- Genuine banks never ask you to move money to a 'safe account'
- Urgency and pressure to act immediately is the most common scam tactic
- Always verify through a number or website you already trust, not one given to you
- Report authorised push payment scams to your bank and Action Fraud immediately
Your bank will never ask this
No genuine bank will ask you to move money to a 'safe account', share a one-time passcode, or install remote-access software over the phone — hang up and call the number on your card if in doubt.
Urgency is the biggest red flag
Scammers create time pressure to stop you thinking it through. A genuine request from your bank or HMRC can always wait until you've verified it independently.
Verify through a separate channel
If a call, text or email asks for money or personal details, contact the organisation directly using a number or website you already trust — not one given in the message itself.
What to do if it happens
Contact your bank immediately using their official number, report it to Action Fraud, and ask about the Contingent Reimbursement Model code if you've made an authorised push payment.
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