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Fake bank fraud alert texts that ask you to reply YES or NO

Updated October 23, 2026

Real banks send alerts like this too. The scam starts with the phone call.

Banks really do text fraud alerts, so the text alone can look legitimate. In the fake version, replying brings a call from someone posing as your bank's fraud team, who asks you to move money, read back a code, or give your PIN. Your bank won't ask you to do any of that. If you're not sure, don't reply: call the number on the back of your card.

The fake texts people are getting

Citi Bank Alert : Did you use debit Declined Transaction(s) "05/08" WALMART SUPER-CENTER ATLANTA GA 2-J122867 $600.99 REPLY 1 For YES, REPLY 2 for NO and receive a call from a representative. Data & message rates may apply.

As reported by BBB Scam Tracker (consumer report), May 2025.

Unusual Sign In Detected. […]

As reported by Meredith Village Savings Bank (New Hampshire), January 2025.

How the scam works

  1. A text asks about a charge or a sign-in. It looks like a fraud alert and asks you to reply YES or NO, or 1 or 2. The FTC says fake fraud texts may also give you a number to call.
  2. You reply, and someone calls. The caller says they're from your bank's fraud department. Zelle warns that scammers can spoof calls so they look like they come from your bank.
  3. They ask you to "protect" your money. That means moving it to a "safe" account, sending it to yourself with Zelle, reading back a one-time code, or giving your PIN. The FTC says these scammers pressure people to move money "to supposedly keep it safe." The money goes to the scammer.

How to tell a fake alert from a real one

What banks say they never do

The FTC's advice is simple: never send money to anyone in response to an unexpected call or message, no matter who they say they are.

If you replied, talked to them, or sent money

Report it

Questions

Do banks really send fraud alert texts?

Yes. Many banks text you to confirm unusual activity on your card or account, which is exactly why scammers copy them. A real alert never leads to someone asking you to move your money, send money to yourself, read back a one-time code, or share your PIN.

Is it safe to reply YES or NO?

If you aren't sure the text came from your bank, don't reply. Open your bank's app, or call the number on the back of your card, and ask about the charge. In the fake version, a reply is what triggers the scammer's phone call.

Someone from my bank's fraud team called and told me to move my money to a safe account. Is that real?

No. Chase and Wells Fargo have both said they never ask customers to move money to protect it. Hang up and call the number on your card.

I already sent money or shared a code. What now?

Call your bank right away using the number on your card or in its app. Tell them what happened and ask them to stop any transfers and secure your account. If you shared a code, follow what to do if you gave a scammer a verification code.

Sources

Facts checked October 23, 2026.

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