Nationwide Building Society, the UK's largest mutual, has issued a stark warning to its members after a customer received a sophisticated scam letter pretending to be from the bank.
Customer Alert on Social Media
The alarm was raised when an anxious customer contacted Nationwide directly on X (formerly Twitter). The user posted a photo of a suspicious letter they had received, questioning its legitimacy. They pointed out that it looked like it had been produced on a laser printer and lacked official markings, commenting that it "screams scam to me."
Nationwide's social media team swiftly confirmed the customer's fears. The building society stated unequivocally that the letter was not an official communication and confirmed they had passed the details to their Economic Crime team for investigation.
Details of the Fraudulent Letter
The fake letter, addressed to "Dear Valued Customer," purported to offer an exclusive, limited-time opportunity on fixed savings products through a collaboration with savings platform Raisin. It listed several attractive, but entirely fabricated, interest rates:
- 1 Year Fixed Rate Bond Saver - 6.45%
- 2 Year Fixed Rate Saver - 6.02%
- 1 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA - 5.85%
- 2 Year Fixed Rate Cash ISA - 5.36%
The letter falsely claimed the offers were reserved for Nationwide members and had a fake deadline of 5th December 2025. It instructed recipients to apply by emailing a suspicious address—APPLY@RAISINGPROMOTIONS.COM—and to include personal and financial details, a classic phishing tactic.
How to Protect Yourself
This incident serves as a critical reminder to remain vigilant against financial fraud. Nationwide and other legitimate banks will never ask you to apply for products or share sensitive information via unsolicited letters directing you to a generic email address.
Always verify unexpected communications directly through official channels, such as your bank's verified website or customer service number. Be suspicious of any communication that creates a false sense of urgency, like "first-come, first-served" offers, or that lacks proper branding and regulatory details.
If you receive a similar letter, do not respond. Instead, report it directly to the financial institution it claims to be from and to Action Fraud.
