Scams, impersonation and fake videos

The Bank of England and its staff do not endorse, promote or advertise financial products. We will never:

• email, text or message you about investments, refunds, fines or ‘opportunities’
• ask for bank details, National Insurance numbers, ID documents or payments (unless you are exchanging banknotes with us)
• contact you from personal email addresses

Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (free). If you are unsure about a call from someone who claims to be from your own bank, hang up and dial 159 to reach your bank safely.

If you suspect a scam

1. Stop. Do not reply, click links, open attachments or make payments.
2. Report it: forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk; forward scam texts to 7726 (free); report fraud or losses to Action Fraud (online or by phone).
3. Tell your bank immediately if you have paid or shared details. You can also hang up and dial 159 to reach your bank safely.
4. If you are in Scotland, report fraud to Police Scotland on 101.

Fake videos and social media adverts 

We are aware of videos and adverts on social media platforms that appear to show senior Bank representatives endorsing investments or financial products. These are not genuine. The Bank and its staff do not endorse or advertise any products. 

If you see such content:

1. Do not click or invest.
2. Report the post or advert on the platform.
3. Report it to Action Fraud (see useful resources).

What we will never do

• offer savings accounts, investments, cryptoassets or ‘guaranteed returns’
• contact you about unclaimed estates, refunds, fines or warrants
• ask you to move money ‘for safety’ or to ‘release funds’
• verify your identity by requesting National Insurance numbers or bank statements (unless you are exchanging banknotes with us)
• provide investment advice or endorsements

Useful resources

• report fraud or cybercrime through Action Fraud - or call 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; phone line typically open Mon–Fri) 
• National Cyber Security Centre guidance on spotting and reporting scam emails and texts
• Ofcom’s guide to reporting scam texts via 7726
• find out more about dialling 159 if you are worried about a potential scam call
• Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) guidance on protecting yourself from scams 
• FCA’s investment checker  
• FCA’s warning list - check unauthorised firms and known scams
• Financial Services Register - check if a firm or individual is authorised
• Police Scotland’s guidance on scams and fraud