Is my bank really calling? The "safe account" scam
In this scam, someone calls pretending to be your bank's fraud team, or sometimes the police. They say your account is under attack and that you must move your money to a new "safe account" to protect it. The safe account belongs to the criminals.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
Hello, this is the fraud department at your bank. We have stopped a suspicious payment. To protect your savings, we need to move them to a secure holding account today. Do not tell the branch staff, they may be involved.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- They ask you to move money to another account to keep it safe. A real bank will never do this.
- They already know some of your details, such as your name or bank. Scammers can find these easily.
- They tell you to keep it secret, even from bank staff or family.
- The caller ID shows your bank's real number. This can be faked.
- They rush you and stay on the line while you act.
What to do
- Hang up.
- Call your bank on the number on the back of your card, from a different phone if you can, or wait five minutes first.
- Never move money because a caller told you to.
- If you have already moved money, call your bank straight away. Acting fast gives the best chance of getting it back.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Our checks on this scam
A call from the police or a government agency asking for money? The documented scam pattern
No. On 17 September 2026 the FBI warned that criminals pretend to be police and government officials, and said real authorities will never phone or text to demand payment. Police in Canada and Pennsylvania issued similar warnings on 24 and 25 September. UK police say they will never come to your home to collect money or your bank card. This reviews a documented pattern, not a particular call.
Updated 27 September 2026 · Read the evidence ↗Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- "Hi Mum, I've got a new number"
- A loved one's voice on the phone
- Fake shops and too-good deals
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Online friends who talk about money
- Calls from the "police" asking for money
- Power or water cut-off messages
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.