SCAM AWARENESSBank impersonation calls
In a bank impersonation scam, someone calls or texts pretending to be from your bank's fraud department. They say your account is under attack and offer to help protect it. Their real goal is to get your login details or one-time codes, or to talk you into moving your own money into an account they control.
How this scam works
It often starts with a text asking if you approved a large purchase. If you reply, a "fraud specialist" calls within minutes. The caller ID may even show your bank's name, because scammers can fake it. The caller may already know your name, address or part of your card number, which makes them seem real.
Next, they say they will send a code to "verify" you and ask you to read it back. That code actually lets them log in or approve a payment. Some callers say your account is compromised and you must move your money to a new "safe" account, often through a payment app, wire or cash deposit. They urge you to keep the call secret, even from bank staff.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGE"This is the fraud department at your bank. We blocked a $1,240 charge in another state. To secure your account, I'm sending you a verification code. Please read it to me, and then we'll move your balance to a protected account."
Warning signs
- A caller asks you to read back a code that was sent to your phone
- You are told to move money to a "safe" or "protected" account
- Pressure to act right now or lose all your money
- Instructions not to tell bank staff or family what you are doing
- Requests for your online banking password or full card PIN
- Caller ID shows your bank, but the call came out of nowhere
How to protect yourself
- Hang up on any unexpected call about fraud, then call the number on your card or statement.
- Never share one-time codes; your bank will not call to ask for them.
- Remember that no real bank will tell you to move your money to keep it safe.
- Don't reply to texts about suspicious charges; check your account in your bank's app instead.
- Turn on account alerts so you see real activity as it happens.
If you already responded
- Call your bank right away using the number on your card and explain exactly what happened.
- Ask the bank to stop or reverse any transfers and to lock or close affected accounts.
- Change your online banking password and turn on extra sign-in protection.
- If you sent money through a payment app, report it to that app through its official support channel.
- If you shared personal information, use IdentityTheft.gov to make a recovery plan.
- Report the scam to the FTC and, if money was lost online, to the FBI's IC3.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
Common questions
Will my bank ever ask me for a code they sent me?
Banks send one-time codes so that you can prove it's you when you sign in or approve something. A real bank employee should not ask you to read that code back to them. If anyone calls and asks for a code, hang up and call your bank using the number on your card.
Can scammers make it look like my bank is calling?
Yes. Caller ID can be faked, a trick called spoofing, so a call can show your bank's name or number even when it's a scammer. Don't trust caller ID alone. Hang up and call the number printed on your card, statement, or your bank's official website.
Will my bank ever tell me to move money to a safe account?
No. A real bank will not ask you to transfer your money to another account, buy gift cards, or withdraw cash to protect it. Anyone who says this is trying to steal from you. Stop, hang up, and call your bank directly using a number you already trust.