NatWest criticized over handling of direct debit scam on teenager's account

A 13-year-old girl's NatWest savings account was subject to an unauthorized £39.99 monthly direct debit since September, according to AOL.com.

The direct debit was linked to a known scam involving lottery syndicates and hidden subscriptions, as reported by multiple online sources including Reddit and MoneySavingExpert forums.

Upon discovering the fraudulent charges, the girl's family promptly canceled the direct debit, froze her bank card, and contacted NatWest to request a refund under the Direct Debit Guarantee, which protects customers from unauthorized payments.

However, AOL.com described NatWest's response as inadequate, characterizing it as a frustrating example of modern banking priorities and a 'computer says no' approach.