New research from Santander reveals that over a third (35 per cent) 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.

The findings inspired the launch of Santander’s Safe-Tea, a brew designed to encourage people to stop and think – ideally over a cuppa – if they’re being pressured to move their money to another account by someone purporting to be someone else, something that’s impacted 58 per cent of Brits. 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.

Given 44 per cent of those surveyed said stopping for a cup of tea is the best way to add clarity to a situation and 35 per cent credit it for helping them avoid making a grave mistake, 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 (21 per cent) who feel they are likely to fall victim in the future to an impersonation scam.

As a staggering number of Brits (54 per cent) weren’t aware that impersonation scams even existed, Santander has partnered with Drag Queen Victoria Scone, famously known for her Afternoon Tea dress, to launch its Safe-Tea. The soothing blend contains apple pieces, rooibos, chamomile, ginger, lavender, spearmint and natural flavourings, each picked for their calming qualities, to help provide clarity of mind with every sip.

Taking time out, to unwind, or to calm nerves, are among the top 10 situations where Brits turn to a brew.

Santander’s research revealed that impersonation scammers most commonly pretend to be a bank (33 per cent), internet provider (28 per cent), or government agency (27 per cent). And those that have experienced an impersonation scam claim that the scammer’s politeness (53 per cent), professionalism (50 per cent) and knowledge of their personal details (50 per cent) were why they found the scammer so convincing.

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.”

Showing it to be the ‘go to’ in difficult times, 71 per cent will always offer a brew to a loved one if they are feeling stressed. Nearly one in four (24 per cent) even say the process of making a cup of tea is cathartic as it helps them calm down.

Drag Queen, 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.