Bank impersonation
Impersonation calls, texts and emails can look and sound genuine. Here is what to do next.
Immediate action
Hang up, wait five minutes, then call your bank on the number on the back of your card.
Overview
Impersonation fraud uses spoofed numbers, copied branding and urgent warnings about 'suspicious activity' to persuade people to move money or share access.
Common warning signs
- Being told your account is at risk
- A request to move money to a 'safe account'
- Being asked to read out a code
- Pressure not to tell branch staff
What to do now
- 1Call your bank on its official number
- 2Change your online banking password
- 3Check for new payees or devices
- 4Report the message or number
Evidence to preserve
- The message or email received
- Call times and numbers
- Bank statements
- Screenshots of your banking app
Where to report
- Your bank
- Action Fraud
- Report suspicious texts to 7726
Fraud Victim Support does not replace an official police report.
What happens next
We will help you understand what your bank is likely to ask and how to record the sequence of events.
Optional legal support
Optional separate legal assessment may be available in some cases.
You are never required to instruct AY-Legal in order to receive initial support.
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