Fake Revolut 'Safe Account' Transfer Scam
Fraudsters impersonating Revolut's fraud team instruct account holders to transfer their balance to a 'Revolut-secured holding account' to protect it during an alleged security investigation — a classic safe-account scam using Revolut's own transfer infrastructure.
Part of: Safe Account Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
Revolut's app makes it very easy to send money to any Revolut user or to a bank account in seconds. This frictionless transfer capability is central to Revolut's appeal — and it is exactly what criminals want to exploit when running safe-account fraud targeting Revolut users.
The attack typically begins with a convincing call or in-app-style notification claiming that Revolut's security team has detected a compromise on the victim's account. The 'agent' is calm, professional, and knowledgeable, referencing real Revolut terminology. They explain that the safest course of action is to move the account balance to a 'Revolut-secured' or 'temporarily protected' account while the investigation proceeds.
Because the transfer takes place within Revolut — or appears to — it feels like an internal protective measure rather than sending money to a stranger. In reality, the destination account is controlled by the attacker. Once the transfer lands, the fraudster withdraws or moves the funds immediately, and the victim's balance is gone.
How this scam works on the Revolut brand
Revolut's genuine fraud-response process never involves asking the account holder to initiate transfers. Revolut's internal security team can freeze or limit an account, investigate suspicious activity, and reverse unauthorised transactions — all without the user needing to move money anywhere. There is no 'Revolut security account' or 'holding wallet' that stores customer funds during an investigation.
The fake Revolut agent may guide the victim step by step through the Revolut app — instructing them on which menus to navigate, which amount to send, and to which Revolut tag or phone number the transfer should go. The guidance is detailed because the attacker has rehearsed the Revolut app flow. The victim, trusting the process, follows the instructions.
Some attackers combine this with OTP interception, calling the victim at the moment a Revolut verification code is triggered to authorise the transfer or set up a new payee. The victim reads the code aloud and the transaction completes.
Common red flags
- A call from 'Revolut security' asking you to move your balance to a safe account
- Being guided through the Revolut app by a caller while executing a transfer
- The 'Revolut agent' asks for the OTP that just arrived on your phone
- You are told your funds are at risk and must be moved immediately — today
- The destination account name or Revolut tag is unfamiliar to you
- The caller tells you not to hang up or speak to anyone about the transfer while it is in progress
- Revolut in-app chat shows no corresponding alert or open investigation case
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and open the Revolut app yourself — check for any actual security alerts from Revolut
- Contact Revolut through in-app chat to verify whether any security action is required
- Never execute a transfer at the instruction of someone who called you — even if they claim to be Revolut
- If the caller asks for an OTP, hang up immediately
- Tell a trusted person what is happening before executing any large transfer under external pressure
- Use the Revolut app's 'Secure Lock' feature and biometric protection to slow down any rushed transactions
- Remember: Revolut can protect your account from its end — it does not need you to move your own funds
How to report it
- Report through the Revolut in-app chat: Profile > Help > Chat with us
- Use the in-app 'dispute transaction' feature on any transfer you were deceived into making
- In the UK, report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
- In the EU, report to your national financial conduct authority
- File a complaint with the FTC (US) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Frequently asked questions
Does Revolut ever ask customers to transfer funds to a security account?
No. Revolut can freeze accounts, block transactions, and investigate fraud entirely through its own systems. It will never ask a customer to initiate transfers to protect their money. Any such instruction is a scam.
Can Revolut reverse a transfer I was deceived into making?
Revolut will investigate reports of authorised-push-payment fraud and may attempt to recall funds from the receiving bank or Revolut account. Report immediately through in-app chat — the sooner you report, the higher the chance of a positive outcome.
What if I am unsure whether the Revolut contact is genuine?
End the call and contact Revolut yourself through the in-app chat. Real security alerts from Revolut will be visible in the app. If no alert exists, the call was fraudulent.