Important Security Warning – Please be vigilant

QrizB

I understand the point about "common sense", but I can assure you these people are professional actors. They do not sound like scammers

That's a valid point. The attackers have been doing this for months and have a script to follow. You're bound to be on the defensive.

And that's also why you and I also need a script.

Our script is to say "I'll call you back" then hang up. No need to be any politer than that or to engage in any further discussion.

Then look up the contact number for your bank as printed on your card or your statement and call them. (Or use the relevant banking app's in-app chat, if you prefer that.)

RAS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82026063#Comment_82026063

This doesn't necessarily work because if the caller doesn't end the call, the line can remain open. And so when you dial back, you may just get the scammer again.

Use a different number or use your computer rather your own phone.

QrizB

> This doesn't necessarily work because if the caller doesn't end the call, the line can remain open.

That's only a possibility with an analogue landline, as I understand it.

Mobile phones and Digital Voice or VoIP lines don't have that issue.

chrisw

These type of calls are always, always scams, it's hard for me to believe how anybody could ever fall for it. In the very, very rare event it might genuine, the bank or whoever will find other ways to contact you.

However, despite drumming this into my mum, she still falls for it nearly every time. Fortunately she doesn't have mobile banking so there's not much they can get, but she's forever going to into the bank to check everything's ok.

That's why it particularly annoys me - it targets the elderly and the vulnerable and they have no conscience of doing so.

HonestJohn

I too would like to give a shout out to BBC Scam Interceptors. Worth watching on iPlayer if you doubt your ability to spot these scams.

elsien

I don’t think it’s hard to see why people fall for it. My mother had a call from the bank fraud a little while ago which did actually sound very scamlike but was in fact genuine.

Not everyone is up-to-date on the types of scams and they can be very convincing. I nearly fell for one awhile back and I’m normally pretty good

It’s not very helpful for posters to was saying “it’s common sense” because actually it isn’t always. As banks update their systems, so scammers also get more sophisticated.

So yes, absolutely it’s a very good idea to be on top of it all, but I don’t think we should be hinting to those who do fall for the scammers that it is their own fault for not taking care.

Vitor

On Samsung devices, I’d also consider placing banking apps into Secure Folder. It gives them a separate Knox-protected space with its own lock (PIN or biometric), which is a useful extra layer. It is not a substitute for removing suspicious apps, checking Accessibility/Device Admin permissions, updating the phone, and changing passwords from a trusted device, but it reduces the amount of sensitive banking activity sitting in the normal phone profile.

What is the Secure Folder and how do I use it? | Samsung UK

noitsnotme

Ditch the Android phone and buy an iPhone 🤷‍♂️

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82026555#Comment_82026555

…because iPhones can automatically detect when a call is malicious or fraudulent?

No wonder Apple users are always so smug-looking. ☺️

sausage_time

If you don't have your card to hand to call the bank on their real number you can always use 159 - ideally using a different phone (or after a reboot) in case the nasty people are hanging on the line.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2025/04/call-bank-number-martin-lewis/

Easy to remember - it's a diagonal sequence.