New research from Santander reveals that over a third of Brits turn to a cup of tea when they have a difficult decision to make, others use it after a stressful day or when they need to focus and consider something properly, inspiring the launch of Santander’s Safe-Tea, to encourage people to stop and think if they’re being pressured to move their money to another account by someone purporting to be someone else.
Brits collectively reported £214.8m worth of impersonation scams last year alone. The sophisticated crime often involves scammers pretending to be calling from a person’s bank or the police – and in a position of authority. They then urge their victim to move their money into another bank account.
Santander’s Safe-Tea encourages people to take a moment to consider what they’re being asked to do. This crucial pause for reflection could help prevent the one in five who feel they are likely to fall victim in the future to an impersonation scam. Santander has partnered with Drag Queen Victoria Scone, known for her Afternoon Tea dress, to launch its Safe-Tea. The blend contains apple pieces, rooibos, chamomile, ginger, lavender, spearmint and natural flavourings, each picked for their calming qualities, to help provide clarity of mind.
Chris Ainsley, Head of Fraud Risk Management at Santander said: “We know that scammers’ rule of thumb is to make their victim feel stressed, which can result in people acting in a way they would not have if they’d taken a moment to calm down and reflect first. That’s why we’ve launched Safe-Tea. A brew isn’t only a great way to calm nerves in a highly pressured situation, but it encourages people to take that all important time out before making a decision.”
Victoria Scone, said: “Whenever I find myself needing clarity in a situation or to calm down, I always pop the kettle on and make myself a cuppa. Hearing from your supposed ‘bank’ or the ‘police’ that you need to move your money is a daunting and stressful situation, so if you’re ever faced with a Scammy Sally, take a moment out to have nice warm cup of tea, think about what’s being asked and tell her not today thank you!”
Chartered psychologist, Dr Meg Arroll, said: “In times of stress, people tend to forget to take a moment to breathe and objectively evaluate their situation. In this heightened state, some may end up doing things they would not have done had they taken some timeout to collect their thoughts.
“During moments like this, remember to stop, breathe and mull it over with a cuppa… just don’t feel pressurised into responding before you’ve thought it through. Providing yourself with the space and time to digest the situation at hand can help you feel more in control and avoid a costly mistake.”
The Safe-Tea box includes Santander’s top tips for spotting an impersonation scam:
1. Remember the golden rule: No bank will ever call you out of the blue and ask you to move money into another account. This is always a scam.
2. Take a breath: The hallmark of a scam is being rushed. Take a moment to digest the information before acting.
3. When in doubt: Hang up and contact your bank using the number on the back of your bank card.
4. No sliding into DMs: Scammers often make contact through social media and other communication channels, and some even go as far as pretending to be a friend or loved on in need of help… be cautious.
