Scam alert: Remote access and copycat website scams

Protecting yourself from remote access and copycat website scams

The sophistication of digital scams continues to increase. One of the fastest‑growing threats we are witnessing involves remote access tools, screen‑sharing applications and fraudulent copycat websites.

Fraudsters commonly pose as Weatherbys Bank staff or trusted support teams. They contact individuals directly, often claiming there is an urgent issue with an account which requires immediate action.

The Weatherbys fraud team will never contact you directly by phone. Any unexpected call claiming to be from Weatherbys should be treated with caution.

Victims may be instructed to:

  • visit a website designed to look like a genuine banking or support page, such as Weatherbyshelp.com
  • install remote desktop or access software, such as Team Viewer or Any Desk
  • share their screen using applications such as WhatsApp.

Once access is gained, fraudsters can view genuine account information, including balances and recent transactions, making the interaction appear legitimate and trustworthy.

How these scams typically unfold

During these calls, fraudsters may:

  • claim there has been suspicious or fraudulent activity on your account
  • create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly
  • direct you to:
    • a copycat website resembling Weatherbys online banking
    • download remote access software
    • share your screen via WhatsApp or another video call service.

If you are persuaded to log onto online banking or follow their instructions, the fraudsters can:

  • reference real payments from your account to build trust
  • request sensitive security information, including:
    • transaction PINs (TPIN)
    • one‑time passcodes (OTPs) sent to your mobile.

With this information, fraudsters can gain full control of your account, including setting up new payees and moving funds without your knowledge.

How to protect yourself

Please remember:

  • Weatherbys may contact you about fraud through someone you already know at the bank, such as your private banking team, relationship manager or a usual contact.
  • The Weatherbys fraud team will never contact you directly by telephone.
  • Weatherbys will never ask you to:
    • share your transaction PIN or one‑time passcodes
    • download remote access software
    • share your screen
    • click links sent during an unsolicited call.
  • Caller ID can be falsified – do not rely on it as proof of identity.
  • If a call feels unexpected, pressured or unusual, end it immediately.

If you receive a suspicious call

  • Hang up straight away.
  • Do not follow any instructions.
  • Contact Weatherbys directly using a trusted phone number from our official website or the back of your debit card.

If you are ever unsure of the legitimacy of any link, website, company, advert, email or text you come across, please feel free to ask us to take a look at it by sending it to fraud@weatherbys.bank or by asking your private banking team or relationship manager to forward it to us.

If you think you have been a victim of this type of scam, please speak to your private banking team or relationship manager in the first instance. You can also contact the Private Bank on +44 (0) 1933 543 600 or the Racing Bank on +44 (0) 1933 543 543.

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