Bank, police and HMRC impersonation scams
The caller sounds professional, knows your name and maybe your bank, and says your money is at risk. They're calm, helpful and urgent. They're also a criminal.
How it usually works
The contact
A call, text or message claims to be from your bank's fraud team, the police, HMRC, your broadband provider or a well-known shop. The number on your screen may even match the real organisation's. This is called "spoofing" and is easy to do.
The scare
"There's suspicious activity on your account." "Your identity has been used." "A bank employee is under investigation." "You owe unpaid tax and face arrest."
The "fix"
You're told to move your money to a "safe account", read out a code, approve a payment in your app, install an app, buy gift cards, or hand your card to a courier.
The isolation
"Don't tell bank staff, they may be involved." "Stay on the line." "This is confidential." That's to stop anyone from warning you.
There is no such thing as a "safe account"
No bank, police force or government department will ever ask you to move money to protect it. If you're asked to, hang up. It's a scam, every time.
How to check a call is genuine
- Hang up. A real bank won't mind. Don't call back on any number they give you.
- Call 159, or the number on the back of your card, ideally from a different phone. Scammers can keep a landline connected after you hang up, so if you have to use the same phone, wait at least five minutes or call a friend first to check the line is clear.
- Never share security details: no PINs, passwords, card numbers or one-time codes.
- Real police will never ask you to withdraw cash, buy gold or gift cards, transfer money, or help with a "secret investigation".
- HMRC won't threaten arrest or demand payment by gift card or crypto. Check HMRC's guidance on scam contact.
Courier fraud
A variation targets older people in particular. The caller says your card has been cloned and sends a "courier" to collect it, often after asking you to read out your PIN. Some victims are even asked to withdraw cash or buy expensive items to "help with an investigation". Your bank will never send anyone to collect your card, cash or valuables.
Purchase "verification" in your app
Criminals may ask you to "confirm" or "cancel" a payment in your banking app or with a code. What you're really doing is approving a payment to them. Always read exactly what the app or text says you're approving.
Last reviewed: October 2026