Can a bank fraud team ask me to test my account by withdrawing cash and handing it to an agent?
No. This is a common courier fraud script. Bank fraud teams do not send agents to collect cash from customers as part of any test or investigation.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Legitimate bank fraud investigations are conducted entirely through the bank's internal systems. When there is a genuine concern about fraudulent activity on your account, the bank freezes transactions, contacts you through secure messaging within the banking app, and asks you to visit a branch or call the official helpline. No test involves physically withdrawing cash and handing it to a stranger.
Courier fraud variants tell you that your bank's systems are compromised and that cash is the only safe option. They may instruct you to go to a branch and withdraw a large sum, tell you to give a convincing reason to the cashier if asked, and then hand the cash to a 'secure agent' who will arrive at your door or meet you outside the bank.
Branch cashiers are trained to spot this scenario. If a cashier asks why you are making a large withdrawal, it is entirely appropriate to tell them the truth — the caller specifically telling you to lie to branch staff is one of the clearest signs of a scam.
Never withdraw cash, transfer funds, or hand over valuables on the instruction of an unsolicited caller regardless of what authority they claim to represent.
Common red flags
- Told to withdraw cash to test whether the bank's systems are compromised
- Instructed to give the cashier a false reason for the withdrawal
- An agent will collect the cash from you at home or near the bank
- Caller tells you not to mention the investigation to branch staff
- Urgency created by claiming your account is being drained now
- Caller already knows your account balance or recent transactions
What to do now
- Refuse the request and hang up
- Tell the branch cashier the full story if you are already at the bank
- Call your bank on the number on the back of your card to report the call
- Do not open the door to any courier claiming to collect on the bank's behalf
- Report the incident to your national fraud reporting service
- Alert elderly family members or neighbours who may be targeted
Frequently asked questions
Why would a scammer want me to lie to the bank cashier?
Bank cashiers are trained to intervene when they suspect courier fraud. The scammer instructs you to lie specifically to prevent the intervention that could save your money. The instruction to deceive branch staff is itself one of the clearest warning signs.
The caller knew which bank I use — how?
Your bank name may be visible from discarded statements, known from prior contact, or obtained from a data breach. Knowledge of which bank you use does not make the caller legitimate.