Fake fraud alert center calls: how to spot the bank fraud department scam
Quick answer
A call or text from a "fraud alert center" saying someone tried to use your account is a common scam. Real fraud teams never ask for a verification code or tell you to move money to "protect" it. Hang up and call the number on your card or statement.
- Comes by
- Phone call, Text
- Last updated
How it works
The call or text says it's from your bank's or card issuer's fraud department or "fraud alert center". It claims someone has just tried to make a purchase or log in to your account, and asks whether you recognize it.
Whatever you answer, the next step is the same: they need you to act now. The FTC describes three moves that show up again and again:
- They ask for a verification code. The code is the one your bank just sent you. Handing it over lets them log in as you.
- They tell you to move your money to "protect" it. They give you an account or a wallet to send it to. The FTC says your money is fine where it is, and that anyone telling you to move it is a scammer.
- They give you a number to call back. It goes to the scammer, not to your bank.
The FTC also warns that a bank account has fewer protections than a credit card. If you're tricked into sending money out of your account, you probably won't get it back.
Red flags
- An unexpected call or text about "fraud" on your account that you didn't start
- A request for the verification code your bank just sent you
- Being told to move or transfer your money to keep it safe
- A callback number supplied by the caller or the message
- Pressure to act within minutes, or to keep the call secret
- Caller ID that shows your bank's name: it can be faked
Example message
This is the fraud alert center at your bank. We've blocked a payment of $[amount] on your account. Press 1 to speak to an agent, or call [phone number] now to secure your funds. Please have the code we texted you ready.
What to do
- 1
Hang up and don't press anything
Don't reply to the text or tap [link]. Ask nothing more of the caller. Ending the call is always allowed.
- 2
Call your bank yourself
Use the number printed on your card, on a statement or in your bank's app. Don't use the number the caller gave you, and don't pick a number from a top search result: scammers pay for ads with fake numbers.
- 3
If you gave out a code or moved money, tell your bank right away
Say it was fraud and ask them to try to stop or recall the transfer. The sooner you call, the better the odds.
- 4
If you gave out passwords or personal details, lock things down
Change the passwords for the accounts you mentioned, turn on two-step verification, and think about a credit freeze. Our guide on what to do after a data breach walks through it.
- 5
Report it
File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov so the FTC can see the pattern.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
These callers often open with your name and sometimes the bank you use, which makes the call feel genuine. Names, phone numbers and addresses are easy to look up on people-search sites and turn up in data breaches. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing script around you.
Frequently asked
Will my bank ever ask for a verification code?
No. The FTC says no one from a bank's fraud department will ask you for the verification code. It's for you to enter, never to read out.
The caller ID shows my bank. Is it real?
Not necessarily. Caller ID can be faked. Hang up and call the number on your card or in your bank's app.
Should I move my money to a safe account?
No. The FTC says anyone who tells you to move your money to protect it is a scammer. Your money is safe where it is.
Can I get the money back if I already sent it?
Call your bank straight away and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC warns that a bank usually can't get the money back once you've been tricked into sending it, which is why speed matters.
Sources
- consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer
- consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/never-move-your-money-protect-it-thats-scam
- consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/will-your-bank-or-investment-fund-stop-transfer-scammer-probably-not
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