Bank Impersonation Scam Calls: "Your Account Is at Risk"

Someone claiming to be from your bank's fraud team says your account is under attack and asks you to move money to a "safe account" or read out a code.

How the bank impersonation scam works

Bank impersonation scam - UK phone scam alert
  1. The caller knows some of your details and may show your bank's real number on screen (caller ID spoofing).
  2. They say there is suspicious activity and you must act now to protect your money.
  3. You are asked to read out a one-time passcode, install an app, or transfer money to a new "safe" account.

Warning signs

  • Being asked for a one-time passcode or PIN
  • Being told to move money to a "safe account"
  • Pressure and urgency
  • Being asked to install a remote access app

What to do

  • Hang up and call 159, which connects you safely to most UK banks
  • Never share passcodes, PINs or passwords
  • Banks never ask you to move money to keep it safe
  • Report fraud to Action Fraud

Caller ID can be faked: a number on your screen is not proof of who is calling.

Recent reports that mention this scam

07708 966296 Spam Scam or fraud · Text message

Sms message suggesting a Santander transaction with John Lewis for £46.99 . If it wasn’t you then call 01592 394482 (another dubious landline number.) reported it to 7726 for spam / fraud investigation.

07837 035370 Spam Automated or recorded call · Phone call

Said they were bank security

055 6937 2265 Spam Scam or fraud · Text message

Text making out they are Lloyds bank. Also have last four digits of my credit card. Clearly fraudulent.

07746 315387 Spam Scam or fraud · Text message

lloyds one time code for mobile purchase referencing to call this number if incorrect which another site said is a scam 0330 059 0800 is a UK non-geographic phone number, which is not associated with any particular location, assigned to TAP GATEWAY LTD.

020 3332 0162 Spam Scam or fraud · Phone call

Claimed to be Barclays stopping apple payment of £899.99 I do not have Barclay account

07711 763014 Not sure Phone call

says from Nat West bank

07304 382888 Spam Scam or fraud · Phone call

Pretending to be my Bank !

07537 438060 Spam Scam or fraud · Phone call

I have been scammed, and later this number texted me to prompt me to expect a one time code, another scam since my bank does not use mobile nos.

01344 864680 Spam Phone call

claimed to be from Nationwide

Matched by keywords in visitors' comments. Reports are personal experiences, not proof.

Questions

Is this call part of the bank impersonation scam?

If the caller shows the warning signs on this page, treat it as a scam: hang up and contact the organisation on a number you trust. Caller ID can show a real company's number even when the call is fake.

What should I do if I already paid or gave my details?

Call your bank straight away on 159 (or the number on your card), change any passwords you shared, and report it to Action Fraud. The sooner you act, the better the chance of stopping the payment.

How do I report a scam number?

Report fraud to Action Fraud, forward scam texts to 7726, and add a report on Who Calls You so other people are warned when they search the number.