Scammers often pretend to be your bank, credit union, or a government agency. The details change, but the warning signs stay the same.
Urgency and pressure
Messages claiming your account will be locked "within 24 hours" are designed to rush you. Real institutions give you time.
Requests for codes or passwords
Your financial institution will not call and ask for your password, PIN, or a one-time code that was texted to you. Anyone who asks for these is a scammer.
Unusual payment methods
Requests to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a peer-to-peer payment app to "protect" your money are a classic red flag.
Links in unexpected messages
Instead of clicking a link in a text or email, type your institution’s address into your browser yourself or use its official app.
What to do
Hang up and call the number on the back of your card. Report attempts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you shared information, contact your institution right away.