Real Bank Fraud Department vs Bank Impersonation Scam
How a genuine bank fraud team behaves versus impersonators who want your money.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Knowing how your real bank operates makes impersonation scams much easier to spot. The key differences are below.
Side-by-side comparison
| Real bank fraud team | Bank impersonation scam | |
|---|---|---|
| Moving money | Never asks you to move money to a 'safe account' | Tells you to move funds to a 'safe account' |
| Codes | Never asks you to read out one-time codes | Asks for one-time codes 'to verify' |
| Secrecy | Encourages you to verify via official channels | Says keep it secret; don't trust branch staff |
| Pressure | Lets you call back on the official number | Pressures you to stay on the line and act now |
| Couriers | Never sends a courier for your cards/cash | Sends a 'courier' to collect cards or cash |
Common red flags
- 'Move your money to a safe account'
- Requests to read out one-time codes
- Pressure, secrecy, and distrust of branch staff
- A courier sent to collect cards or cash
Verification steps
- Hang up and call the number on your card (or 159 in the UK)
- Never share one-time codes
- Visit a branch if unsure
What not to do
- Don't move money to any 'safe account'
- Don't read out codes
- Don't hand cards or cash to a courier
A safe response
End the call and contact your bank using official details. A genuine fraud team will be happy for you to call back and will never ask you to move money or share codes.
Frequently asked questions
Why would a scammer pretend to be my bank's fraud team?
Because fear of fraud makes people act fast. By posing as the people protecting you, scammers lower your guard and steer you into moving money to them or sharing codes.