HSBC Scam Call UK: Spot a Fake Fraud Team Call
HSBC scam callers sound convincing—but they're after your passwords and bank access. Here's how to tell the difference.
What an HSBC scam call looks like
An HSBC scam call is from someone posing as HSBC's fraud or security team, claiming suspicious activity on your account, to get you to move money, share a one-time code, or download remote-access software. An example of the style is: This is HSBC fraud prevention. We've blocked a suspicious £2,400 payment from your account - to secure your funds, please move your balance to a temporary safe account we'll set up.
The number shown on your phone can be faked to look like HSBC's real number. This guide shows the warning signs, how to check safely, and what to do if you have already responded.
Why these calls are convincing
Caller ID spoofing can make the call appear to come from HSBC, and a caller who already knows your name or partial account details sounds credible. Fear of losing money creates urgency that stops people questioning the call.
The fact that protects you: HSBC says it will never ask you to transfer money anywhere, including to a "safe" account, or share a PIN, QR code, or one-time passcode.
Signs an HSBC call is a scam
- You are told to move money to a new, "safe", or "temporary" account.
- You are asked to read out a one-time passcode, PIN, or full password.
- You are asked to download screen-sharing or remote-access software.
- The caller pressures you to act immediately or stay on the line.
- The number on your screen matches HSBC's, but that alone proves nothing - it can be spoofed.
- You are told not to tell anyone, including branch staff, about the call.
How the scam works
First, a caller claims to be from HSBC's fraud team about suspicious activity. Second, urgency and fear push you to act without checking. Third, you are asked to move money to a "safe account", share a one-time code, or install remote-access software. Fourth, the money is transferred straight to the scammer, or they gain control of your device or account. Finally, contact stops once the fraud is complete.
Hanging up and calling HSBC back on a number you find yourself breaks the chain.
How to check an HSBC call safely
If anything feels rushed or secretive, stop.
- Hang up and call HSBC back using the number on your card, a genuine statement, or the HSBC app - never a number the caller gives you.
- Wait a few minutes before calling back so the line clears, or use a different phone if you can.
- Never move money to a "safe", "holding", or "temporary" account - HSBC will not ask you to.
- Never read out a one-time passcode, PIN, or full password to anyone.
- Do not install remote-access or screen-sharing software during an unexpected call.
If you are unsure, our impersonation scams when criminals pretend to be your bank or the police and Santander Phone Scam UK: What the Callers Say and How to Hang Up Safely guides cover the same bank-impersonation pattern.
If you have already responded
Act immediately. Contact HSBC on 159 or a number you find yourself, tell them it was a scam, and ask them to try to recover any payment and stop further transfers. If you sent money by UK bank transfer on or after 7 October 2024, mandatory APP fraud reimbursement rules may apply to Faster Payments and CHAPS transfers. The PSR rules include a 13-month claim window, a maximum claim amount of £85,000, possible exclusions, and a possible excess of up to £100. Report it to your bank as soon as possible.
If you shared a one-time code, password, or installed remote-access software, ask HSBC to secure your account and change your passwords from a different, trusted device. If you shared identity details, consider Cifas Protective Registration at cifas.org.uk and monitor your credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Keep the caller's number, times, and what was said as evidence.
How to report an HSBC scam call (UK)
Tell HSBC directly through the app or a number you find yourself, as they can secure your account and investigate. HSBC also lists phishing@hsbc.com for suspicious HSBC-branded emails or texts. If the same scam reached you as a text message, forward that text to 7726 so your mobile provider can investigate. A scam email can be sent to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you lost money or shared sensitive information, report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 if you are in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101. Keep all your evidence.
Frequently asked questions
The number on my screen said HSBC - doesn't that prove the call is genuine?
No. Caller ID can be spoofed to display a bank's real number. Never rely on the number shown alone - hang up and call HSBC back using a number you find yourself if you have any doubt.
An 'HSBC' caller told me to move my money to a safe account - should I?
No. HSBC says it will never ask you to transfer money anywhere, including to a safe account. Treat any such request as a scam, however convincing the caller sounds, and hang up.
I was asked to read out a one-time code during the call - is that normal?
No. Never share a one-time passcode, PIN, or password with anyone who calls you, even if they claim to be from HSBC's fraud team.
I've already moved money or shared details - can I get it back?
Maybe. Contact HSBC immediately on 159 or a number you find yourself. Eligible UK transfers since 7 October 2024 may fall under APP reimbursement rules, subject to limits and exclusions.
How do I report an HSBC scam call?
Tell HSBC directly through the app or official number, then if you lost money or shared details, report it to Report Fraud in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, or to Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland.