Premium Bonds scam email alert as message requires 'update'

NS&I has pointed to a telltale sign that a message is fake

NS&I has issued a scam warning to its customers after a person reported a suspicious email. The customer contacted the Premium Bonds provider over X, stating: "I have a scam email here, maybe you'd like to investigate and prosecute."

They shared details of the message, which was allegedly from 'National Savings and Investments', including the opening lines: " Dear Customer To ensure we continue providing you with the best service possible, we kindly request that you update..." In response, NS&I said: "From the information you've provided, the email will not be genuine as we would never send you a direct link to follow to enter any details.

"With this we would simply ask that you please forward the email to our phishing mailbox." The provider also invited the customer to call 08085 007 007 if they wished to discuss their account further.

In a separate incident recently, another Premium Bonds customer contacted NS&I because they were unable to cash in their Bonds due to an error message. They asked: "What does the error message mean 'This operation cannot be completed due to a reservation on a Bond'.

"I'm trying to cash in bonds and close the account." NS&I queried whether they had previously requested to withdraw from their Bonds, explaining that if so, their available balance would differ from their holding balance.

The saver explained: "No the balance available is the same amount that I’m trying to withdraw. Hence reducing the balance to zero and closing the account. I did purchase some new Premium Bonds at the end of September but not sure why this should be an issue."

In response, NS&I stated: "We're unsure what could be resulting in this error without access to view your account information. To assist you, we'd advise you please call us and ask to speak to an agent."

It's worth noting that savers can cash in their Premium Bonds at any time.