Scam library · United States · Updated 20 October 2026

Bank fraud calls: what they say, how to spot it, what to do

A bank fraud caller tells you to move money to a safe account. End the call and contact your bank through its app or the number printed on your card.

What they say

These are typical approaches, written as examples. The wording and claimed sender can change.

“Your account is under attack. Move the money to a safe account.”
“I am from the fraud department. Read me the code we just sent.”
“Stay on this call while we transfer your savings for protection.”

How to spot it

The caller directs a transfer to another account or a cryptocurrency machine.
They ask for a password, full card PIN or a one-time sign-in code.
They say bank staff are involved and you must not tell anyone else.

What to do now

End the call. Do not approve a transfer, share a code or install a screen-sharing app. An incoming caller can use a bank name and still be an impersonator.
Open your normal banking app and use its support route, or call the number on your card from a separate phone if possible. Tell the bank about the safe account claim and check whether any real account problem exists.
Review your accounts with the bank. Ask about blocking suspicious activity and securing access. Do not use a callback number, search advert or link supplied by the incoming caller as proof.

If you already paid or shared details

Tell your bank immediately about any transfer you authorized under deception, as well as any payment you did not authorize. Describe exactly what happened and ask whether a recall or other protection is possible.
If you shared a sign-in code or installed remote access software, say so explicitly. Secure online banking from a trusted device and follow the bank’s instructions before using the affected device for banking again.

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Recovery is not guaranteed. Change exposed passwords through the genuine service. Keep receipts and messages privately for your report.

Report the attempt at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

Questions people ask

Does caller ID prove it is my bank?

No. End the incoming call and start a new conversation through the app you normally use or the number on your card.

What if I moved the money myself?

Contact the bank immediately and explain the deception. Ask about stopping or recalling the transfer. Do not assume a transfer can be recovered.