert published in August this year.