Safe account scam calls and 159 explained

THE SHORT ANSWER

End a call asking you to move money to a “safe account”. Contact your bank through a trusted route. If you already paid, tell your bank immediately.

How to contact your bank

In this guide

The caller knows your name and which bank you use. They say there is suspicious activity on your account, that a member of staff may be involved, and that your money has to be moved today to a new “safe account” they have set up for you. It is a well-worn script, and it has one tell that never changes.

How the call works

Urgency. Your account is at risk right now, so there is no time to check.
Credibility. They know your name, address or the last digits of your card. Those details are cheap; knowing them proves nothing.
A familiar number. The caller ID may show your bank’s real number. Caller ID can be faked; see caller ID spoofing.
Isolation. Do not tell the branch, a staff member there may be involved, keep this confidential.
The ask. Move the money, read out a code, or install an app so they can “help”.

Stop, hang up, call 159

159 connects callers to participating banks through Stop Scams UK. Check its current list of supported banks and networks. Call charges depend on your provider. If your bank is not supported, use the number on your card or its official app or website.

If your bank is not on the list, hang up and ring the number on the back of your card. If you can, use a different phone; if not, wait at least 20 minutes before dialling, so you know you are starting a fresh call.

If you have already paid

Call your bank immediately, on 159 or the number on your card. The faster they know, the more they can stop.
Report it. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland that is Report Fraud, the service that replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, online or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
Ask about reimbursement. UK APP fraud protections cover eligible Faster Payments and CHAPS transfers made from 7 October 2024. The standard cap is £85,000 and claims must be reported within 13 months. An excess up to £100 can apply, with protections for vulnerable customers. Eligibility and exceptions matter: ask your bank to assess the claim and read the PSR guidance linked below.

Check the number, then report it

A lookup shows available reports and allocation context. If you report a call, describe what happened without assuming the displayed number identifies the caller. A community report does not replace contacting your bank or making an official fraud report.

A LITTLE MORE CLARITY

Common questions

Will my bank ever ask me to move money to a safe account?

No. No genuine bank will ask you to move money to a safe account. Anyone who asks you to is a fraudster, whatever number they call from and whatever they already know about you.

What is 159?

159 is a phone service run by Stop Scams UK that connects you to your own bank's genuine fraud team. It works with most major UK banks and phone companies. The cost depends on your provider and is often the same as a national call.

Will I get my money back after a bank transfer scam?

Reimbursement depends on eligibility and the circumstances. Protections cover qualifying UK Faster Payments and CHAPS transfers from 7 October 2024, generally up to £85,000, with a 13-month reporting limit. Contact your bank promptly and read the PSR guidance for conditions and exceptions.

Where do I report a bank impersonation call?

Tell your bank first, then report it to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101.

PUT THE CONTEXT TO WORK

Have a number to check?

Read the available evidence, then choose your next step.

Sources behind this guide

First published 25 September 2026. Adapted from the existing GotMyNumber guide, with editorial changes for V2 on 28 October 2026.