Bank impersonation (safe account) scam
A caller or text claims to be your bank's fraud team, says your account is at risk, and tells you to move your money to a new 'safe account'.
“This is the fraud team at your bank. We've detected suspicious activity. To protect your funds, please transfer your balance to the safe account we'll provide.”
How it works
The scammer may spoof your bank's real number and quote some details to sound convincing. They create panic about fraud on your account, then direct you to transfer your balance to an account they control — framing it as protecting your money.
Warning signs
- Pressure to act immediately because your money is 'at risk'
- Being told to move funds to a new or 'safe' account
- Requests for your PIN, full password, or one-time passcodes
- Being told to keep the call secret or not hang up
- A caller discouraging you from visiting a branch
What to do
- Hang up — no genuine bank asks you to move money to a safe account
- Wait a few minutes, then call your bank on the number on your card
- Never share PINs, passwords, or one-time codes
- Report it to your bank and Action Fraud
Frequently asked questions
- Would my bank ever ask me to move money to a safe account?
- No. This is one of the clearest signs of a scam. Banks will never ask you to move money to another account to keep it safe, nor ask for your PIN or full password.