A call from "the bank's security team": how to spot it and what to do
You are told that your card is blocked or that someone is trying to take your money. We explain why this is almost always a scam and how to react.
This is how the scheme works: a polite person calls you, uses your name and says there is a suspicious transaction on your card. To "protect your money", they ask you for the code from an SMS, your card details, or to move your money to a "safe account".
The main rule
A real bank employee will never ask for an SMS code, your banking app password or the CVV code on the back of your card, and will never ask you to move money to another account. If someone asks for any of these, you are talking to a scammer.
Signs of this kind of call
- The call comes from an unknown number or from a number that looks like the bank's. The number on your screen is easy to fake.
- They give you frightening news and rush you: "someone is taking out a loan in your name right now".
- They know your name and the last digits of your card. This data often leaks. It does not prove that the bank is calling.
- They ask you to install an app for a "remote check" of your phone.
- They pass the call to "the police" or "an investigator" who confirms what "the bank" said.
What to do
- Hang up. Do not start a conversation.
- Call your bank yourself, using the number on the back of your card or in the official app.
- Tell them about the call and ask if everything is fine with your account.
- If you already gave a code or your card details, ask the bank to block your card at once.
Help others
Check the number that called you in our [registry](/). If it is not there, add a report. The next person who gets a call from this number will find the warning.