New anti-fraud measures by UK banks

Spot a scam before it starts: BBC viewers were urged to try quick app checks from Nationwide, Monzo, Barclays and more , simple two-second moves that can prevent unauthorised withdrawals and wrong‑recipient payments across UK banks.

Essential Takeaways

• Quick verification: Many banks now show whether a live call is genuine in their app, giving an instant visual reassurance.

• Undo payments: Monzo’s undo feature gives you a short window to cancel a transfer if you spot a mistake; it feels like a safety net.

• Multi-layer defence: Notifications, one‑time passcodes and facial recognition add fast, effective protection.

• Useful for vulnerable people: Options like a second‑person “okay” on large transfers and blurring of sensitive info help reduce remote‑access scams.

• Scam volume: UK customers report frequent scam calls, so tiny habits can stop a big problem.

Two seconds to know who’s really calling , and hang up if it’s not them

If you’ve ever felt that sinking feeling when a caller says they’re from your bank, there’s a neat fix that barely takes any time. According to Nationwide, its Call Checker shows in the app who’s ringing you, so you can verify a live call at a glance. It’s simple, visual and calming , that name appearing in your app makes you feel like you can breathe for a moment.

Nationwide set the idea in motion after research showed people are getting lots of scam calls and feeling less confident. Other banks have similar tricks: Barclays will push a notification you can view in the app, while Monzo and Starling flag call status to show if a call is genuine. It’s one of those tiny UX improvements that actually changes behaviour , people are far likelier to hang up if the app says “not us”.

The undo button: a 15–60 second second chance that actually helps

Mistakes happen , and one in ten Brits have reportedly sent money to the wrong person. Monzo’s undo payment tool buys you a short window to cancel a transfer before it goes through. That little countdown on the payment screen feels like a tiny safety harness; press Undo and the cash never leaves your account.

The feature is most useful for quick, impulsive mistakes: wrong recipient, wrong amount, or a late realisation that something looks phishy. It won’t save every scenario , the window is short by design , but it’s an elegant example of designing for real human error rather than punishing it.

Notifications, passcodes and face scans , layering simple defences

Beyond call verification and undo functionality, banks are leaning on multi-factor authentication and phone notifications to block fraud. One-time passcodes and push alerts let you spot unauthorised spending almost immediately, while biometric checks add a quiet, robust layer of protection.

Practically, that means enable notifications for transactions, never share one-time codes, and use the biometric options your app offers. These are low-friction steps that turn your phone into an active guard rather than a passive conduit.

Extra safeguards for vulnerable customers and remote‑access risks

Banks are also thinking about people who might be more at risk, and that’s where features like Monzo’s nominated‑person “okay” come in handy. If someone needs an extra pair of eyes on big transfers, getting a designated friend or family member to confirm the move reduces the chance of a rushed error or coercion.

Meanwhile, some apps blur sensitive info or block actions when remote‑access software is detected. That helps when scammers try to take control of a device , it pauses dangerous actions and gives the account holder time to call for help.

Keep the basics: official apps, no sketchy links, and ask for help

All these shiny features work best when you stick to a few boring but vital rules. Download banking apps only from the official app store, don’t click links in unexpected texts or emails, and if in doubt go in‑branch or call your bank on a number from its website. Charities and bank support programmes also offer tech help and advice if you or someone you care for needs it.

Do the two‑second checks and a couple of quick settings tweaks , they’re small moves with outsized benefit.

It’s a small change that can make every transaction a little safer.

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