Is the Bank Impersonation Scam real or a scam?

Q: Is the Bank Impersonation Scam real or a scam?

This is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Bank Impersonation Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Voice Phishing Impersonates: Banks and credit unions

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Bank impersonation scams use fake fraud alerts and spoofed phone numbers to steal money directly from your accounts. Scammers may appear to call from your bank's real number and know your name and partial account info.

How This Scam Works

The scam typically works like this:

1. **You receive a text or call** appearing to be from your bank about suspicious activity.

2. **The scammer knows some of your info** (name, partial card number) to seem legitimate.

3. **They create urgency** claiming someone is draining your account right now.

4. **They ask you to "verify" information** like your full card number, PIN, or login credentials.

5. **They may ask you to transfer money** to a "safe account" (actually theirs).

6. **Some ask you to send money via Zelle** claiming it will "reverse" a fraudulent transfer.

Red Flags to Watch For

Unsolicited contact about fraud
Requests for PIN or full card number - Banks never ask for these
Pressure to act immediately
Instructions to transfer money anywhere
Requests to send money via Zelle/Venmo
Caller asks you to confirm login codes
Threatens account closure without immediate action

Example Scam Messages

BANK ALERT: Suspicious $500 charge detected on your debit card. Reply YES if authorized or NO if fraud. This is Wells Fargo Fraud Department. We've detected unauthorized access to your account. Press 1 to speak with a representative immediately. Your Chase account has been temporarily suspended due to unusual activity. Verify your identity here: chase-secure-verify[.]com

What to Do If You Received This

Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your card
Never click links in text messages about your account
Don't confirm or deny transactions to unexpected callers
Never share PINs, passwords, or verification codes
Log into your bank app directly to check for real alerts

What to Do If You Fell For It

Contact your bank immediately using the real number on your card
Report the fraud and request new cards
Change your online banking password
Enable additional security features
Monitor all accounts for unauthorized activity
File a police report
Report to FTC

How to Report This Scam

Your bank's fraud department - Use the number on your card
FTC - reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI IC3 - ic3.gov

Last updated: January 13, 2026