Wells Fargo scam texts, calls and emails: how to spot a fake fraud alert
Quick answer
Scammers pretend to be Wells Fargo by text, email or phone. Wells Fargo says it never asks for your password, PIN or one-time access code by email or text. Forward suspicious messages to reportphish@wellsfargo.com, then delete them.
- Comes by
- Text, Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- Wells Fargo
- Last updated
How it works
Fake Wells Fargo messages claim fraud or a locked account and push you to click a link or call a number. Bank imposters may spoof the bank's name on a text or caller ID.
The goal is usually your sign-in details, a one-time access code or money. A one-time code lets the scammer sign in as you, and a "safe account" transfer moves money out of your reach.
Wells Fargo says it will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time access codes through email or text.
Red flags
- An unexpected text or email about fraud on your account
- A link to sign in or verify your details
- A request for a password, PIN or one-time code
- A caller who asks you to send or move money
- A phone number in the message instead of one on your card
- A sender name that says Wells Fargo but isn't verified
Example message
Wells Fargo Fraud Alert: a $[amount] charge was flagged on your account. Reply YES to confirm or NO to dispute, or visit [link] to secure your account.
What to do
- 1
Don't click or reply
If it was a call, hang up.
- 2
Forward it to Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo asks you to email suspicious texts or emails to reportphish@wellsfargo.com, then delete them.
- 3
Check your account yourself
Use the number on the back of your card or sign in through the official app.
- 4
If you clicked, opened an attachment or shared a code, call the bank
Wells Fargo lists a dedicated number for this on its report page. Check that it matches the number on your card or its website before calling.
- 5
Secure your accounts
Change your password, turn on two-step verification and watch your statements. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps.
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
A message that names your bank and your phone number feels targeted. Scammers get that kind of detail from people-search sites and breached data.
Serus finds where your phone number, address and email are listed on people-search sites and other data brokers and files removal requests, and it alerts you when your details turn up in a breach. That won't stop every message, but it gives scammers less to work with.
Common Wells Fargo scams
- Wells Fargo credit card scam Texts, emails and calls that claim to be Wells Fargo and warn about your credit card are usually scammers pretending to be the bank. Wells Fargo says it won't ask for your PIN, password or one-time codes. Don't click or call back. Use the number on the back of your card.
- Wells Fargo fraud alert scam A message that says Wells Fargo detected fraud on your account and asks you to click a link or confirm details is a common phishing trick. Wells Fargo is the one being impersonated. Don't click: contact the bank using the number on your card or its official site.
Frequently asked
Where do I send a suspicious Wells Fargo text or email?
Email it to reportphish@wellsfargo.com, then delete it. You'll get an automated reply.
Will Wells Fargo ask for a one-time code?
Not by email or text. Wells Fargo says it will never ask for your password, PIN or one-time access codes that way.
Is Wells Fargo a scam?
No. It's a real bank. Scammers pretend to be Wells Fargo.
What if the message isn't about Wells Fargo?
Report it to the organization it claims to be from, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
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