Revolut has issued an urgent warning to its extensive customer base in the United Kingdom, urging approximately 12 million users to take immediate action to safeguard their finances from sophisticated scam calls. The financial technology giant has emphasised a critical security measure that customers must follow to distinguish legitimate communications from fraudulent attempts.
Revolut's Simple Rule to Combat Scam Calls
The company has articulated a straightforward yet highly effective protocol for its customers. Revolut will exclusively initiate contact through its secure in-app calling feature, unless prior arrangements have been made via the in-app chat for a traditional phone call. Any unsolicited call received without prior confirmation or a flag within the Revolut application should be treated as a fraudulent attempt without exception.
This proactive approach is designed to provide a robust defence against scammers who impersonate Revolut representatives to illicitly obtain personal information or drain bank accounts. The firm stresses that adherence to this rule is paramount for maintaining financial security.
Customer Praise for Innovative Security Feature
One satisfied customer publicly commended Revolut's security design on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, describing it as an "excellent design detail." The user shared a screenshot demonstrating a prominent red banner that appears at the top of the phone screen during a call when the Revolut app is open, clearly stating: "Revolut is not calling you."
This visual alert serves as an immediate and unambiguous warning, effectively preventing users from falling victim to scam calls by making it "crystal clear" what to expect during genuine communications.
Immediate Actions Recommended by Revolut
If customers receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Revolut, the company advises them to terminate the call immediately and report the incident through the in-app chat function. Revolut has also highlighted specific requests that should always raise red flags, including:
- Requests to send money to a so-called 'safe account' or any other account
- Instructions to make a payment for any reason
- Demands to ignore fraud or payment warnings within the app
- Attempts to obtain your PIN or personal details
Revolut emphasises that its representatives will never ask for such information during a call, and any such request should be treated as definitive evidence of a scam.
The Growing Threat of Financial Fraud in the UK
Financial fraud represents a significant and escalating problem across the United Kingdom. In 2023 alone, scam calls and related fraudulent activities cost UK residents over £136.2 million, highlighting the critical importance of robust security measures. Revolut has expressed its commitment to preventing fraud before it can occur, thereby protecting customers' finances and providing enhanced peace of mind.
The company aims to leave "fraudsters no room to manoeuvre" through these preventive strategies, recognising that millions of people fall victim to scam calls annually.
Industry-Wide Adoption of Similar Security Features
Revolut is not alone in implementing such protective measures. Nationwide Building Society has introduced a comparable feature called Call Checker, which allows customers to verify whether an incoming call is genuine through its banking application. Users can navigate to the "More" section, select "Call Checker," and instantly see confirmation of whether they are on a call with a legitimate Nationwide representative.
This industry trend towards enhanced verification processes reflects the financial sector's growing focus on combating the sophisticated tactics employed by modern fraudsters, ensuring customers can bank with greater confidence and security.
