Don’t Get Caught Out: How to Spot and Handle Suspicious Bank Calls

If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank but suspect it might be a scam, staying cautious is crucial. Scammers often pose as bank representatives to steal personal information or money. Here’s what to do if you suspect a scam call:

Don’t share personal details: Never give out sensitive information like your bank account number, PIN, passwords, or security codes. Genuine banks will not ask for these over the phone. Sometimes I will give totally false information and see if that goes through.
Hang up immediately: If the caller pressures you to act quickly or share details, end the call. Scammers often create urgency to catch you off guard.
Verify the caller: Contact your bank using the official number on their website or the back of your bank card. Do not use any number provided by the caller. Make sure you have a correct dial tone before dialling the bank. sometimes they don't hang up and you may just be calling them again. If possible use another phone to ensure you really are calling your bank.
Check for red flags: Be wary if the caller asks you to transfer money, download software, or claims there’s an urgent issue with your account. These are common scam tactics.
Report the call: Inform your bank about the suspicious call. You can also report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website.
Monitor your accounts: Check your bank statements regularly for unauthorised transactions. If you spot anything unusual, contact your bank immediately.
Use call-blocking tools: Consider using call-blocking apps or services provided by your phone provider to reduce unwanted calls.

Staying vigilant and following these steps can help protect you from falling victim to phone scams. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.