What to Do If You Fall for a Bank Scam
Last updated: 3 August 2025
Step 1: Contact Your Bank Immediately
As soon as you realise you've been scammed, contact your bank or card provider. Most banks have a 24/7 fraud helpline. The sooner you alert them, the better your chances of recovering the money. They may be able to freeze the transaction or prevent further losses.
Step 2: Report the Scam to Action Fraud
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can report scams online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. They’ll give you a crime reference number, which you may need to support your case with the bank.
Step 3: Change Your Passwords and Secure Accounts
If the scam involved logging into your bank, email, or other online accounts, change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available. This helps prevent further unauthorised access.
Step 4: Keep a Record of All Communication
Write down what happened, including the date and time of the scam, how the scammer contacted you, and what was said or sent. Keep any texts, emails, or screenshots — these can help the bank investigate and are useful if you escalate your case.
Will the Bank Refund Me?
Under the CRM (Contingent Reimbursement Model) Code, many UK banks commit to refunding victims of authorised push payment (APP) scams — where you're tricked into sending money yourself — as long as you weren’t grossly negligent. However, not all banks are signed up, and refunds are assessed case-by-case.
What If the Bank Refuses to Refund Me?
If your bank denies your refund request and you think it's unfair, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). This is free to do and often results in banks overturning their decision if the customer took reasonable steps to protect themselves.
Common Types of Bank Scams
- Impersonation scams (fraudster pretends to be from your bank, HMRC, or police)
- Investment scams promising high returns
- Romance scams building emotional connections to gain trust
- Invoice or payment redirection scams (especially targeting businesses)
- Phishing emails or texts directing you to fake websites
How to Avoid Future Scams
- Never transfer money on the basis of a phone call alone
- Hang up and call your bank using the official number
- Don’t share personal or banking details via email or text
- Check for signs of phishing (spelling errors, urgent tone, suspicious links)
- Install antivirus software and keep your devices updated