Bank & Payment Scams

Bank and payment scams pretend to come from your bank, a card provider, or a payment app like PayPal. They often warn of suspicious activity, a locked account, or a pending payment, then steer you toward a fake login page or a phone call where a 'fraud agent' pressures you to move your money 'to keep it safe.' Real banks do not ask you to transfer funds to a new account or to read out one-time codes.

Common red flags

  • A message or call claiming urgent fraud on your account
  • Pressure to move your money to a 'safe' or 'new' account
  • A request to read out a one-time passcode or verification code
  • A 'payment pending' notice that asks you to confirm details to release funds
  • Links to a login page that is not the bank's official website or app

Bank & Payment scam guides

High risk Bank & Payment

PayPal Payment Pending Scam

This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.
High risk Bank & Payment

Fake Bank Alert Text Scam

This scam sends a text claiming suspicious activity on your account, then steers you to a fake login page or a 'fraud agent' who pressures you to move money.
High risk Bank & Payment

Fake E-Transfer Scam

This scam sends a fake e-transfer notification linking to a phishing page that imitates your bank's login to steal your online banking details.
High risk Bank & Payment

Zelle Payment Scam

In this scam someone posing as your bank's fraud team contacts you about 'suspicious activity' and pressures you to send money through Zelle to 'reverse' a charge or 'protect' your account. Zelle transfers are usually instant and hard to recover.
Medium risk Bank & Payment

Cash App Scam

These scams use fake Cash App 'giveaways' or 'blessings', people pretending to be Cash App support who ask for your PIN or sign-in code, and 'accidental payment' refund tricks to take your money or take over your account.
High risk Bank & Payment

Overpayment Scam

A buyer, employer, or 'client' sends you a payment or cheque for more than they owe, then asks you to send the extra back. The original payment is fake or is later reversed, leaving you out of pocket for the refund you sent.
Medium risk Bank & Payment

Venmo Scam

Venmo scams take several forms, including fake 'accidental payment' refund tricks, people posing as Venmo support to get your codes, stranger payments that later reverse, and prize or giveaway messages.
High risk Bank & Payment

Payroll Direct Deposit Scam

In this scam, a fraudster emails an employer's HR or payroll team while pretending to be an employee and asks to update their direct-deposit bank details, diverting the next paycheck to the scammer's account.
High risk Bank & Payment

Bank Impersonation Phone Scam

In this scam a caller pretends to be your bank's fraud team, claims your account is under attack, and pressures you to move money to a 'safe account', read out one-time codes, or grant remote access so they can steal your funds.
Medium risk Bank & Payment

Card Skimming Scam

In a card skimming scam, criminals attach hidden devices to ATMs, fuel pumps, or shop card readers, often with a tiny camera or fake keypad, to copy your card details and PIN and later make fraudulent transactions or card clones.

Frequently asked questions

Will my bank ever ask me to move money to keep it safe?
No. A genuine bank will never ask you to transfer your money to another account to protect it. Anyone who tells you to do this is almost certainly a scammer.
Should I ever share a one-time passcode?
Never share one-time passcodes or verification codes with anyone, even someone claiming to be from your bank. These codes are the key to your account and payments.
How do I check a suspicious bank message?
Do not use the links or numbers in the message. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card or in its official app, and ask them to confirm.

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Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.