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Fake bank fraud alerts and Zelle scams

Updated November 3, 2026

This scam starts with a message that looks like a fraud alert from your bank, asking whether you made a large payment. Reply or call back, and someone posing as the bank's fraud team says your account is at risk. They then ask for a code or tell you to send money with Zelle or another app "to protect it", straight into their own account. The FTC has found bank impersonation to be the most reported text scam.

Example written by us, based on the warnings below. Real messages vary: the amounts, names and links change all the time.

Warning signs

• Pressure to act right now, over a payment you didn't make.
• A phone number or link in the message instead of the number on the back of your card.
• Anyone asking for a one-time code, your PIN or your password. The FTC says no one from your bank will ever ask for a verification code.
• Being told to move or send money, even to "yourself" or a "safe account". Banks don't ask you to do that.

What to do

• Don't reply, tap links or call the number in the message.
• Call your bank on the number on the back of your card or on its official website, and ask whether there's really a problem.
• Never share codes or move money because someone contacted you.
• If you already sent money, tell your bank or credit union immediately and ask them to reverse it, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).

Sources

• FTC: Bank impersonation is the most-reported text message scam
• FTC: Do you use payment apps like Venmo, Cash App or Zelle? Read this
• FTC: Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer