~/scams explained / fake-bank-employee-call-spoofing
Fake bank employee call: when the bank seems to be calling
A supposed bank employee calls and warns about a suspicious transaction. The display may even show the bank's real number, because caller IDs can be faked.
Got a specific message?
Paste the text into the scam check and get an assessment in seconds, no sign-up.
How the scam works
- Your phone rings and the display shows the name or number of your bank. This is called spoofing.
- The caller claims there is a suspicious transaction or that someone tried to empty your account.
- They sound friendly and professional and sometimes know your name or your bank.
- You are asked to confirm a code, a TAN or an approval in your banking app, supposedly to stop the fraud.
- Or you are told to move your money to a “safe account”. In reality that account belongs to the criminals.
How to spot it
- The bank calls unexpectedly and puts you under time pressure.
- They ask for codes, a TAN, your PIN or passwords. A real bank never asks for these by phone.
- You are asked to approve a payment in the app that you did not start yourself.
- You are told to transfer money to a “safe account”.
- The caller forbids you to hang up or to talk to anyone.
What to do now
- Hang up, even if the bank's number is displayed. What shows on screen can be faked.
- Call your bank yourself, using the number on your card or in the official app.
- Never share codes, a TAN, your PIN or passwords, and never approve something you did not start.
- Do not transfer money because a caller tells you to.
- Take your time. Real problems can also be sorted out calmly through the official channel.
Already clicked or paid?
- Call your bank straight away using the number on your card, explain what happened and have your card and online banking blocked.
- Change your login details and passwords, starting with online banking and your email account.
- Ask the bank whether payments can still be stopped. Success is not guaranteed.
- Report it to the police and keep the call log and messages as evidence.
- Report it to your consumer protection service and warn family and friends.
Frequently asked questions
How can the real bank number show up?
Criminals can fake the number shown on your display. A name or number on the screen therefore proves nothing.
Would my bank ever ask for a code over the phone?
No. Banks never ask for TANs, codes, PINs or passwords by phone, text or email.
How do the criminals know my name?
Personal details often come from earlier data leaks or phishing. Knowing your name does not make the call genuine.
More scams
- Fake parcel text: "Delivery failed"
- Fake bank email: "Account locked" and "renew your security method"
- Fake PayPal email: "Account limited" and "suspicious payment"
- Fake Amazon email: order, Prime, locked account or refund
- "Hi Mum, new number": the WhatsApp scam with the fake child
- Classified ads scam: the fake buyer with the "secure payment link"
- How to spot a fake online shop
- Prize draw scam: why "You have won" is often a trap
- Fake Microsoft support: the phone call and virus pop-up scam
- Crypto investment scam: fake ads with famous faces
- Tax refund phishing: fake emails from authorities
General advice, not legal advice. If you lost money, involve your bank and the police.