Devon & Cornwall Police are warning residents about a scam where criminals pretend to be from your bank and then use trusted safety advice against you.
Many people now know that if they are worried about a bank call, they should hang up and call their bank directly, often using 159. Unfortunately, scammers are adapting.
In this scam, a caller may claim that money is being taken from your account and ask for passwords or security details. If challenged, they may then say: “That’s right, never share your password. Please hang up and call your bank immediately.”
This sounds reassuring, but it can still be part of the scam. In some cases, criminals may keep the phone line open after you think you have hung up. You may hear a fake dial tone or ringing sound, and when you dial your bank, you may still be connected to the scammer.
The key advice is:
Hang up properly – then call safely.
If possible, use a different phone to contact your bank. For example, use a mobile if the call came through on a landline. If you only have one phone, hang up, wait at least 30–60 seconds, then call a friend or family member first to make sure the line has cleared. After that, call your bank or dial 159.
Be suspicious of any caller who pressures you to act quickly, says your money is at immediate risk, asks you to move funds to a “safe account”, or tells you to stay on the phone.
Your bank will never ask you to move money to a safe account or share passwords.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.
Scammers rely on panic and urgency. Take your time, stay calm, and remain in control.
