Monzo Scam UK: Spot a Fake 'Suspicious Activity' Alert
Scammers are impersonating Monzo to steal your money. Here's exactly what to watch for and how to stop them.
What a Monzo scam looks like
A Monzo scam impersonates Monzo, or a caller claiming to be from its fraud team, to make you move money, share your login, or read out a one-time code. Because Monzo customers manage their account mainly through the app and Monzo has no branches, a common trick is a call or message claiming your account is "compromised" and that you must transfer funds to a "safe account" to protect them. An example of the style is: Monzo Security: we've detected suspicious activity on your account. Verify your identity now or your account will be frozen: monzo-verify.example.
This guide shows the warning signs, how to check safely, and what to do if you have already responded.
Why these scams are convincing
People are used to managing Monzo by app, call, or message, which makes a fake "security" contact feel plausible. A caller who already knows your name or partial account details, and a spoofed number, add to the pressure.
The fact that protects you: Monzo says it will never call you out of the blue or ask you to move your money. Any request to move money to a "safe", "holding", or "protected" account is a scam.
Signs a Monzo message is a scam
- It claims suspicious activity or a compromised account and demands immediate action.
- It asks you to "verify" through a link, or to confirm your PIN, password, card details, or a one-time code.
- You are told to move money to a new, "safe", or "holding" account.
- A caller claims to be from Monzo's fraud team and pressures you to stay on the line.
- The link is not
monzo.comor inside the genuine Monzo app. - You are asked to install screen-sharing or remote-access software during the call.
How the scam works
First, a call, text, or email claims a problem with your account. Second, urgency and fear push you to act immediately. Third, you are asked to "verify" through a link, share a one-time code, or move money to a "safe account". Fourth, criminals use the details to access your account or the transfer sends your money straight to them. Fifth, they may call again posing as Monzo to extend the scam.
Checking directly in the Monzo app, and never moving money because of a call or message, breaks the chain.
How to check a Monzo alert safely
If anything feels rushed, stop.
- Open the Monzo app directly and check your transactions and account status there.
- If someone says they are calling from Monzo, use Monzo's Call Status feature in the app to check whether the call is genuine.
- Use in-app chat to contact Monzo support if you are unsure, or use the phone numbers published on Monzo's own fraud page if you have been tricked into sending money. Never use a number given to you by a suspicious caller.
- Never move money to a "safe", "holding", or "protected" account; Monzo will not ask you to.
- Never read out a one-time code, your PIN, your card details, or your password to anyone.
- Do not install remote-access or screen-sharing software during an unexpected call.
If you are unsure whether a linked page is genuine, our guide on Is This Website a Scam? A Practical Checklist Before You Buy helps, and our impersonation scams when criminals pretend to be your bank or the police guide covers the safe-account con in detail.
If you responded or shared details
If you shared your login, PIN, one-time code, or moved money, open the Monzo app immediately and use in-app chat to report it and freeze your card if needed. Monzo also publishes dedicated fraud contact numbers on its own website for UK and international callers. Use only details from Monzo's own website or app, not details supplied in the suspicious message.
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.
Change your Monzo password and any reused passwords from a device you trust. 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, messages, and times as evidence.
How to report a Monzo scam (UK)
Report it to Monzo directly through the in-app chat, or through the fraud phone numbers on Monzo's own fraud page if you have been tricked into sending money. If the scam reached you by email, forward it to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk; if by text, forward it to 7726.
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 the evidence and report it as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monzo safe, or are these alerts real?
Monzo itself is a genuine, regulated bank. The scam is the impersonation around it. Check your account directly in the Monzo app, and never trust a link or number from an unexpected call or message.
Someone says my Monzo account is compromised and I must move money to a safe account - real?
No. That is a scam. Monzo says it will not ask you to move money. Open the app yourself and use in-app chat, Call Status, or Monzo's own fraud page if you are unsure.
A caller claims to be from Monzo's fraud team - how do I check?
Use Monzo Call Status in the app. If the app does not show that Monzo is talking to you, hang up. Contact Monzo through the app or through numbers published on Monzo's own website, and never share a one-time code, PIN, card details, or password.
I shared my login or moved money - can I get it back?
Maybe. Report it to Monzo immediately through the app or official fraud phone route. Eligible UK transfers since 7 October 2024 may fall under APP reimbursement rules, subject to limits and exclusions.
How do I report a Monzo scam?
Report it through Monzo's in-app chat or the official fraud phone route first, 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.