Scam Library
Bank Impersonation
A message appears to come from your bank warning of fraud, a locked account, or a suspicious charge, and urges you to click a link or call a number to 'verify' your identity or account details right away.
Warning signs
What to watch for
- Urgent language about your account being locked or compromised
- A link that asks you to log in or enter your card number, PIN, or one-time passcode
- A callback number provided in the message itself rather than the one on your card
- Requests for information your real bank would never ask for over text or unsolicited calls, like your full PIN
- Instructions to mail a cashier's check or money order to 'protect' your funds — a real bank never asks you to do this
Stay safe
How to verify
- Don't click the link or call the number in the message
- Call your bank using the number printed on the back of your card, or log in directly through your bank's official app or website
Already sent money or shared a password?
Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card, or the official number on your statement — not any number from the suspicious message.
Not sure if something you received matches this pattern?
Check a Message