Micro-Deposit Verification Scam
In this scam, a fraudster sends or references small 'verification' deposits, then uses them to link your bank account to a service, or tricks you into confirming details that grant access for theft.
By the Scam or Safe Editorial TeamResearched & reviewed for accuracyQuick verdict
What this scam usually looks like
In this scam, a fraudster sends or references small 'verification' deposits, then uses them to link your bank account to a service, or tricks you into confirming details that grant access for theft.
Bank and payment scams weaponise your trust in your bank and your fear of losing money. They fake fraud alerts, blocked payments, or refunds, then steer you into moving money to a "safe account", sharing a one-time code, or approving a transfer, actions a genuine bank will never ask of you.
The single clearest warning sign to remember is this: A request to confirm small 'verification' deposits to an unverified app or caller. Only confirm micro-deposits within services you set up and trust.
Not sure this matches what you received? Compare it with the Open Banking Consent Scam or the Accidental Transfer Scam, browse the Bank & Payment Scams guides, or paste the exact message into our free scam checker.
By the numbers
Example message pattern
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.
Why this is a red flag: A request to confirm small 'verification' deposits to an unverified app or caller.
Red flags to watch for
- A request to confirm micro-deposit amounts to an unfamiliar service
- Small deposits you did not expect
- A link or caller asking you to verify them
- Pressure to confirm quickly
- An app or service you cannot verify
What to do
- Only confirm micro-deposits within services you set up and trust
- Be wary of unexpected small deposits and verification requests
- Review linked accounts and revoke unknown ones
- Report suspicious requests to your bank
If you already clicked or replied
- If you confirmed deposits to an unknown service, contact your bank
- Revoke any account links you do not recognise
- Change your online banking password from a trusted device
- Review transactions for unauthorised activity
What not to do
- Do not confirm verification deposits to unverified services
- Do not act on unexpected deposit-verification requests
- Do not share account details to 'verify'
Similar scams
Open Banking Consent Scam
In this scam, a fake app or service asks you to connect your bank via open banking for a 'budget', 'refund', or 'loan check', then uses the granted access to view your data or initiate payments.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Accidental Transfer Scam
In this scam, money arrives in your account 'by mistake' and the sender urgently asks you to return it; the original funds were stolen or are later reversed, so any money you send back comes from your own balance.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
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.
Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Frequently asked questions
What are micro-deposits used for?
I got unexpected small deposits. Is that a sign?
I confirmed deposits to an unknown app. What now?
How do I link accounts safely?
Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the Scam or Safe Editorial Team