An illustrative example
“We’re investigating fraud. Transfer your savings into this protected account and don’t discuss the investigation.”
Warning signs to look for
- A demand to transfer savings to a new account for “protection.”
- Pressure to withdraw cash, buy gold, or give money to a courier.
- A request for a login password, one-time code, or approval in your banking app.
What you can do
- Stop the conversation without following their instructions.
- Contact your bank using its official app, the number on your card, or a statement. Use another phone if you are concerned the call has not disconnected.
- If you have already transferred money, contact the bank or payment provider immediately. Ask whether it can stop or reverse the payment.
Talk about it together
Try starting with:
“Before either of us moves money because of a call, let’s contact the bank ourselves.”
Sources and further reading
FTC: how to avoid a scamScamwatch: help to spot and avoid scamsGeneral educational information. Reporting routes and protections vary by country.