Caller ID can be manipulated, so a familiar number on your screen is not proof that the caller is your bank, the police, a government service or someone you know. Independent verification matters more than the displayed number.
Use the checks below to slow the situation down, verify the claim through a separate route and avoid giving a suspicious contact more information or control.
Do not trust caller ID alone
Scammers can spoof caller ID so that a call appears to come from a familiar or official number. The name or number displayed on your screen should be treated as context, not proof of identity.
End the call and verify independently
If a caller claims there is an urgent problem, end the call and contact the organisation using a number from its official website, app, bank card or other trusted source. Do not call a number the caller gives you.
Never move money to a safe account
A bank, police force or fraud team will not need you to protect your money by transferring it to a new account controlled by someone else. Treat any such request as a major fraud warning.
Do not share security codes
Do not tell a caller your full password, PIN, one-time passcode or app-approval code. A fraudster may already know some personal information and use it to make the request sound legitimate.
Report and recover
If you transferred money, contact your bank immediately using a trusted route. Suspicious calls and resulting fraud can be reported through the current UK fraud-reporting route appropriate to where you live.
Practical checklist
Quick checklist
- Do not trust the displayed caller ID
- End the call if you feel pressured
- Call back using an independently verified number
- Never transfer money to a so-called safe account
- Never share one-time security codes
- Contact your bank immediately if money was sent
Official and primary guidance
Scam techniques, platform features and reporting routes change. These sources were checked when this guide was updated: