Is a call claiming to be my bank warning about suspicious activity on my account a scam?
It may be a legitimate bank call or it may be bank impersonation fraud — sometimes called authorised push payment fraud. You should always hang up and call your bank back using the official number.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Bank impersonation calls are among the most convincing scams because they start with plausible information. Fraudsters use data from previous breaches to name your bank, last transaction, or even partial card numbers, which creates a false sense of authenticity. They then ask you to take urgent action — transferring your money to a 'safe account,' confirming a one-time passcode, or reading out full card details to 'freeze suspicious transactions.'
No legitimate bank will ever ask you to move your money to a safe account. Banks do not create safe accounts during fraud investigations. They also will not ask you to read back a one-time passcode you just received — that OTP is the only security standing between a fraudster and your account.
Calls can be spoofed to show your bank's real phone number on caller ID, making them appear entirely genuine. This is why you cannot trust caller ID alone. The safest response to any unexpected bank call is to thank the caller, hang up, wait a few minutes (some fraudsters stay on the line), and call the number on the back of your card.
If an urgency-driven bank call asks you to do anything unusual with your money or credentials, treat it as fraud.
Common red flags
- Asks you to transfer money to a new 'safe' account
- Asks you to read back a one-time passcode that just arrived
- Asks for your full PIN, full card number, or online banking password
- Creates urgency by saying your money will be stolen if you do not act immediately
- Caller ID shows your bank's real number — this can be spoofed
- Discourages you from hanging up or verifying through another channel
What to do now
- Hang up immediately if the caller asks for passwords, PINs, or to move money
- Wait a few minutes before calling back on a different phone line if possible
- Call the number on the back of your bank card to speak to real fraud staff
- Tell your bank about the suspicious call so they can log it
- Check your account for any unauthorised transactions
- Report the call to your national fraud reporting line
Frequently asked questions
My bank's actual phone number appeared on caller ID. Is it still fake?
Yes, it can be. Caller ID spoofing technology allows any number to be displayed, including your bank's genuine number. Caller ID is not proof of identity.
What if I already gave them my OTP?
Contact your bank immediately. An OTP that has been shared should be treated as compromised. Your bank may be able to freeze pending transactions if you call within minutes.