Scam pattern
Fake bank fraud-alert text (“Did you make this charge?”)
The “reply YES or NO” bank text that leads to a phone call
You get a text that looks like a fraud alert from your bank asking if you made a charge. Replying connects you to a fake “fraud department” that talks you into moving money to a “safe account” — which is theirs.
How it’s usually worded
- “FreeMsg: Chase Fraud — Did you attempt $850.00 at Walmart? Reply YES or NO.”
- “We've detected fraud on your account. A specialist will call you shortly.”
- “To secure your funds, move them to the safe account we set up for you.”
Red-flag signals
- Reply-to-engage hook
Any reply tells scammers the number is live and starts the call.
- “Move money to a safe account”
No real bank ever asks you to transfer to a new account — that's theft.
- Inbound call after you reply
Caller ID is spoofed to look like your bank.
- Urgency + secrecy
“Don't tell anyone / act now” keeps you from calling the real bank.
What to do
Don't reply, don't call back the number. Call the number on the back of your card or your bank's app. Banks never ask you to move money to a “safe” account.
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FAQ
Is a real bank fraud text ever legit?
Banks do send fraud alerts, but they never ask you to move money or share codes/passwords. Verify by calling the number on your card.
They gave my real name and last 4 digits — is it really my bank?
Scammers often have leaked data. Personal details don't prove it's legitimate. Hang up and call your bank directly.