Businesses join forces to combat online bank scams

Do you worry about internet banking?

Are you unsure how to keep your money safe online or fear falling victim to fraudsters?

If so, KCOM and Nationwide Building Society are joining forces to launch a series of drop-in sessions to enable people to use online banking services in confidence.

Fraud prevention and IT experts from Nationwide and KCOM will be available at the first session which will be held on Tuesday, 1 October, between 9.30am and 11.30am at KCOM’s Learning Zone in Carr Lane, Hull.

The free sessions are open to anyone who wants to know more about online banking and will provide advice on subjects including financial fraud, how to spot scams and staying safe online.

Samantha Watson, assistant manager of the Hull branch of Nationwide Building Society, said she hoped the sessions would provide customers with the confidence to carry out useful banking tasks online.

She said: “We’re happy to be joining forces with KCOM on a such a helpful and relevant topic.

“We will be attending to give guidance and awareness around current financial fraud and scams.

“We can also provide reassurance around internet banking. Giving people technical support and information is imperative for everyone’s future which is why we’re keen to be involved.”

Online financial fraud is on the rise across the UK with losses across payment cards, remote banking and cheques totalling £844.8 million in 2018, an increase of 16 per cent compared to 2017.

However, according to UK Finance, the representative body for the banking and finance businesses, the industry is fighting back. Banks and card companies prevented £1.66 billion in unauthorised fraud last year. This is equivalent to £2 in every £3 of attempted fraud being stopped.

And with a few simple security tips and the knowledge of what to be aware of, online banking customers in Hull and East Yorkshire can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudsters.

Brendon Smurthwaite, KCOM’s community coordinator, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting these drop-in sessions with Nationwide who will be sharing their expertise and knowledge to help keep people safe online.

“Using online banking services can make life so much easier and convenient and shouldn’t be something to be scared of. These sessions will give practical pointers of how to bank safely online and arm people with the tools to make sure they can spot scams and fraudsters.”