How to spot a fake bank text message
Perhaps you received a text message saying your bank account has been blocked. Or that you need to pay a small extra fee for a parcel delivery. Your heart starts beating faster, and you want to sort it out quickly. Stop for a moment. This could be a scam. In this guide we will show you, step by step, how to spot a fake text message like this, and what to do so you do not get tricked. It really is simpler than it seems — you just need to know a few warning signs.
What is a fake bank text message?
Scammers send text messages that look like they come from a bank, the post office, or the tax office. This kind of fake text message is called smishing — a mix of the words "SMS" and "phishing", which means fraud designed to steal your information. The message tries to scare you or make you curious, so that you quickly tap a link and give away your personal details without thinking.
Sometimes a fake text message looks very similar to a real message from your bank. It may even show your bank name as the sender. That is why it is important to know what to look out for.
What tricks do scammers use most often?
Here are examples of messages that sound believable, but are actually sent by scammers:
- "Your account has been blocked. Tap this link to unlock it."
- "Your parcel is waiting. Pay a small extra fee to receive it."
- "You have unpaid tax. Settle it now to avoid a penalty."
- "A suspicious transaction was found on your account. Confirm your details."
All of these messages share one thing in common: time pressure. They want you to act fast, without stopping to think. That is the first warning sign.
Step by step — how to check if a text message is real
- Read the text message calmly, and do not tap anything yet.
- Check whether the message tries to scare or rush you, for example with words like "immediately" or "within one hour".
- Check whether the message contains a link to tap.
- Look carefully at the link address.
- Look for spelling mistakes or unusual endings in the link, different from your bank's usual website address.
- Check the message for language mistakes or unusual symbols.
- Think about whether you were expecting a message like this from your bank at all.
- Do not tap the link, even "just to check".
- Open your bank app separately, or type your bank website address yourself into your browser.
- Check there whether anything worrying is really happening with your account.
- If you are still unsure, call your bank on the number printed on the back of your payment card.
What you must NEVER do
Your bank sometimes sends you a one-time text message code — a short number that confirms an action, such as a transfer. Only you should ever know this code. Nobody from the bank will ever ask you for it.
- Never tap a link in a text message that looks suspicious.
- Never type your username or password on a page opened from a link in a text message.
- Never give your card number or CVV code, the three digits on the back of your card, to anyone by phone or text message.
- Never read a text message code out loud to anyone, even if the person says they are calling from the bank.
- Never call back a number given in a suspicious text message.
A real bank will never ask you for your password, your full card number, or a text message code over the phone, by text, or by email. If someone asks for these, they are a scammer, even if they know your name or the name of your bank.
What to do if something goes wrong
Did you tap a suspicious link or give away your details? Do not worry, and do not wait. The faster you act, the better.
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on the back of your payment card.
- Ask the bank to block your account or card.
- Check your recent transactions in your bank app.
- Change your online banking password, ideally from a different device.
- Report the matter at your nearest police station.
- Keep the suspicious text message as evidence, and do not delete it before reporting.
Remember: never call a number given in a suspicious text message. Always use the number printed on your payment card, or a number you already know from previous contact with your bank.
Summary — remember these steps
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