Disclaimer: Our website and publications aim to give you general information to help you make financial decisions. It is not advice, nor can it take account of your own particular circumstances. For advice with a view to making decisions about your own circumstances you should consult a financial or other professional adviser.

© The Financial Services Authority.

Bank charge cold callers

The catch

There are a number of scammers calling consumers out of the blue and offering to help reclaim bank charges on their behalf. They may claim to be from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and ask for personal and financial information, including bank account or credit card details.

Their aim is to use the stolen details for identity theft, to run up bills or commit crimes.

These callers have no connection with the OFT. The OFT will never contact you directly and ask for such information.

Protect yourself

  • Do not pass on personal or financial information to cold callers either over the phone or via email.
  • Contact your bank or credit card provider as soon as possible if you believe you may have already passed on your details.
  • Review your statements to see if there have been any unauthorised transactions.