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The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/scam-alerts/fake-bank-fraud-text/

Scam alert · Text message, then a phone call

A text from your bank's "fraud department" asks about a charge

Posted October 14, 2026. Based only on the FTC and FBI warnings linked below.

What it looks like

  • A text says it's from your bank's fraud department, or from Amazon.
  • It says there's a suspicious charge on your account and offers to help. It wants you to text back or call a number.
  • If you answer, someone calls back. They sound helpful and may already know your name or address.
  • They say your money is at risk and you need to move it, read them a code, or let them into your phone.

Why it works

The FTC warned in April 2025 that fake fraud alerts by text are a hook. Once you reply or call, scammers "spin elaborate lies and drain your bank account." In January 2026 the FTC added that callers may know your name and address because scammers buy or steal that information.

What to do

  • Don't reply and don't call the number in the text.
  • Call your bank yourself. Use the number on the back of your card or on a recent statement, or use the bank's real app.
  • Don't search online for the number. The FTC says scammers buy ads so their fake numbers show up first.
  • Never share a code from a text, your account number or your password. Never let a caller get into your phone or computer.
  • Talk to someone you trust. The FTC says a real fraud department will never tell you to keep the call a secret.
  • Report the text with your phone's Report Junk option or forward it to 7726 (SPAM). Then delete it.

Text this to someone you love

Heads up: scammers are texting as bank fraud departments. If you get a text asking about a charge, don't reply or call the number in it. Call the number on the back of your card instead. And never read anyone a code from a text.

Sources

Step-by-step help: I got a strange text