They say your money is at risk
The caller may claim there is fraud on your account and that you must act immediately to protect your money.
What to doBank phone scam
Bank phone call scam: what to do if a caller says they are from your bank
Fake bank calls are designed to sound urgent and official. If a caller asks you to move money, share security codes or keep the call secret, pause and check through a trusted route.
UK-focused guidance Plain English 159 safe-call route No blame or panic
Quick answer
If someone calls claiming to be from your bank and asks you to move money, share a one-time passcode, install software, transfer funds to a "safe account" or keep the call secret, hang up. Contact your bank using your banking app, the number on your card, the official website, or call 159 if your bank is supported.
- Do not move money because a caller tells you to.
- Do not share one-time passcodes, PINs or full passwords.
- Do not install remote access software during a bank call.
- Do not keep the call secret from family, colleagues or bank staff.
- If money has already moved, contact your bank immediately using a trusted route.
Common warning signs
Bank impersonation scams often use fear, urgency and authority to make you act before checking.
They ask you to move funds
A request to move money to a "safe account" is a major warning sign. A genuine bank will not ask you to do this.
Check this firstThey ask for codes or secrecy
Scammers may ask for one-time passcodes or tell you not to speak to anyone else. That is pressure, not protection.
Pause firstWhat your bank should not ask you to do
These are strong warning signs. If any of them happen, stop and contact your bank through a trusted route.
Move money to a safe account
Scammers often say your money is at risk and must be moved. This is a common authorised push payment scam tactic.
Share one-time passcodes
Do not read out codes from texts, apps or card readers. Codes can authorise payments, logins or account changes.
Install remote access software
Be wary if a caller asks you to install an app so they can see or control your device.
Lie to bank staff or family
If someone tells you to keep the call secret or lie about a transfer, treat that as a serious warning sign.
What to do next
Choose the closest situation. The priority is to stop the pressure and check through a trusted route.
1
If you are still on the call
Hang up. Do not press buttons, share codes or continue the conversation. A genuine bank will not mind you ending a call to check safely.
2
Contact your bank safely
Use your banking app, the number on your card, the bank's official website, or call 159 if your bank is supported. Do not use a number given by the caller.
3
If money has been sent
Contact your bank immediately and tell them you may have been affected by a scam. Ask what action can be taken and keep a note of what you are told.
4
If you shared security details
Tell your bank what was shared. Change affected passwords, check recent account activity and review devices or cards linked to your account.
5
Keep evidence
Write down the caller number, time, what was said, payment details and any messages received. Keep screenshots where possible.
6
Report the scam
Report fraud through the UK fraud reporting route. Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 and suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Important: Cleverways is educational guidance, not official banking or financial advice. If money has left your account, contact your bank promptly using a trusted route.
If something else happened
These guides may help if the call led to another scam situation.
I sent money
Contact your bank or payment provider quickly and keep evidence of the transfer.
Read the money guidanceMy account may be hacked
Secure your email, banking, social and shopping accounts if details may have been shared.
Read the account guidanceI clicked a link
Close the page, check what you entered and secure any account involved.
Read the link guidanceBank phone scam FAQs
How do I know if a bank call is a scam?
Be cautious if the caller asks you to move money, share passcodes, install software, keep the call secret or act immediately. Hang up and contact your bank through a trusted route.
What is 159?
159 is a UK phone service designed to help many customers contact their bank safely when they are worried about a suspicious call. If your bank is not supported, use your banking app, card number or the official bank website.
Will my bank ask me to move money to a safe account?
No. Treat any request to move money to a "safe account" as a serious warning sign. Contact your bank independently before taking any action.
What should I do if I already sent money?
Contact your bank immediately using a trusted route. Tell them you may have been affected by a scam and ask what can be done.
Want printable scam-safety checklists at home?
The UK Scam Safety Toolkit gives you practical checklists and action sheets to keep at home, including steps for suspicious messages, bank calls, online shopping scams and family conversations.
Keep the 10-second scam check nearby
The safest step is often a pause. Download the free Cleverways guide and keep a simple check nearby for suspicious calls, texts, emails and payment requests.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Cleverways provides practical educational guidance and signposts trusted UK routes.