Wise Transfer Scam UK: How to Spot and Avoid Impersonation Fraud
Scammers are cloning Wise to steal your money and personal details — here's exactly how to spot the fakes.
What is this scam?
The Wise transfer scam targets UK customers by impersonating the legitimate money transfer service Wise (formerly TransferWise). Scammers send fake emails, text messages or create counterfeit Wise websites designed to look identical to the real thing. Their goal is to trick you into revealing your Wise login credentials, bank account details, or personal information like passport numbers and proof of address. Some versions ask you to 'verify your account' or 'confirm a suspicious transfer' — claims designed to create urgency and bypass your natural caution.
Once scammers have your details, they can access your Wise account, steal your money, or sell your data to other criminals. The scam is particularly effective because Wise is a trusted service used by thousands of UK residents for international transfers, making fake communications seem plausible and legitimate.
Warning signs to look for
- The email or text requests your password, PIN, or two-factor authentication code — Wise will never ask for these details via email or SMS.
- The message creates false urgency: 'confirm your account in 24 hours' or 'your transfer is pending approval' — legitimate companies don't pressure you like this.
- Links in the message go to a website with a misspelled URL (e.g., 'wise-security.com' instead of 'wise.com') or the address bar shows an unusual domain.
- The email is poorly written with spelling mistakes, awkward grammar, or generic greetings like 'Dear Customer' instead of your actual name.
- You didn't request a transfer or contact Wise, but the message claims there's an issue with your account.
- The sender's email address looks suspicious (e.g., 'support-wise@gmail.com' or 'security.verification@mail.wise.co.uk') — legitimate Wise emails come from @wise.com addresses only.
- The message asks you to click a link and enter your bank details, passport information, or proof of address documents.
How this scam works step by step
The scam typically starts with a text message or email claiming there's a problem with your Wise account or a suspicious transfer. The message includes a link to what looks like the Wise website — but it's actually a fake site designed to steal your login details. When you click the link and enter your username and password, scammers capture this information immediately. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, they may ask you to provide the code you receive on your phone, which they then use to log into your real account.
Once inside, scammers can view your saved bank accounts, transfer limits, and transaction history. They may then transfer money out of your account to a bank account they control, or change your registered email address to lock you out. Some variants skip the fake website entirely and ask you to reply with personal information like your full name, date of birth, passport number, and proof of address — which scammers then use to open accounts in your name or commit identity fraud. The entire process can happen within hours, before you realise your account has been compromised.
How to verify if it is genuine
If you receive a Wise email or text claiming there's a problem with your account, do not click any links in the message. Instead, open your web browser and go directly to wise.com by typing the address yourself — do not use a link from the message. Log in with your credentials and check your account status directly. If there are genuine issues, you'll see them in your account dashboard. To verify a message is genuinely from Wise, check the sender's email address: it must come from @wise.com, never @wise.co.uk or any other variation.
You can also contact Wise directly using the phone number on their official website (not a number from the suspicious message). For text messages, forward them to 7726 to report phishing attempts. If you're unsure whether a message is real, compare it to previous emails you've received from Wise — scammers often miss subtle design details or use slightly different layouts. Check our guide on email scam signs at paypal email scam signs for more tips on spotting phishing emails.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've already clicked a link or entered your login details, act immediately. First, do not wait — log into your Wise account directly using your web browser (not through any link) and change your password to something completely new and unique. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already, and check your recent account activity and transaction history for any unauthorised transfers. If you see suspicious transfers, contact Wise customer support right away using the number on their official website.
Next, contact your bank and tell them you've been targeted by a Wise impersonation scam — ask them to monitor your account for fraudulent activity and consider placing a temporary fraud block on your account. If personal information like your passport details or proof of address was shared, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to report identity fraud. Change passwords on any other accounts that use the same email address or similar credentials. Monitor your bank and email accounts closely for at least the next three months for suspicious activity.
If you sent money directly to a scammer's account, your bank may be able to reverse the transaction under the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) — ask immediately.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report Wise impersonation scams through multiple channels to help protect other UK residents. First, report the scam to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (lines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) or visit actionfraud.police.uk online — they record all reports and investigate the most serious cases. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk — the National Cyber Security Centre uses these reports to block malicious websites and emails across the UK.
For text messages, forward the message to 7726 (spells 'SPAM') — your mobile network uses these reports to block phishing numbers. Report the fake Wise website directly to Wise by emailing their security team (security@wise.com) so they can request it be taken down quickly. You can also report the scam to Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 for free advice about your specific situation. Keep records of all communications — screenshots of emails, text messages, and website URLs — to provide to authorities when reporting. If you sent money, also report it to your bank's fraud department immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wise a legitimate company, or is it always a scam?
Wise is a completely legitimate and regulated company — it's authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and used safely by millions of people worldwide, including thousands in the UK. The scam happens when criminals impersonate Wise by sending fake messages or creating fake websites, not when you use Wise's genuine service directly.
What should I do if I've already sent money to a scammer through my Wise account?
Contact Wise immediately using the phone number on their official website and tell them your account has been compromised. Then contact your bank and ask them to reverse the payment under the Contingent Reimbursement Model (CRM) — you may be eligible for a refund if you can show you were tricked. Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Act quickly, as banks typically have deadlines for reversing transfers.
Can scammers access my Wise account if I only clicked a link but didn't enter my password?
If you only clicked a link but didn't enter your login details, the risk is lower but you should still change your password immediately as a precaution. However, if you did enter your password or two-factor code, scammers can likely access your account — change your password right away and contact Wise customer support.
How do I report a Wise impersonation scam in the UK?
Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk, forward the suspicious email to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC), forward any text messages to 7726, and notify Wise directly at security@wise.com so they can take down fake websites quickly.