Fake bank fraud alert texts: how to tell
Be very careful with any alert that asks you to tap a link or share a code. Banks do send genuine fraud alerts, but a real one will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time code, or ask you to move money to a "safe account". The safe move is to open your bank's app yourself or call the number printed on your card.
What it looks like
FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a purchase of $1,284.99 at an electronics store? If NOT, secure your account now: https://secure-bankverify.xyz/auth
An example in the style of real reports. The link is fake and shown as plain text so it can't be tapped.
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Signs it's fake
- A link to "verify" or "secure" your account that leads to a login page.
- A request for a one-time code. That code is the key to your account or to approving a payment.
- A follow-up phone call from the "fraud team" that already knows a few of your details.
- Being told to move money to a new "safe account". No real bank asks this.
- Caller ID that shows your bank's name. Phone numbers and sender names can be faked.
What to do
- Don't tap the link and don't call any number in the message.
- Open your bank's app, or call the number on the back of your card, and ask if there's a real alert.
- If someone phones you, hang up and call your bank back on the number on your card.
- Forward the text to 7726 and report it to your bank.
Already tapped it? Follow our step-by-step guide: I clicked a suspicious link. Now what?
Common questions
Do banks really send fraud alert texts?
Yes. Genuine alerts usually ask you to reply YES or NO, or to check your banking app. A genuine alert won't ask you to sign in through a link or tell anyone a code.
Someone from my bank called and asked for a code. Is that normal?
No. Hang up. Codes are for you to type into your bank's app or website, never to read out to a caller, even one who says they work for your bank.
I gave them a code or moved money. What now?
Call your bank immediately on the number on your card and tell them it's fraud. Speed matters: the sooner they know, the better the chance of stopping the payment.
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