High riskBank & Payment Scams

Safe Account Scam

In this scam, a caller posing as your bank or the police says your account is compromised and instructs you to move your money to a new 'safe account' for protection, which is actually controlled by the scammer.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Authorised push payment (bank impersonation)
Main red flag
A caller tells you to move your money to a 'safe account' to protect it from fraud.
What to do first
Hang up. A real bank never asks you to move money to a safe account.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a caller posing as your bank or the police says your account is compromised and instructs you to move your money to a new 'safe account' for protection, which is actually controlled by the scammer.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'This is the bank fraud team. Your account is under attack. Transfer your balance to this safe account in your name while we secure it.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Instructions to move money to a 'safe' or 'new' account
  • A caller claiming to be your bank's fraud team or police
  • Pressure, urgency, and secrecy
  • A request to ignore warnings during the transfer
  • Caller ID that appears to show your bank

What to do

  • Hang up and call your bank using the number on your card
  • Never move money to a 'safe account' on someone's instruction
  • Wait or use another phone to ensure the line cleared before calling back
  • Report the call to your bank and fraud authority

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you transferred money, contact your bank immediately to try to recall it
  • Report it to your fraud authority without delay
  • Change online banking passwords from a trusted device
  • Keep call details and references as evidence

What not to do

  • Do not move money to a 'safe account'
  • Do not act on urgent calls about securing your funds
  • Do not call back on a number the caller gives you

Similar scams

High risk Bank & Payment

Bank Impersonation Phone Scam

In this scam a caller pretends to be your bank's fraud team, claims your account is under attack, and pressures you to move money to a 'safe account', read out one-time codes, or grant remote access so they can steal your funds.
High risk Government & Tax

Police Impersonation Scam

In this scam, callers pose as police or law enforcement, claim you are linked to a crime or have a warrant, and demand immediate payment or personal details to 'clear your name' or avoid arrest.
High risk Bank & Payment

PayPal Payment Pending Scam

This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.

Frequently asked questions

Will my bank ask me to move money to a safe account?
No. A genuine bank never asks you to transfer money to another account to protect it. Anyone who does is a scammer, even if they sound official.
The caller ID showed my bank. Is it real?
Caller ID can be spoofed. Hang up and call your bank using the number on your card, ensuring the previous call has cleared first.
I moved my money. What now?
Contact your bank immediately to try to recall it, report it to your fraud authority, and change your banking password from a trusted device.
How do banks really handle fraud?
They secure your account on their side and guide you through official steps; they do not have you transfer funds to a new account.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.