Scam texts
Fake bank fraud alert texts: "Did you attempt this payment?"
By Brennan Decker. Published . Last reviewed . Every fact links to its source.
The short answer
Don’t reply and don’t call a number from the text. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card or on its official website (FBI IC3).
Your bank will never tell you to move money to "protect" it or to "reverse" a payment (FBI IC3, FTC).
What the text looks like
+1 (555) 014-22774
Today 7:12 PM
Free Msg- Bank Fraud Alert:1 Did you attempt an instant payment in the amount of $5,000.00?2 REPLY YES or NO3 or 1 to STOP ALERTS
- Looks official
- A scary amount
- They want a reply
- Not your bank's short code
How the scam works
- You get a text that looks like a fraud alert from your bank (FBI IC3).
- If you reply "No," someone calls. Caller ID can look like your bank’s real number (FBI IC3).
- The caller may know personal details, like past addresses or the last four digits of your account, to seem real (FBI IC3).
- They walk you through "reversing" the payment. You’re really sending your money to them (FBI IC3).
How to check if it’s real
- Don’t reply to the text and don’t call any number in it (FTC).
- Open your bank’s app or website yourself, or call the number on the back of your card (FBI IC3).
- Remember the rule: banks won’t ask you to transfer money between accounts to prevent fraud (FBI IC3). Your bank also won’t ask for passcodes (FTC).
- Never share a verification code with someone who contacts you (FBI IC3). More on verification code scams.
What to do if you already responded
- If you sent money, call your bank right away and ask it to reverse the payment (FTC). See Zelle scams: can you get your money back?
- If you shared a code or password, change your password and make sure two-factor authentication is on (FTC).
- If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov, and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) (FTC).
Common questions
Does my bank text me fraud alerts?
Some banks do. But the FBI says if you get a text or call about possible fraud, don’t respond directly. Contact your bank using a number from its official website or your card (FBI IC3).
The call showed my bank’s real number. Is it real?
Not necessarily. The FBI says scammers can make calls appear to come from a bank’s real number (FBI IC3).
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. If money already left your account, call your bank or card company first.