ScamPause

Immediate Answer

This is likely a scam if: You receive a text message claiming there's suspicious activity on your bank account, asking you to click a link, reply with personal information, or call a number. Real banks rarely text about fraud, and when they do, they never ask for passwords, PINs, or full account numbers via text.

How This Scam Works

You receive a text message that appears to be from your bank or credit card company. The message might say:

• "Suspicious activity detected on your account"
• "Your card has been locked due to fraud"
• "Verify this transaction: [large amount] at [store]"
• "Your account will be closed unless you confirm your identity"

The text includes a link to click or a phone number to call. If you click the link, it takes you to a fake website that looks like your bank's site but is designed to steal your login credentials. If you call the number, you reach scammers who will:

• Ask for your account number, PIN, password, or security codes
• Request remote access to your phone or computer
• Ask you to transfer money to a "secure account"
• Pressure you to act immediately

Signs This Is a Scam

• The text comes from a regular phone number, not a short code (like 5-6 digits)
• There are spelling or grammar errors
• The message creates urgency ("act now or your account will be closed")
• It includes a clickable link
• The sender name doesn't match your bank exactly
• You don't recognize the phone number it came from
• It asks you to reply with personal information
• The link URL doesn't match your bank's official website

What To Do Right Now

1. Do not click any links in the text message.
2. Do not call the number provided in the text.
3. Do not reply to the text message.
4. Check your account directly. Open your banking app or go to your bank's website by typing the address yourself (don't click links). Log in and check for any suspicious activity.
5. Contact your bank directly. Use the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card, not the number in the text message.
6. Delete the text message.

If You Already Sent Money or Information

If you clicked the link and entered your login information:

• Contact your bank immediately
• Change your online banking password right away
• Check your account for unauthorized transactions
• Ask your bank to monitor your account for fraud
• Change passwords for any other accounts that used the same password

If you provided account numbers, PINs, or security codes:

• Contact your bank immediately — they may need to close and reopen your account with new numbers
• Change your PIN and any security questions
• Enable alerts for all account activity
• Monitor your account daily for the next few weeks

If you transferred money to a "secure account":

• Contact your bank immediately — there is no "secure account," and your money went to scammers
• Ask if the transfer can be stopped or reversed
• File a fraud report with your bank

Report the scam:

• Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM) — this helps carriers identify and block scams
• Report to your bank's fraud department
• Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Report to local police if you lost money

How To Protect Yourself Going Forward

• Never click links in text messages about your accounts — always go directly to the app or website
• Save your bank's real customer service number in your contacts
• Enable two-factor authentication on your banking accounts
• Set up account alerts so you know about real transactions immediately
• Be skeptical of any unsolicited messages about your accounts
• Remember: Banks will never ask for your full password, PIN, or security codes
• Check the URL carefully if you do visit a banking site — make sure it's the correct address
• Consider using your bank's official app instead of the mobile website

You Are Not Alone

These text scams (called "smishing") are extremely common and very convincing. The scammers send millions of these messages hoping some will reach people who bank with that institution. The messages are designed to trigger fear and urgency so you act without thinking. If you fell for this, you're not careless — you're dealing with professional criminals who exploit normal human reactions to threats.