Someone pretending to be your bank or your family

The one rule Banks never ask you to move money or read out a code. Before you pay anyone in a hurry, call them back on a number you already know.

The call from "your bank"

incoming call Bank Fraud Team +44 20 7946 0958

The screen can show your bank's name. Scammers can fake that.

They say your money is in danger and you must act now.

Then they ask you to move money to a "safe account", read out a code, or give your PIN.

What to do Hang up. Call the number on the back of your card. In the UK you can also call 159 to reach your bank.

+44 7700 900461online

Hi Mum, I dropped my phone in the bath. This is my new number, save it18:02

Can you do me a favour? I need to pay a bill today and my banking app won't work on the new phone18:03

A number you don't know, saying it's your child.

Money, urgently, to an account you've never seen.

What to do Before you send anything, call your child on their old number. Never pay a new account until you've heard their voice.

Amira Haddadonline

Hi! I sent you a 6-digit code by mistake. Can you send it back to me please? It's urgent20:14

That code unlocks your own WhatsApp. Whoever has it can take over your account and message everyone you know.

What to do Never share the code, even with family. Then turn on two-step verification: WhatsApp, Settings, Account, Two-step verification.

Call your bank now

Use the number on your card. The sooner you call, the better the chance of stopping the payment.
Lost your WhatsApp?

Sign in again with your phone number, and tell your contacts not to answer messages from it.
Warn your family group

So the same message doesn't fool someone else.

A "live support" site that pretends to be Bank of America and asks you to sign in.

From public lists of known fake sites. The addresses are broken on purpose, so they can't be opened.

VeloGuardian Fortress and Citadel block websites that appear on public lists of known scams, before they load. Get the app