Scam guides › Fake bank fraud alert
Fake bank fraud alert texts: "Did you attempt a Zelle payment?"
Updated . By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.
Short answer: Don't reply and don't call any number in the text. Call the number on the back of your card instead. The FTC found bank impersonation was the most-reported text scam, and the FBI warns these texts lead to calls from fake bank staff who talk you into sending money to "reverse" a payment.
What it looks like
BANK FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a Zelle payment of $1,200.00? Reply YES or NO. An agent will call you shortly.
A made-up example in the usual style.
How the scam works
- A text asks if you made a big payment and to reply YES or NO.
- When you reply, a "fraud department" calls, sometimes showing the bank's real number.
- They ask for a code, your login, or tell you to send money to yourself or a "secure account".
Red flags
- A text asking you to reply YES or NO about a charge
- A caller who asks for a code your bank just sent you
- Being told to move money to a "safe" or "secure" account
- Being told to send a Zelle "to yourself" to reverse a charge
What to do now
- Don't reply. Hang up if they call.
- Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement.
- Never read a verification code to anyone who calls you.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and report it to the FTC.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.
Report it
Questions
The caller ID showed my bank's real number. Is it real?
Not necessarily. The FBI warns scammers can make calls appear to come from your bank's real number. Hang up and call the number on your card.
Sources
- FTC press release: Bank impersonation is the most-reported text message scam (Jun 2023)
- FBI IC3 PSA: Cybercriminals trick victims into transferring funds to "reverse" instant payments (Apr 2022)
- FTC: How to recognize and report spam text messages
Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.
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