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Is that "fraud alert" text from your bank a scam?

Last updated · Written by Daniel Morton, Scam, Fraud & Prevention Consultant, Winston-Salem, NC

Short answer: It may be. A common scam starts with a text asking you to confirm a large purchase you didn't make; if you reply, a fake "fraud department" calls and talks you into moving money to "keep it safe." Whether you're in Winston-Salem or anywhere in North Carolina, call the number on the back of your card instead.

How it works

A text asks you to confirm a large purchase you didn't make. If you reply, a fake "fraud department" calls. The caller may already know some of your details, and talks you into transferring money to "keep it safe" or reading back a security code.

Red flags

  • "Reply YES or NO" about a charge
  • A caller who already knows some of your details
  • Asks you to transfer money or read back a code

What to do

  1. Don't reply or click.
  2. Call the number on the back of your card.
  3. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
  4. Turn on text alerts in your bank's own app or website for withdrawals, large purchases, and new payees.

If you already responded

It happens to careful people every day. Call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card, tell them what happened, and ask what can be stopped or reversed. Then report it to the NC Department of Justice and the FTC.

Who to call in North Carolina

  • NC Department of Justice consumer hotline: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226), or file a consumer complaint
  • Forward scam texts to 7726 (spells "SPAM") so your phone company can block similar messages.
  • Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (free for anyone, member or not): 877-908-3360

Common questions

How does the fake bank fraud alert scam work?
A text asks you to confirm a large purchase you didn't make. If you reply, a fake "fraud department" calls and talks you into moving money to "keep it safe."
What should I do if I get a bank fraud alert text?
Don't reply or click. Call the number on the back of your card, and forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
Would my bank ask me to transfer money to keep it safe?
A caller asking you to transfer money or read back a code is a red flag of this scam. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card.

Sources

Take your time, and talk it over with someone you trust. There's no shame in being targeted, and reporting helps your neighbors too. This page summarizes the official warnings and news reports linked above. It's general information, not legal or financial advice.

Want an extra layer of protection? Start with the free steps above. If you'd also like to compare paid tools like identity monitoring, call blockers or medical alert devices, see our plain-language protection guide.

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