What is a bank or police impersonation scam?

A bank or police impersonation scam is when a criminal claims to represent your bank or a police force. They may describe fraud, an investigation or a threat to your money. The aim is to make you share information, send money or hand over valuables under false instructions. 12

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. A message or call claims someone trusted needs your help. 12
  2. The criminal uses pressure, personal details or a convincing phone number. 12
  3. They ask for a transfer, sensitive details or access to your device. 12

Real UK example

In October 2026, Report Fraud warned about callers displaying police-force phone numbers. Some claimed recipients were helping an investigation.

The service said the real scale was unknown. Its advice was to end the call and verify identity independently, rather than trust the number on screen. 1

Warning signs

  • You are told to transfer money into a “safe account”. 123
  • A caller requests full security details or control of your computer. 12
  • You are instructed to conceal the purpose of a payment. 123
  • Someone says hanging up will harm an investigation. 12

What to do now

  1. End the contact without making a payment. 123
  2. For your bank, use the number on your card or 159 if supported. 1234
  3. For a claimed police call, contact the police independently on 101. 125

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 314
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 15
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 5

How to protect yourself

  • Treat a claimed job title as something to verify. 12
  • Do not use contact details supplied during a suspicious call. 12
  • Talk to someone you trust before following unusual financial instructions. 12

Frequently asked questions

Will the police ask me to move money to a safe account?

No. Report Fraud says the police and your bank will not ask you to transfer money to a safe account. 2

What if the caller knows my name and address?

That is not proof of identity. Criminals can use personal details to make a call convincing. 67

How do I check a call from my bank?

Hang up. Call the number on your bank card, preferably from another phone. You can also use 159 if your bank participates. 714

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

News Pulse

Account security, explained by email.

Read about News Pulse

Sources

  1. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Over 70s targeted as courier fraud exceeds £21 million in 2025, with London and Home Counties hit hardest - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Report Fraud, Courier fraud - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  7. Ofcom, How to protect yourself from scam calls, texts and messages. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).