Nationwide warning as money taken from customer accounts

Nationwide customers have been issued a warning after money was fraudulently taken from some accounts. The world's largest building society said it was issuing a 'buyers' beware' notice ahead of Black Friday.

There are predictions this year's Black Friday event, which takes place on November 29, will break records. Nationwide said it had seen a spike in 'card not present' fraud where customers' card details were stolen online or scanned.

People are now being urged to regularly check their accounts for unexpected withdrawals and to avoid deals that seem too good to be true. They should also check if a website seems reputable or not.

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Customers should never share codes, such as one-time pin codes. Nationwide said you should avoid saving card details into websites you do not regularly use, LancashireLive reports.

Be wary when entering your PIN in public or giving financial details over the phone, Nationwide said. It went on to add that customers can use its Nationwide's Scam Checker service if ever in doubt.

Jim Winters, Nationwide's head of economic crime , said: "Fraudsters will capitalise on any event and Black Friday is no exception. As our data shows, old school fraud hasn't gone away and continues to be the most prevalent, meaning we all need to be extra vigilant at this time of year, whether spending online or in store."

He added: "While anyone subjected to 'card not present' fraud will generally be refunded, it's extremely inconvenient and stressful, particularly around Christmas. That's why it's so important people check their accounts regularly, use safe and trusted sites and stop and think when you see a ridiculously good deal, as it's probably too good to be true."