An error
It begins with a seemingly routine phone call. A person who does not yet realize they are about to be targeted by a scam answers a call on their mobile. On the screen, the name of their bank appears, as if a legitimate inquiry is about to unfold. The National Police have already identified dozens of such cases, where scammers impersonate banks to pull off a classic form of fraud carried out over the phone. The goal is to lull the potential victim into sharing sensitive details before any doubt can form.
To guard against this trap, authorities and financial institutions offer clear guidance. Banks in North America and Europe, including major names such as Santander, routinely stress staying vigilant when an unexpected call or message claims to be from the bank. They remind customers that real banks will never pressure them to disclose credentials or passwords on the phone or via text, email, or online chat. A call that demands such information should be treated as suspicious and terminated immediately.
An error
Phone fraud is a modern twist on an older scam. It often starts with a friendly voice claiming that the bank is calling. The caller might hint that there is a risk to a savings account or that a new financial product could be available, or they may insist that a deposit was held up due to an error and needs quick action. The supposed bank employee then asks for card details, PINs, or one-time codes. Once the information is shared, the scam can quickly escalate, allowing fraudsters to impersonate the victim, authorize transfers, incur fees, or even apply for loans without the victim’s consent.
People are sometimes pressured by fear and confusion. The caller may insist that delaying the process could result in lost access to funds, or they may create a sense of urgency by saying there is an urgent security issue that requires immediate attention. In practice, legitimate banks would never pressure customers into providing sensitive information over the phone in this way. Any request for such data should raise red flags and trigger a cautious response.
European practices
Criminal groups behind these scams employ a range of methods to appear legitimate. They may use mobile apps or internet access to mask their call, and some even create web pages that resemble official bank sites, often appearing in search results. The idea is to make the call feel authentic and to mislead victims into trusting the message. National police anti-fraud units have explained that scammers often leverage digital tools to disguise their identities and locations, making it harder for victims to verify who is truly on the other end of the line.
These apps and schemes can be found online, and some are designed to obscure GPS locations or to serve purposes outside fraud, such as entertaining distractions in mobile games. The broader point is that scammers constantly adapt their tactics, exploiting technology to appear credible and to reach a wide audience quickly.
Social engineering
Experts emphasize that the most effective element of these scams is social engineering. Before dialing in on a target, scammers study their potential victims. They gather information from social networks or, in some cases, more traditional means such as mail or home deliveries. The more a fraudster knows about a person, the more convincingly they can pose as a trusted bank representative. Groups focused on cybercrime frequently share tips and data in private channels, refining their approach to maximize the chance of success.
Tips to avoid this
The fraudulent method described here is often called identity theft or bank fraud. It hinges on impersonation by a supposed bank employee and the quick extraction of sensitive information. To reduce risk, banks and consumer protection agencies advise skepticism when receiving unexpected calls about accounts. Customers should never disclose full card numbers, expiration dates, or security codes over the phone, email, or text. If in doubt, hang up and contact the bank directly using a verified number from a bank statement or official website.
Several financial institutions publish guidance on their sites about how to spot scams and what steps to take if a suspicious contact occurs. The core message remains consistent: legitimate banks do not request credentials or personal verification via insecure channels, and customers should verify any unusual request through a known, trusted channel. The National Police and other consumer protection bodies reinforce these recommendations, noting that reserving judgment and verifying through official channels is the safest course of action when a call or message seems out of place.