Skip to main content

Cookies on BBB.org

We use cookies to give users the best content and online experience. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to allow us to use all cookies. Visit our Privacy Policy to learn more.

Cookie Preferences

Many websites use cookies or similar tools to store information on your browser or device. We use cookies on BBB websites to remember your preferences, improve website performance and enhance user experience, and to recommend content we believe will be most relevant to you. Most cookies collect anonymous information such as how users arrive at and use the website. Some cookies are necessary to allow the website to function properly, but you may choose to not allow other types of cookies below.

Necessary Cookies

What are necessary cookies?
These cookies are necessary for the site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you that amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Necessary cookies must always be enabled.

Functional Cookies

What are functional cookies?
These cookies enable the site to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Performance Cookies

What are performance cookies?
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.

Marketing Cookies

What are marketing cookies?
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant content on other sites. They do not store personal information directly, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser or device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
      Country
          Country
          Latest News

          BBB Scam Alert: Ignore phony banking texts and phone calls

          By Better Business Bureau. May 24, 2022.

          (Getty)

          "Attention. Fraudulent activity has been detected on your account. Act Now." Should you? Banks nationwide have reported these types of scam calls and text messages to their customers nationwide. In many of these cases, these alleged messages claim to be from the individual’s actual financial institution, causing people to panic. Then, they believe their bank account is in jeopardy and they need to correct the problem immediately. Little do they know, the ploy to get personal information is just beginning.

          In another version, the text implies that changes have been made to the account, like a phone number, email or password, and to call a number "if you did not make this request." 

          Scammers urge consumers via text message or voicemail to call an unfamiliar phone number provided or send a fake link to login into their online account. If called, thieves request that consumers repeat back personal bank information, such as account number, PIN number or even social security number to verify their identity. In some cases, the scammers already know the account number, which lends a false sense of trust.

          In both cases, people are falsely believing their accounts have already been compromised.

          The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips on how to avoid this potentially dangerous con. 

          How the scam works:    

          You receive a text message or phone call from a bank, alerting you to a hold, fraudulent activity, or an update to a financial account. Take a close look at the message, you may or may not have an account at that bank. The scammer may even know your account number.

          The scammers use a variety of messages and techniques, but the desired outcome is the same. Scammers will use the opportunity to obtain your banking information.  For example, a website may prompt for an ATM card number and PIN under the guise of "reactivating your ATM card." Other times, the link may download malicious software that gives scammers access to anything on the phone.  A scammer on the phone may demand personal information such as your social security number. 

          What can I do?

          • Verify that there is an issue. If you get a phone call or text message from your bank, claiming your account has been compromised, hang up and call back. Find your bank's phone number online or on a statement to ensure you’re calling the bank and not a scammer.

           

          • Never give personal information to unsolicited callers. Regardless if your bank, cable provider or utility company calls your home, never give your personal information to “verify” your identity. If it doesn’t seem right, hang up and call the company back at the number you know is right.

           

          • Be cautious of links sent via text. The link could be a look-a-like site, mimicking the consumer’s online banking portal. After entering the login information, the scammers then have access to your accounts online. Check the URL or visit your banks website from another source–not by clicking through a link sent via text. 
            • Ignore instructions to text "STOP" or "NO" to prevent future texts. This is a common ploy by scammers to confirm they have a real, active phone number. 
            • If you think your text message is real, be sure it's directing to a web address like "yourbank.com" not "yourbank.otherwebsite.com." 
            • Call the bank or check out their website. If they have been targeted by a scam, they may have further information about it. This often includes an email address where you can send a screen shot or details about your scam text to help identify and stop the scammers. 
            • If you got a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).

          For more information

          For more about scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips. Read more about phishing scams at BBB.org/PhishingScam

          If you've been the victim of a scam, help others avoid falling victim by reporting what happened on BBB Scam Tracker.

           

          BBB Atlanta, BBB Serving North Alabama and BBB Serving Connecticut contributed to this article.