Introduction
You pick up the phone. Someone claims to be your bank’s fraud department. They sound heavy, serious, pressing.
“You must log in now! Transfer funds to a safe account! Confirm your security code!”
…Sound familiar? This is a classic vishing scam — phone fraud disguised as your bank doing “safety”.
Here’s what you must know before you hand over credentials or move money.
🔍 How It Works
| Step | What They Say | What’s Really Happening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | “This is [Bank Name] security” | Spoofed caller ID or automated voice |
| 2 | “We detected fraud. Confirm your identity” | Trying to get login & codes |
| 3 | “Transfer funds to safe account” | Money gets whisked away |
| 4 | “Don’t hang up or assets will be frozen” | Pressure + fear tactic |
| 5 | They vanish — you’re locked out | You’re the victim, not the bank |
🚫 Top Red Flags
- Caller ID shows your bank but they ask for passwords, OTPs, transfer money
- You did not initiate contact with the bank
- They instruct you to use a link, app, or login screen they provide
- They claim your account will be “frozen” unless you comply now
✅ What They Never Ask
- Your full online banking password
- OTP codes that your bank sent you
- To transfer money to “safe” or “reverse the transfer”
- To log in using a screen-share or remote access tool
- To download an app under pretense of “bank support”
🛡 How to Protect Yourself
- Hang up immediately — if in doubt, call your bank using official contact details
- Never give remotely: passwords, codes, PINs, transfers
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts
- Check recent account activity & set low alerts
- Save complaint numbers and report phone fraud to your national authority
- Educate friends/family — this scam often targets older or less tech-savvy people
🧷 Bonus Tips
- Use banking app’s built-in communications; avoid answering “fraud department” calls from unknown numbers
- Ask for a case reference number and verify it independently via branch or official site
- If an email says “we’ll call you now” — treat it as suspicious
- Report the number & call details to your bank regardless of outcome
Report a Scam & Share 🔄
Were you on the call? Did they ask for login or transfer?
👉 Submit your story: Report a Scam →
Your experience could save someone else.
✅ Why This Guide Matters
- Phone call scams defraud billions every year.
- Banks don’t call and ask for credentials.
- This guide empowers you and your loved ones to stop that scenario early.
