Got a fraud alert from your bank?
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
We’ll help you understand what the alert means and what to do next—before things get worse.
If your bank sends you an alert, act immediately.
What this alert could mean:
When you call, here is what happens:
Got a Fraud Alert From Your Bank? What Should You Do?
A fraud alert from your bank may be legitimate, but scammers also send convincing texts, emails, and calls pretending to be banks. Before responding, verify the alert independently. Do not click a link in the message or call a phone number provided by the caller or text. Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card, your bank statement, or its official website.
What If the Bank Alert Is Real?
If your bank confirms suspicious activity, review the transactions with them immediately. Ask which accounts or cards may be affected and follow the bank’s instructions for securing them. If an unauthorized transaction occurred, report it to the bank as soon as possible.
Never Move Your Money to “Protect” It
A scammer may claim your account has been compromised and tell you to transfer money to another account, purchase cryptocurrency, or move funds somewhere “safe.” Do not do it. The FTC warns that requests to move money in order to protect it are a scam.
Never Give Out a Verification Code
A caller pretending to be from your bank may ask you to read back a security or verification code that was sent to your phone. Do not provide it. If you are unsure who contacted you, end the conversation and call your bank directly using a number you know is legitimate.
What If You Already Gave Information or Sent Money?
Contact your bank or credit union immediately and tell its fraud department what happened. If you believe someone has used your identity, IdentityTheft.gov can help you report the identity theft and create a recovery plan.
Should You Check Your Credit Reports?
If personal information was exposed or you believe someone may be using your identity, reviewing your credit reports can help you look for accounts or activity you do not recognize. You may also want to consider a credit freeze or fraud alert.
Need Help Understanding a Fraud Alert?
If you received a fraud alert from your bank and are not sure what it means or what to do next, call us at 800-518-1077.
We can help you understand what you received and the next steps available to you.
Reviewed by Tina Kayhan, President of TheCreditBureau.com, with more than 30 years of experience in credit reporting, identity protection, and consumer credit services.