Financial
Bank Fraud Department Impersonation
Someone claims to be your bank's fraud team and tells you to move your money to a safe account.
How it works
A caller says they are from your bank's fraud department and that suspicious charges or hackers threaten your account. To protect your money, they tell you to move it to a new safe account or read out a code they text you. That safe account belongs to the scammer, and the code lets them into your real account. Your bank will never ask you to move money to keep it safe.
Warning signs
- Says your account is under attack right now
- Tells you to move money to a safe or holding account
- Asks you to read back a code they texted you
- Wants you to stay on the line and act fast
- Caller ID shows your bank's name or number
- Discourages you from visiting a branch
The newer AI trick
Scammers can spoof the bank's real number and use AI voices that sound like a calm professional agent, making the call feel legitimate.
What to do
- Hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card.
- Never move money to a safe account on someone's instruction.
- Never read a text code out loud to a caller.
- Visit your branch in person if you're unsure.
If they are still on the line: Do not confirm account details or read any codes. Hang up and call your bank on its official number. Banks never ask you to move money to stay safe.
How to report it
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357, and to the FBI at ic3.gov. For elder-specific help, call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.