The 'safe account' scam: when 'your bank' asks you to move your money
What the message looks like
"A new payee was added" or "a payment of £780 is pending", then a number to call. On the call they ask you to move money somewhere safe.
How to tell it's a scam
It often starts with a text about a payment you didn't make, then a call from someone who knows your name and sounds professional. The number on your screen may even look like your bank's.
They say your account has been compromised and ask you to move your money to a new 'safe account' while they sort it out. That account belongs to the scammers.
No real bank will ever ask you to move money to keep it safe. Hang up, wait a minute, and call 159 from your own phone to reach your bank's fraud team.
The tell: Your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account". Hang up and call 159, which reaches most UK banks' fraud teams.
Got one? Check it in seconds
Paste the message into Alice's free scam checker. It shows the warning signs and the exact words that set them off, and the check runs on your own device.
Check a messageAlready clicked, paid or shared details?
If you've paid or given bank details, call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on your card.
Where to report it in the UK
- Scam or spam text: forward it free to 7726
- Text pretending to be HMRC: forward it to 60599
- Worried someone has your bank details: call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team
- Lost money or gave details (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or reportfraud.police.uk
- Lost money or gave details (Scotland): Police Scotland on 101
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Warn your family or group chat
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.