Fake Bank Fraud Alert Scam: Calls and Texts About Your Account
Scammers pretend to be your bank’s fraud team to steal codes and move your money. Learn the warning signs and what real banks never ask.
What the message looks like
Scam messages change all the time, but they often look something like this example (the names and links are made up):
How the scam works
You get a text about a suspicious payment, then a call from someone claiming to be your bank’s fraud team. They sound professional, may know some of your details, and the caller ID can even show your bank’s real number. They say your account is at risk and ask you to read out a code sent to your phone, approve a request in your banking app, or move your money to a “safe account.”
The code they ask for is what lets them log in or approve a payment. The “safe account” belongs to the scammer.
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What real banks don’t do
- Ask you to read out a one-time code or your full password.
- Ask you to move money to a new “safe” account.
- Ask you to install remote-access apps on your phone or computer.
- Rush you so you don’t have time to hang up and check.
What to do
- Hang up. A real bank will be happy for you to call back.
- Wait a few minutes, or use a different phone, then call the number on the back of your card or in your bank’s official app.
- Ask if there really is a problem with your account.
If you shared a code or moved money
Call your bank immediately using the official number and tell them exactly what happened. The sooner you report it, the better the chance of stopping or recovering payments. Change your online banking password.
Not sure if a message is real?
Paste or screenshot it into our free scam checker. You’ll see the warning signs and what to do.
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