The “Hang Up and Call Your Bank” Scam
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
Please feel free to share this advice
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