PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Money & financial emergencies bank courier pickup scam • bank impersonation phone call • caller says bank fraud • pressured to hand over card • debit card pickup courier • credit card pickup courier • asked for pin by phone • asked for text code • asked to cut up card • leave chip intact request • spoofed caller id bank • urgent account lock threat • told to keep it secret • scammer posing as agent • someone coming to your home • card collection doorstep scam • courier cash pickup scam • phone scam bank security • “safe account” pressure • high pressure scam call

What to do if…
someone calls claiming your bank will send a courier to collect your card and pressures you

Short answer

Hang up and do not give your card, PIN, or security codes to anyone. Banks and law enforcement do not send couriers to collect your card. Then call your bank using the number on the back of your card (or in your official banking app).

Do not do these things

  • Don’t share your PIN, online banking password, or a one-time code (text/app) — ever.
  • Don’t hand your card (or “the chip”) to a “courier,” “bank investigator,” or “fraud department pickup.”
  • Don’t call back on a number they provide, and don’t trust caller ID.
  • Don’t let anyone “help” you cut up the card or “leave the chip intact.”
  • Don’t be rushed into doing anything “right now” to “protect your money.”
  • Don’t keep the call secret because they told you to.

What to do now

  1. Disconnect immediately. If they call back, don’t answer.
  2. If someone is at your door (or you think they may come):
    • Don’t open the door.
    • If you feel unsafe or someone won’t leave, call 911.
  3. Call your bank using a trusted number (now).
    • Use the number on the back of your card, your bank’s official app, or an official statement.
    • Tell them: “I got a call saying a courier will pick up my card. I believe this is a bank-impersonation scam.” Ask them to lock the card, issue a new card number, and review recent and pending transactions.
  4. If you shared any access info (PIN, login, or codes):
    • Tell the bank exactly what you shared. Ask them to reset credentials, add extra verification, and check for account changes (new payees, address/phone/email changes).
    • Only change passwords/settings once you’re off the scam call and using the bank’s official app/site/number you trust.
  5. Write down what happened: the phone number, what they claimed, what they asked you to do, any “case number,” and whether they used your address or set a pickup time.
  6. Report it:
    • File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
    • Report the scam to the FTC via its scam reporting site (“ReportFraud”), even if you didn’t lose money.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to decide today whether this is “identity theft” or “just a scam attempt.”
  • You don’t need to argue with the caller, prove it’s fake, or “play along” to gather evidence.
  • You don’t need to contact multiple agencies at once — bank first, then reports.

Important reassurance

This scam works because it mimics real fraud-department language and creates urgency. Hanging up is not “overreacting” — it’s the safest, normal response when someone asks for your card or codes.

Scope note

This is first-step guidance to stop immediate loss and regain control. If money was stolen or sensitive identity details were shared, you may need additional steps later (your bank can tell you what applies).

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you feel in immediate danger, call 911.

Additional Resources
Support us