RBS launches fraud awareness campaign

The Royal Bank of Scotland has published new advice for customers on fraud after preventing almost 500,000 scam attempts across the UK last year.

The bank launched a campaign with politicians, security specialists and Police Scotland to keep the public's money safe from the growing impact of fraud and cybercrime.

The types of scams that customers are experiencing range from face-to-face fraud to those carried out anonymously online, RBS said.

The most common scams include romance fraud, recruitment fraud, holiday fraud and ticketing fraud.

In 2017, the bank prevented 497,000 fraud attempts in the UK, which could have cost #245 million.

RBS chief executive Ross McEwan met with Finance Secretary Derek Mackay, Mandy Haeburn-Little from the Scottish Business Resilience Centre and Chief Superintendent John McKenzie to discuss steps that could be taken to stop fraudsters.

The meeting coincided with the launch of the bank's Little Book of Big Scams, with advice for customers online and in print.

Mr McEwan said: “Keeping our customers safe and secure is a bank-wide priority, we are committed to helping our customers and communities protect themselves from scams and the fear of being scammed.

“We believe that prevention through education is key and are delighted to be working with Police Scotland on this informative guide as well as looking at how we can work together.

“This book and our plan to provide Friends Against Scams Training to one million people across the UK by 2020 will help customers and non customers to spot a scam and empower them to help prevent relatives, neighbours and friends from becoming victims.''

Mr Mackay said: “Being able to recognise suspicious behaviour and know what to do - and often what not to do - is a key step in clamping down on this illegal practice.

“Digital technologies have transformed the way we do business, socialise and provide key services. But opportunities are not without risk and that risk, unfortunately, is increasing.

“Cyber resilience is a fundamental enabler in our digital future, and I would encourage everyone to consider how they can make their time online safer.''

The Little Book of Big Scams, compiled in partnership with the Police Scotland, highlights the most common scams that customers fall for and provides simple tips on how they can protect themselves.

For customers who are victims of fraud the book also provides advice on the best course of action to report incidents.

Chief Superintendent McKenzie said: “These publications offer excellent advice in raising awareness and most importantly, provide easy tips to prevent you becoming a victim of the ever-growing variety of scams and fraudulent activity, which criminals may use, to steal your money or personal details.

“I encourage you to read and share these documents with your family and friends to increase your knowledge and understanding to reduce the harm often associated with these crimes and by doing so, stay safer in your online activities.'