Santander customers told to dial three digits in fraud warning

Santander is warning customers that ‘not everyone is who they say they are’ as part of a fraud alert. The bank issued the warning via email to some of its 13.6 million active UK customers.

It said that fraudsters’ were trying to trick people into ‘sharing information or making payments’ in what is known as ‘social engineering’. In the first half of 2025 alone, fraudsters stole £629million from hard-working Brits.

Santander says: “Fraudsters try to trick you into sharing information or making payments. This is known as social engineering. They often impersonate trusted organisations, friends, or family and create a sense of urgency through phone calls, texts, emails, or social media messages.”

What is a social engineering scam?

Interpol, the world’s largest international police organisation, says: “Social engineering fraud is a broad term that refers to the scams used by criminals to exploit a person’s trust in order to obtain money directly or obtain confidential information to enable a subsequent crime. Social media is the preferred channel but it is not unusual for contact to be made by telephone or in person.

“Some scams target a wide audience in order to trap as many victims as possible whereas others address specific individuals.”

The bank says: “When in doubt, check If you’re not sure about a contact, stop and call 159 – a stop scams UK service that allows you to securely verify contact from your bank. Knowing the warning signs can help protect you, your friends, and your family. Take a look at our Fraud Hub to learn more.”

Examples of social engineering scams

Interpol says that phishing – which includes fake emails/text messages/telephone calls purporting to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank – are often used to try and pry personal information from individuals.

Telecom fraud is also widespread. This sees victims contacted by phone from someone usually claiming to be a friend, relative, or someone in a position of responsibility. They usually then try and trick someone into sending money.

Criminals may also hack into corporate payment systems, before convincing employees to pay into fradulennk bank accounts.

Other examples include romance fraud, sectortion, or investment/boiler room scams, which is when victims are persuaded to buy fraudulent or worthless shares.