Fraud Fighters
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Tell us yours

Is a call from my bank's fraud team a scam?

Yes, if they ask you to move money. Your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account". The number on your screen can be faked.

Arrives by Phone call. Pretends to be: Your bank's fraud team, the police.

How to spot it

Phone call1A number that looks like your bank's

This is your bank's fraud team. 2Someone is trying to take your money. You must 3move it to a safe account now.

Example: rebuilt from Take Five (UK Finance) and Report Fraud, which describe the "safe account" story, not the exact words. We blacked out the dark parts.

  1. The number on your screen can be faked
  2. They say your money is at risk, right now
  3. They ask you to move money or read out a code
  4. Other signs to watch for
  5. They tell you to lie to the bank or not tell anyone
  6. Knowing your name proves nothing

How it works

The caller says there is a fraudulent payment or your card is compromised. They know your name and sometimes your address, which makes them sound real. They tell you to move your savings to a "safe account", to read out a code, or to lie to the bank if it asks. The safe account belongs to the criminal. They may say the money will be paid back when the investigation is over.

What to do

  1. Hang up. Then dial 159: it connects you to your own bank and cannot be faked.

  2. Use a different phone if you can. If you only have one, wait at least 15 minutes before you call, in case the line is still open.

  3. If you have lost money, tell your bank now and report it to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040) with your screenshots; in Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. If someone is coming to your home to collect money or cards, call 999.

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How we know

Other scams