11/06/2026
Had this sent from the Police.
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
