Is a vishing call from my bank about suspected fraud on my account real?
It could be real but is more likely a scam. Always hang up and call your bank back using the number on your card — never use a number from the call.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Voice phishing ('vishing') is one of the most effective forms of telephone fraud. Callers spoof your bank's real phone number, use your name and partial account details to sound credible, and claim there is suspicious activity that requires urgent action. The action they suggest — confirming details, transferring money, or installing an app — is the fraud itself. Real bank fraud teams do call customers about suspicious transactions, but they never ask you to move money, share your full PIN, or install remote-access software. The safest rule: thank the caller, hang up, wait a few minutes, and call the number on the back of your card.
Common red flags
- Caller asks you to transfer money to a 'safe account'
- Requests your full PIN, password, or one-time passcode
- Asks you to install an app to 'secure' your device
- Insists you must not call the bank's main number because the fraud team is handling it separately
What to do now
- Politely end the call without providing any information
- Wait at least 5 minutes (on a landline, use a different phone) then call the number on your card
- Report the vishing attempt to your bank's fraud line
- File a report with your national fraud authority
Frequently asked questions
Why should I wait before calling back on a landline?
Scammers on landlines sometimes stay on the line after you hang up, so a call placed immediately may reconnect to the scammer. Waiting 5 minutes — or using a mobile phone — closes that risk.