Printed from voicescam.com/scams/bank-impersonation-call/ · Updated 23 October 2026
Bank impersonation calls: when "your bank" asks you to move money
A caller claiming to be from your bank's fraud team says your account is at risk and asks you to move money, share a code or confirm details. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card. A request to move money to a "safe account" is a scam sign: it is one of the tactics UK Finance's Take Five campaign warns about.
Do this now
- Hang up. Even if the number on screen looks like your bank's.
- Call your bank on the number on your card or statement. Use a different phone if you can.
- Never share a one-time code, password or PIN with someone who called you. Take Five lists these requests as warning signs.
- Do not move money because a caller told you to. Your money is safest where it is.
How the call goes
- "This is your bank's fraud team." They say there is suspicious activity on your account.
- They seem to know you. Your name, part of your card number, recent purchases.
- They ask you to "confirm" something. A code sent by text, your PIN, or a login.
- They ask you to act. Move money to a "safe account", or hand your card to a courier.
Tricks that make it convincing
- The number on your screen can be faked to look like your bank's.
- Background noise sounds like a busy call centre.
- A second caller, claiming to be the police, "confirms" the story.
- They tell you to ignore your bank's branch staff because "they may be involved".
Warning signs
- You are asked to move money to protect it.
- You are asked for a one-time code. Codes are for you to type, never to read out.
- You are told to keep it from branch staff or your family.
- You are asked to install an app that lets them see your screen.
What your bank will and will not ask
| Request | Real bank | Scam call |
|---|---|---|
| Move money to a safe account | Never | Yes, urgently |
| Read out a one-time code | Never | Yes |
| Tell them your PIN | Never | Often |
| Send a courier for your card | Never | Sometimes |
| Install a remote access app | Never | Sometimes |
If you shared details or moved money
- Call your bank now on the number on your card. Tell them exactly what happened.
- Change passwords and PINs for your banking and email.
- Report it. See how to report a scam call.
In the UK, most people who are tricked into sending a bank transfer are covered by a reimbursement scheme, up to £85,000 per claim, since 7 October 2024 (Payment Systems Regulator). In the US, consumers report losing more money through bank transfers and crypto than all other payment methods combined (FTC, 2025).
What to say if they call back
Scammers often call again. They may say they are a more senior fraud officer, or the police, and that your first call was the real scam. Have your answer ready.
- "I do not discuss my account on calls I did not make. I will ring the number on my card."
- "I will not read out any codes."
- "I am not moving any money."
Then hang up. Do not argue or explain. You do not need to prove anything to them.
Write down each call: the time, the number shown and the names used. Give this to your bank when you ring them. Fake bank calls sometimes bring in a "police officer" to back up the story; learn how those work in calls from people pretending to be officials. At work, an urgent request to pay a new account may be a fake call from a senior manager. Our overview of voice scam types covers the rest.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission, press release: "New FTC data show a big jump in reported losses to fraud to $12.5 billion in 2024". Published March 2025. Checked 23 October 2026.
- Payment Systems Regulator, authorised push payment (APP) scams reimbursement. Published October 2024. Checked 23 October 2026.
- City of London Police, "Report Fraud service goes live". Published 4 December 2025. Checked 23 October 2026.
Common questions
Can scammers make my bank's number show on my phone?
Yes. This is called number spoofing. A familiar number is not proof that the call is from your bank.
Is it safe to call back the number that called me?
No. Use the number on your card, statement or the bank's official website. Wait a minute before calling, or use another phone, in case the line is still connected.
What if I gave them a one-time code?
Call your bank immediately. The code may let them approve a payment or log in. The bank can block it if you are quick.
Will my bank refund me?
It depends on your country, the payment type and what happened. Report it to your bank straight away and ask what protections apply.
