Nationwide warns after customers have money taken from accounts

Nationwide has added a Call Checker feature to its banking app after reporting that impersonation scams have led to customers losing money, with older people disproportionately affected.

Nationwide has introduced a Call Checker feature in its banking app after reporting incidents in which customers had money taken from their accounts. The feature is described as a way for users to verify whether an incoming call is from a genuine Nationwide colleague. Nationwide's research found impersonation calls make up 17% of its reported fraud cases and that people aged over 65 accounted for 55% of victims. The new tool is intended to work alongside an existing Scam Checker service. Key points: - Nationwide launched Call Checker in its banking app to let users verify callers. - Its data shows impersonation scams account for 17% of reported fraud and affect older customers disproportionately (55% of victims are over 65). - Nationwide reported the average person receives about eight scam calls per month. - Call Checker complements the established Scam Checker service, which Nationwide says is used by around 100,000 people and prevents about £300,000 of loss each month. Summary: Nationwide says the Call Checker gives customers reassurance and aims to reduce losses from impersonation calls. The feature is live in the banking app and is described as working with the existing Scam Checker service. Undetermined at this time.