TL;DR: Scam texts from spoofed numbers claim a standing order or direct debit was set up on your Nationwide account (Which? flagged versions in August 2026) and give a number to call if you didn’t set it up. Nationwide says genuine texts about suspicious transactions include the last four digits of your card, and it will never ask you to move money to a safe account or give your PIN or card reader codes by phone. Hang up and call 159.
The texts
Which? logged two in its August 2026 scam alerts:
- a spoofed text saying a standing order has been set up, with a number to call if it wasn’t you;
- an email saying a monthly direct debit to a dental practice was set up, with a link to click if you don’t recognise it.
The dental detail is a nice touch from a scammer’s point of view: specific, mundane and slightly alarming.
What Nationwide will never do
From Nationwide’s fraud page, Nationwide will never ask you to:
- give your PIN or a one-off card reader code over the phone;
- log in to Internet Banking through a link in an email, text or social media message;
- transfer money into a safe account;
- use, re-enable or re-sync your card reader over the phone.
And a useful tell: if Nationwide texts you about a suspicious transaction, the message includes the last four digits of your card.
How to check a call
Hang up and dial 159 (24/7), or stay on the line and use Call Checker in the Nationwide app. Fraud helpline: 0800 055 66 22.
Report it
- Forward scam emails claiming to be Nationwide to phishing@nationwide.co.uk.
- Forward scam texts to 7726.
- Report losses to Report Fraud (England, Wales, NI) or Police Scotland on 101.
If you called and shared details
Call 0800 055 66 22 or 159 straight away. Change your passcode and check payments and payees. See how 159 works and reimbursement for scam victims.
Can you get money back?
If a fake caller talks you into transferring money, you’re usually covered by the UK’s mandatory APP scam reimbursement rules, which took effect in October 2024 and cover claims up to £85,000, with some exceptions. In July 2026 the Payment Systems Regulator reported that the share of money reimbursed had risen from 54% to 65% since the rules began (Regulation Tomorrow). If Nationwide says no, complain, then go to the Financial Ombudsman.
Why they target building society members
Older, loyal customers with savings are attractive targets, and Nationwide is the UK’s biggest building society. Scammers don’t need to know you bank there; they text everyone. And it pays: UK Finance’s 2026 fraud report, reported by The Register, found APP fraud losses rose 19% to over £576 million in 2025, with impersonation cases up by double digits. 17% of fraud incidents started through telecoms: calls and texts like this one. Check your breach exposure with a free email exposure check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nationwide have to refund scam victims?
Under UK rules since October 2024, most authorised push payment scam victims must be reimbursed up to £85,000, with some exceptions. Report it quickly.
Is the Nationwide "standing order set up" text real?
Treat it as a scam. Check your account in the app and call 159 or 0800 055 66 22.
How can I tell a real Nationwide fraud text?
Nationwide says genuine suspicious-transaction texts include the last four digits of your card.
Where do I report Nationwide phishing?
Forward emails to phishing@nationwide.co.uk and texts to 7726.
Will Nationwide ask me to move money to a safe account?
No. Nationwide says it will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account.
Sources
- Nationwide: How to report a fraud or a scam
- Which?: The latest scam alerts (Nationwide texts and emails, Aug 2026)
- The Register: UK Finance fraud report 2026 (Jun 2026)
- Regulation Tomorrow: PSR reimbursement scheme results (Jul 2026)