Calls from alleged bank employees
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning was added because it is based on a report from Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention. It is intended to protect other users from this scam method. The assessed risk is high.
How the scam works
- Unknown callers ring and claim to be employees of the person's own bank
- They describe an invented problem, for example an alleged security incident on the account
- Under the pretext of security, sensitive data such as PIN, TAN, or login credentials are requested
- Or the call recipients are asked to transfer money to an allegedly 'safe' account
- Using the obtained data or transfers, the victim's account is emptied
How to recognise it
- Callers pose as bank employees although no concrete reason is apparent
- Sensitive data such as PIN, TAN, or online banking login credentials are requested over the phone
- Pressure or urgency is created to act immediately
- You are asked to 'secure' or transfer money to another account
- Unknown phone numbers or suppressed calls that allegedly come from your bank
- Telephone request for TAN/PIN/card details
- Pressure to confirm immediately in the app
- Request for TAN/PIN/card details
How to protect yourself
- Note the displayed phone number and do not compare it with the number on your bank card, but call the bank back yourself using the official number you know
- Never disclose PIN, TAN, or other login credentials over the phone – reputable banks do not request such data over the phone
- Preserve evidence by noting the date, time, phone number, and the exact wording of the conversation
- Contact your consumer protection center or the police if you are unsure or have already provided data
- In case of suspicion, immediately block your online banking and cards via your bank's emergency blocking hotline
What you should never do
- Do not comply with demands on the phone or pay just because the caller applies pressure
- Do not disclose TAN, PIN, or login credentials over the phone – not even to alleged bank employees
- Do not click on unknown links in SMS or emails that allegedly come from the bank
- Do not install software at a caller's instruction – not even if it is offered as 'security software'
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay a demand on the phone immediately?
No. Reputable banks do not demand payments spontaneously or under time pressure on the phone. Hang up and call your bank back using the official number you know to clarify the matter.
What happens if I do not respond?
A real bank will not pressure you with a single phone call. In the case of genuine security incidents, there are written channels and official blocking hotlines. Do not respond, but inform your bank if in doubt.
Where did the fraudsters get my data?
Data often ends up in the wrong hands through data leaks, phishing attacks, stolen address books, or purchased lists. Even if the caller knows personal data, this does not prove they are actually from your bank.
I have already provided data on the phone – what now?
Immediately block your online banking and cards via your bank's emergency blocking hotline (available around the clock in Germany) and file a report with the police. Also inform your consumer protection center.
Can the real bank prove the phone number from which they are calling?
Phone numbers can be technically manipulated (so-called 'call ID spoofing'). Therefore, a displayed bank number is not proof of the call's authenticity. If in doubt, call back yourself using the known official number.
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Original source
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Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention ↗Update history
- 22/07/2026Description updated, Characteristics added