Many people now know that the safest way to contact their bank is by calling 159

Unfortunately, scammers are adapting — and using this advice against you

Here’s how the “Hang Up and Call Your Bank” scam works

A criminal calls you pretending to be your bank and says things like:

“Money is being taken from your account right now — we need your password to stop it”

You refuse (which is the correct action) and then they say:

“That’s right — never share your password. Please hang up and call your bank immediately”

This sounds genuine — but it is part of the scam

What’s really happening

The scammer is using social engineering to gain your trust and control what you do next.

They know:

• You trust your bank
• You’ve been told to call them yourself
• You will feel reassured making the call yourself
• They know you will immediately make that call

Here’s the trick

Even after you “hang up”:

• The scammer can keep the line open
• You may even hear a fake dial or ring tone
• When you dial 159 (or your banks phone number) you could still be connected to the scammer
• A second scammer may answer pretending to be your bank

So although you think you’ve called your bank — you haven’t

How to stay safe

Safest option

• Use a different phone to call your bank
  (e.g. mobile instead of landline, or vice versa)

If you only have one phone

• Hang up
• Wait at least 30–60 seconds
• Call a friend or family member first

This confirms the line is properly cleared
Then call 159

Warning signs

Be suspicious if the caller:

• Tries to shock or scare you
• Pressures you to act quickly
• Talks about money being at immediate risk
• Asks you to move money to a “safe account”
• Tells you to stay on the phone
• Tries to stop you hanging up

Your bank will NEVER do these things

Key message

“HANG UP PROPERLY – THEN CALL SAFELY”

Remember

• 159 will never call you
• You only use it when you dial it
• It connects you safely to your bank

If you are the victim of Fraud or Cybercrime

Report online here: UK’s Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud – Report Fraud

Or call: 0300 123 2040

 Final advice

Scammers rely on panic and urgency.

 Take your time remain calm and stay in control