NatWest Unwraps 'Scamvent' Calendar to Combat UK Holiday Fraud
Snapshot: NatWest has unveiled a creative twist on the traditional advent calendar: the Scamvent Calendar. This holiday-inspired campaign aims to protect Brits from falling victim to purchase scams, which saw criminals pocket £85.9 million during last year’s festive season.
Each of the 12 calendar doors reveals not only an artisan chocolate shaped like the year’s most common “scammable” items—phones, event tickets, and gift cards among them—but also expert advice to help consumers stay vigilant. Tips include avoiding too-good-to-be-true prices, scrutinizing web links, steering clear of pop-ups, and sticking to secure payment methods.
NatWest’s initiative is rooted in research showing a significant uptick in scam attempts during November and December, with 41% of British adults reporting increased fraud approaches during this period. Criminals target everything from gadgets to gift cards, making awareness and prevention more crucial than ever.
The campaign video features Hannah Byczkowski and Wilf Webster, stars of The Traitors, using their expertise in deception to help NatWest spread the message. Their involvement adds an entertaining yet serious tone to the campaign, making it both engaging and impactful.
A limited number of Scamvent Calendars are available for free at select NatWest branches, ensuring a tangible way for the public to engage with the campaign. By combining festive fun with practical advice, NatWest demonstrates how financial institutions can creatively tackle real-world issues while connecting with their audience during a high-risk period.
Key Quote: “Christmas is a time for giving, but it’s also when scammers are taking. We want people to feel confident shopping this season by staying vigilant and proactive against fraud" Stuart Skinner, Fraud Expert, NatWest
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