Text message scams are becoming all too common, and Santander customers are being targeted. Known as smishing (SMS phishing), these scams involve fraudsters impersonating banks via text to trick people into revealing personal information or, in some cases, making direct payments to criminals.
Smishing texts are often disguised as security alerts or urgent account notifications, making them incredibly convincing. They’re designed to pressure you into acting quickly before you have time to think.
In 2024 alone, Santander UK reported over £2 million lost to authorised push payment scams, many of which began with a simple text message. Across the UK, more than £1.1 billion was stolen by fraudsters in the same year, highlighting just how serious and widespread the threat has become.
In this article, we’ll break down how Santander scam texts work, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve been targeted.
How Do Santander Scam Texts Work?
Smishing occurs when fraudsters send a text message pretending to be from a trusted organisation, in this case, Santander. These texts often use urgent or alarming language to make you panic and act quickly by clicking a link, calling a number, or sharing personal banking details.
For an in-depth look at how smishing scams operate and the best recovery strategies, check out our guide on phishing, vishing, and smishing scams.
In a recent case, a scammer called an elderly woman posing as a Santander employee, claiming her account had been compromised. The caller convinced her to transfer £5,200 into what she believed was a ‘safe account’, which, in reality, belonged to the scammer. Thankfully, CEL Solicitors stepped in and successfully helped recover the full amount for the victim, along with additional interest.
How to Protect Yourself from Santander Scam Texts
At CEL Solicitors, we know how distressing scam texts can be. Here are a few ways to stay safe:
Never Click on Suspicious Links
Avoid clicking links in any unexpected text messages. Instead, log in directly through the official Santander website or app to check your account.
Verify Directly with Santander
If you receive a suspicious text message and are unsure if it is legitimate, contact Santander directly through official channels. Call 0330 9 123 123 or visit their fraud page.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Activate 2FA on your Santander account to add an extra layer of protection — even if your details are compromised, this can prevent unauthorised access.
Report Scam Texts
Forward suspicious messages to 7726, a free spam-reporting service. Then report the incident to Santander immediately.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to a Santander Scam Text
If you’ve clicked a link or shared your details, act fast:
- Contact Santander immediately to report the fraud and secure your account.
- Change your online banking passwords and security details.
- Monitor your account for any further suspicious activity.
- Report the scam to Action Fraud (the UK’s national fraud reporting centre).
Protect Yourself with CEL Solicitors
Have you fallen victim to a Santander scam text? Don’t panic. We can help. CEL Solicitors has helped countless victims of text scams recover their money.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a penny unless your case is successful. You’re not to blame, and you don’t have to go through this alone.
For expert advice and support, contact CEL Solicitors today at 0333 305 4982 or fill out our form.
