What to do if you shared bank details
Sharing account details raises the risk of unauthorised transfers and targeted follow-up scams.
Quick answer
Sharing account details raises the risk of unauthorised transfers and targeted follow-up scams.
- Contact your bank and tell them the details were shared
- Ask about securing the account
- Enable transaction alerts
- Save evidence of the message
Do this now
Contact your bank as your first step.
Understanding what happened
Bank details cover a range of things, so the risk depends on exactly what you shared. Your account number and sort code (or IBAN) alone are often enough to receive payments and appear on invoices, but not to empty your account. Your full online-banking login, PIN, or one-time codes are far more serious, because those can authorise transfers.
Scammers frequently combine pieces: a convincing call referencing details you shared, then pressure to move money to a 'safe account' or approve a payment. If you shared a login or code, assume someone may be trying to access the account right now and act on that basis.
Your bank is your strongest ally here. They can monitor or freeze the account, stop or recall payments, and reissue credentials. The steps below help you decide how urgent your situation is and contact the bank through a number you find yourself - never one from the suspicious message.
First 5 minutes
- Contact your bank and tell them the details were shared
- Ask about securing the account
- Enable transaction alerts
- Save evidence of the message
First 24 hours
- Monitor for unauthorised transfers
- Be alert to 'safe account' follow-up scams
- Change online banking credentials
- Report to your fraud authority
What not to do
- Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money for an upfront fee
- Do not act on follow-up messages claiming to be the fraud team
- Do not delete evidence before saving it
Evidence to save
- Screenshots of the message and sender details
- Phone numbers, usernames, links, and account or wallet addresses
- Transaction references, receipts, and amounts
How to report
Report through official channels for your area.
Find official reporting links for your country in the reporting directory.
- Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message - look up the official ones yourself.
- Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared; speed improves your options.
- Keep your evidence - see how to save scam evidence.
Beware of recovery scams: no legitimate service guarantees getting your money back for an upfront fee.
This is general safety information, not legal, financial, or cybersecurity incident-response advice.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should I act?
As soon as possible. Fast action - especially contacting your bank - gives the best chance of limiting harm or stopping a payment.
Will I get my money back?
Sometimes, if you act quickly, but there is no guarantee. Be very cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.