Santander Phone Scam UK: How to Spot and Stop It
Scammers are calling Santander customers right now. Here's exactly what they say and how to fight back.
What is this scam?
The Santander phone scam is a criminal impersonation where fraudsters call UK customers claiming to be from Santander's security or fraud team. The caller tells you there's unusual activity on your account—typically a large transaction, a login attempt, or a payment to an unknown person. They create urgency by suggesting your account will be frozen or your money stolen unless you act immediately. The scammer's goal is to trick you into revealing security details (PIN, passcode, card numbers), transferring money to a 'safe account', or downloading remote access software that gives them control of your phone or computer.
This scam has been reported to Action Fraud hundreds of times and targets both existing Santander customers and people who've never banked with them. Scammers obtain phone numbers through data breaches, stolen contact lists, or random dialling. The calls often come from spoofed numbers that look like genuine Santander phone lines, making them appear authentic at first glance.
Warning signs to look for
- They call you out of the blue claiming there's fraud on your account and demand action right now—real banks never pressure you into immediate decisions.
- They ask you to read your PIN, passcode, or security codes aloud—Santander will never ask for these under any circumstances.
- The caller insists you stay on the phone while you log into your account or visit your nearest branch to make a transfer.
- They tell you not to hang up or contact Santander directly—this is a classic scam tactic to keep you isolated and prevent verification.
- The number looks like Santander's (starting with 0370 or similar) but when you hang up and call Santander's official number, the story doesn't match.
- They offer to send you a secure link via text or email to 'verify your identity'—real Santander communications never include clickable links for login.
- They ask you to download TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or similar software to 'protect your account'—legitimate banks never need remote access to your devices.
- The caller sounds robotic, has a thick accent, or background noise suggests a call centre—this hints at overseas fraud operations.
How this scam works step by step
The scam typically begins with an unsolicited call to your landline or mobile. The scammer claims to be from Santander's fraud prevention team and cites a specific suspicious transaction: 'We've flagged a £5,000 payment to an unknown account' or 'Someone tried to log in from overseas.' They sound urgent and knowledgeable, often using real banking terminology to build trust. Next, they ask you to verify who you are by providing your name, date of birth, card number, or sort code—information they may already have from a data breach.
If you comply, they escalate by asking for your PIN or online banking password, claiming they need it to 'secure your account' or 'check the fraud.' Some variants then ask you to make a transfer to a 'safe account' they've set up, claiming your money will be protected there temporarily. Others ask you to stay on the phone while you visit your bank branch and withdraw cash. Throughout, they maintain the urgent tone and may threaten account closure. If you refuse, they may call back repeatedly or try different angles.
By the time victims realise it's a scam, money is gone or their account has been compromised.
How to verify if it is genuine
Stop the call immediately. Do not continue the conversation or give any information. Hang up—don't use a number the caller gives you. Open your phone's contact app and find Santander's official customer service number from your Santander card or the back of your statement (not from the call screen or a text message). Ring that number directly. When you reach Santander, tell them you received a suspicious call and ask if there is genuine fraud on your account. A real Santander advisor will never have called you without your prior contact.
You can also verify by logging into your Santander app or online banking independently (without clicking any links from the caller) and checking your transaction history—if there's no suspicious activity there, the call was a scam. Check your statement for unexpected charges. Never share your PIN, passcode, or security codes with anyone claiming to be from Santander. If you're uncertain about a call, it's always safer to hang up and call the official number yourself. For help spotting fake banking websites or links, see our guide on checking if a website is genuine.
What to do if you have already interacted
Act fast—time is critical. If you gave out your PIN, passcode, or online banking password, call Santander immediately on 0330 123 1234 (official number from your card or statement) and tell them you may have compromised your account. Ask them to freeze your account and monitor for fraudulent transactions. If you transferred money or gave bank details to the scammer, contact Santander right away and also ring your bank's fraud team. Many UK banks can halt payments within minutes if you act quickly.
If you downloaded remote access software like TeamViewer or AnyDesk, uninstall it immediately and scan your device with Malwarebytes or Windows Defender for malware. Change your Santander password and any other passwords you use online—use a strong, unique password. If the scammer took control of your phone or computer, consider taking the device to a professional for a full security check. Do not speak to the caller again or provide any additional information. Keep a record of the call (date, time, number shown) for your report.
Check your credit file with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion for signs of identity theft—fraudsters sometimes open new accounts in your name.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report the call to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting service, by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm) or online at actionfraud.police.uk. Provide them with the number the scammer called from, the date and time, and what was said. Also report the suspicious number to Santander directly by contacting their fraud team on the number on your card. If you received a text message with a scam link, forward it to 7726 (spoof)—this alerts your mobile provider.
You can also report the call to the NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) if you suspect your device has been compromised; email them at report@phishing.gov.uk. Ring Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 (free, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) if you need guidance on your rights or recovery steps. Report the scam to Santander's security team at reportfraud@santander.co.uk as well. Keep copies of all reports and reference numbers for future reference. If money was transferred and not yet cleared, your bank may be able to recall it, so speed is essential.
Frequently asked questions
Is Santander a real bank or is it always a scam?
Santander is a legitimate, major UK bank with millions of customers. However, scammers impersonate Santander because of its trusted name. The phone call itself is the scam—not the bank. If Santander calls you first out of the blue about fraud, hang up and call the official number on your card or statement to verify.
What should I do if I already transferred money to the scammer?
Call Santander on 0330 123 1234 immediately and explain you sent money as a result of fraud. Tell them the date, time, amount, and account details you sent it to. UK banks can sometimes recover or halt payments within hours if you report quickly. Also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering the money.
How do I know if a Santander phone number is real?
Never trust the number displayed on your phone during the call—scammers can spoof numbers to make them look genuine. Instead, hang up and ring Santander using the number on the back of your card, on your statement, or from Santander.co.uk. Genuine Santander advisors will never call you first about fraud without you contacting them.
What's the best way to report a Santander phone scam?
Report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk), to Santander directly on the fraud number on your card, and forward any text links to 7726. Each report helps police identify criminal networks. Keep your Action Fraud reference number—you'll need it if you claim losses on your insurance or bank dispute.