High riskText Message Scams

New Payee Text Scam

This scam texts that a new payee or recipient has been added to your bank account and tells you to call a number or tap a link to cancel it, leading to a fake page or a scammer posing as your bank's fraud team.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Bank impersonation (smishing)
Main red flag
A text says a new payee was added to your account, with a number or link to 'stop' it.
What to do first
Do not call or click. Check payees only in your bank's official app or website.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam texts that a new payee or recipient has been added to your bank account and tells you to call a number or tap a link to cancel it, leading to a fake page or a scammer posing as your bank's fraud team.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'A new payee was added to your account at 14:02. If this wasn't you, call us immediately or verify here: [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 'new payee added' alert by text rather than in your app
  • A number or link to cancel the change
  • Pressure to act before money is sent
  • A request for your login, card, or one-time codes
  • A web address that is not your bank

What to do

  • Check payees and activity only in your bank's official app or website
  • Call your bank using the number on your card if unsure
  • Never share login details or one-time codes
  • Report the text to your mobile provider's spam service if available

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter login, card, or code details on the page
  • If you shared details, contact your bank immediately to secure your account
  • Change your online banking password from a trusted device
  • Review payees and transactions for anything unfamiliar

What not to do

  • Do not call numbers from the text
  • Do not share one-time codes with a 'fraud agent'
  • Do not log in through links in the message

Similar scams

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

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 Text Message

Wrong Number Text Scam

This scam starts with a friendly 'wrong number' text, builds a casual conversation over time, and eventually steers you toward a fake investment.

Frequently asked questions

Does my bank text me to cancel a new payee?
Genuine alerts let you check activity in your app. A text with a number or link to 'stop' a new payee is a smishing attempt, so verify in the official app instead.
Why do scammers use a new-payee alert?
It triggers panic that money is about to leave your account, pushing you to call a fake fraud line where they extract codes or move your money.
I called and gave a code. What now?
Contact your bank immediately using the number on your card, change your password from a trusted device, and review payees and transactions.
How do I check real account activity?
Log in through your bank's official app or website, or call the number on your card, never the contact details in the text.

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.