Your bank is calling. But is it really your bank?

“Hello. We are calling from your bank. There has been suspicious activity on your account.”

The caller knows your name.

They sound professional.

Then comes the request:

“Please give me your PIN or one time code so we can secure your account.”

Stop.

A genuine bank may contact you about suspicious activity. That does not mean you should disclose your confidential credentials.

Your PIN, password and one time code are not proof of identity for someone calling you. They are secrets that help protect your account.

If a caller asks for them, end the conversation.

Then contact your bank using the number on your card, a trusted bank statement or the bank’s official app.

Never move money to a supposed “safe account” because a caller tells you to.

If you have already shared confidential information, contact your bank’s fraud or customer support team immediately and monitor your account.

The caller may know your name.

They may know your account details.

They may even know recent transactions.

That still does not make them your bank.

Think first. Click safe. When someone creates panic, create time to verify.