Scammers Drain Woman's Savings With Fake Bank Security

A Liverpool woman loses £10,500 after a fake bank security call and a pretend fraud team.

Scammers Drain Woman's Savings With Fake Bank Security

Vicki Jones, 44, received calls that claimed to be from her bank and a tier three digital security team. The scammers said unusual activity had been detected and asked her to move money into a holding account. They used fake messages attributed to Action Fraud and appeared to know her name and account details, including that she had two bank accounts. They instructed her to use her card reader and even take a selfie to verify her identity, a step designed to mimic legitimate security checks. She spent more than five hours on the phone and moved about £10,500 in total.

Jones only realized something was wrong after a friend posted a TikTok warning and she checked with her bank. The bank said there was no investigation and no tier three team. Action Fraud confirmed the case is under assessment. Officials urge people to verify calls through official numbers and to report scams, and remind victims not to share bank details or accept transfers requested by unknown callers.

The incident shows how social engineering blends real bank signals with fake security language. Scammers rely on personal details and staged urgency to blur judgment, turning fear into action. The long duration of the call and the promise of safety can push people to move money before they can think clearly.

For banks and regulators, the case highlights gaps in consumer education and the need for clearer in-app warnings and safer verification steps. Public awareness campaigns and tighter verification can reduce losses. The story also points to the importance of reporting and cross-checking with official channels.

Highlights

Officials urge vigilance and verification through official channels.