Scam library · Texts · Banking & payment apps
Fake bank fraud alert text scam
The text looks like a fraud alert: 'Bank of America: Did you attempt a Zelle payment of $1,500 to Brian? Reply YES or NO.' You reply NO, and minutes later someone calls from what looks like your bank's real number.
The caller is the scammer. The alert was bait, so you'd answer the call already worried and ready to trust them.
What the message looks like
From: Short code 555-01 (unknown)
[Bank] FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a Zelle payment of $1,500.00 to BRIAN K? Reply YES to confirm or NO to cancel.
If NO, a fraud specialist will contact you shortly.
How this scam works
The 'fraud department' says your account is under attack. To stop it, they need you to read back a code, log in on a link, or send money 'to yourself' through Zelle, often using your own name with a phone number that's actually theirs. That transfer goes straight to the scammer.
Scammers can spoof caller ID, so the call can show your bank's real number. The FTC's 2024 data put bank transfers and payments at $2.09 billion in reported losses, more than any other payment method.
Red flags
- A reply-NO alert followed by a phone call almost immediately.
- The caller asks for a one-time passcode, your PIN or your online banking password.
- Being told to send money to yourself, to a 'secure account' or to a new payee to protect it.
- Instructions to keep the call secret from bank staff.
- A link in the text to 'secure your account'.
How to tell it’s fake
- Hang up and call the number on the back of your card, or open your bank's app yourself.
- Your bank won't ask you to move money to protect it, and won't ask for codes it sent you.
- Check recent transactions in the app. A blocked suspicious payment will show there.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- If you replied, that's okay: don't answer unknown calls and contact your bank directly. Forward the text to 7726.
If you paid
- Call your bank's fraud line right away and ask them to recall the Zelle or wire transfer. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you read out a code or password, tell the bank so they can lock your online access, then change your password.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
If a fake bank page opens in Chrome or Edge on your computer, Scam Guard compares it with your bank's real address and warns before you log in. In messages you have open in the browser, it spots the classic 'send money to yourself' and 'secure account' pressure and reminds you to call the bank on the number on your card. When it seems legit, that's exactly the time to check.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Do banks send fraud alerts by text?
- Yes, real banks do. That's why scammers copy them. Never act on a follow-up call; call the number on your card instead.
- The call came from my bank's real number. How?
- Caller ID can be faked. The number on screen proves nothing.
- Can I get money back from a Zelle scam?
- Contact your bank immediately. Recovery isn't guaranteed, but speed matters, and some banks reimburse impersonation scams.