It joins a growing list of current account providers adding caller ID tools to help customers spot scammers.
Here, we look at how call checker works and dive into the rest of the best anti-scam tools launched by UK banks.
Which banks offer caller verification?
Nationwide says members can now instantly confirm whether a call they’re on is genuine through their banking app. They simply open the app, go to 'more', and 'call checker', and the screen will display either 'You’re on a call with [name]' or 'You’re not on a call with us.'
Barclays, Monzo, Revolut and Starling all offer similar tools to help customers identify phone scammers.
Monzo told Which? that its customers have reported more than 18,000 attempts at fraud, which have been identified through using its call status feature since its launch in 2023.
Barclays:Monzo and Starling:Revolut:If in doubt, call 159
Participants include The Co-operative Bank, Danske Bank, Chase, First Direct, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Metro Bank, NatWest, Santander and TSB (calls are usually included in your monthly minutes).
Find out more:Banks using AI to help you spot scams
Some banks are also using artificial intelligence to help customers assess whether something is likely to be a scam before any money is lost.
Metro Bank says it will never initiate conversations with you via the scam checker tool online or WhatsApp.
Its scam intelligence tool analyses marketplace ads to detect scam signs in seconds. Customers simply upload images of items, online marketplace ads, or even messages with sellers, and the tool will highlight red flags that suggest they are at risk of being scammed.
For example, if you wanted to buy a high-value item from Facebook Marketplace, the scam intelligence tool might tell you that the price is suspiciously low, or too good to be true. Or, it might reveal that the product image is fake or stolen from somewhere else.
Find out moreTalk to Nationwide about risky payments
Alongside its new call checker feature, Nationwide also offers a scam checker service for members who want reassurance before sending money.
Members can call a freephone number (0800 030 4057), or visit a branch to discuss a payment they are unsure about. Staff trained to spot the signs of fraud will talk through the circumstances of the transfer and raise any concerns.
Find out moreWhat else are banks doing to protect you from scams?
We’ve made a list of the best anti-fraud features offered by current account providers to protect you against impersonation scams, unauthorised fraud, as well as pickpockets and phone snatchers.
If you look at this list and realise your bank is lagging behind, contact it to demand more and consider ditching it for a bank that is on the front foot.
Real-time notifications
Instant mobile notifications of money coming in and out of your account make it much easier and quicker to spot fraudulent transactions. Digital challenger banks were the first, but most high street banks have followed suit.
Instant card freezing
If your card goes missing, most banks let you temporarily block your card in-app without having to call or visit a branch (The Co-operative Bank is a notable exception). You can then unfreeze it (if it's found) or report it lost/stolen to get it blocked and ask your provider to issue a new one.
Barclays, Chase, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Santander, Starling and TSB let you block remote purchases made online, over the phone and by mail order if you're worried that your card details may have been stolen.
Location-based protection
Trusted contacts
Undo payments
Another industry-first security feature for Monzo gives customers a 10-60 second window to cancel a bank transfer after sending it if they spot a mistake or suspect fraud.
Beefed-up security for savings
Screen-sharing blurring
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/new-nationwide-call-checker-tool-how-is-your-bank-fighting-fraud-aMLGG7M1ASS7