High riskBank & Payment Scams

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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Bank impersonation scam
Main red flag
A text about fraud on your account that links to a login page or asks for a code.
What to do first
Do not use the link. Call your bank using the number on your card.

What this scam usually looks like

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.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'ALERT: A payment of $720 to NEW PAYEE was authorised. If this was not you, verify now: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A text warning of fraud and urging you to act immediately
  • A link to a login page that is not your bank's official site or app
  • A follow-up call asking you to read out a one-time code
  • Pressure to move money to a 'safe' or 'new' account
  • A request for your full card number, PIN, or online banking password

What to do

  • Do not click the link or call numbers from the text
  • Call your bank using the number on the back of your card or in its official app
  • Check your account through the official app, not the message
  • Report the text to your bank and delete it

If you already clicked or replied

  • Contact your bank immediately using its official number
  • Change your online banking password
  • Ask the bank to review recent activity and secure your account
  • Watch for further suspicious calls pretending to 'help'

What not to do

  • Do not share one-time passcodes or your PIN
  • Do not move money because someone told you to
  • Do not log in through links in the text

Similar scams

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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.
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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.
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Fake Refund Email Scam

This scam emails that you are owed a refund and asks you to confirm bank or card details, or to accept a refund that is really designed to steal your money.

Frequently asked questions

Will my bank ask me to move money to keep it safe?
No. A genuine bank will never tell you to move your money to another account to protect it. This instruction is a clear sign of a scam.
Should I ever read out a one-time code?
Never share one-time codes with anyone, including someone claiming to be from your bank. These codes authorise access and payments.
The text shows my bank's name. Is it genuine?
Scammers can spoof sender names so a fake text appears in the same thread as real ones. Always verify through the official app or phone number instead.
How do I report a fake bank text?
Report it to your bank through its official fraud line and to your national anti-fraud or spam-text service, then delete it.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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.