The key takeaway
Hang up. Contact your bank through a channel you already trust.
The convincing setup
A text asks about suspicious activity. A caller appears to be from your bank and says you must move money to a safe account, pay yourself, or reverse fraud using Zelle. Caller ID can be spoofed.
Zelle warns that a bank will not ask you to send money to yourself to resolve fraud.
Warning signs
- The solution to supposed fraud is another payment.
- The caller requests a one-time passcode.
- They tell you not to hang up, contact another employee, or tell anyone.
- The recipient details contain reassuring words like “fraud,” “dispute,” or your name.
Break the pressure
End the call and contact your bank using your banking app, your card, or its official website. Do not use a number or link supplied by the caller. If you sent money or shared access information, tell the bank exactly what happened.
Sources & further reading
Provider rules can change. Check current terms and contact your bank for your circumstances.
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