Brands

Bank scams

Reviewed reports that pretend to be a bank or a bank's fraud department.

• Fake McAfee bill inside a real Google security email
  Email — Scammers have been putting a fake bill, such as a $399 McAfee charge, and a phone number into a real Google security email. Google sends the message because the scammers typed that text into an app-password name. Do not call the number in the email.
• Spoofed bank call from a fake 'fraud investigator'
  Tech support — Caller ID can show your bank's real number even when the caller is not the bank. Fake 'fraud investigators' have told people, including businesses, to install remote-access apps and move money to a 'safe' account. Hang up and call the number on your card.
• Law enforcement or government official impersonation call
  Impersonation — Scammers pretend to be U.S. or foreign law enforcement or government officials and accuse you of a crime. They demand money or personal information and may use spoofed numbers, fake credentials, or even AI video.
• Caller who 'helps' you move your own money
  Phone call — Scammers tell Social Security beneficiaries that a bank employee is committing fraud and that the only way to protect their money is to transfer it. They may stay on the phone for hours and even coach you through a call with your real bank.
• Tech-support pop-up that ends in a gold-bar pickup
  Tech support — A fake security pop-up claims your computer or bank accounts are in danger, then scammers take remote control and tell you to buy gold bars 'to protect' your savings. A courier later collects the gold.
• Fake 'transfer' to Social Security after a retailer call
  Phone call — A caller pretends to be a store, a bank, or another agency, then claims to transfer you to Social Security or its inspector general. That kind of transfer cannot happen, and it is always a scam.
• Crypto investment scam that sends a courier for cash
  Investment & crypto — After someone is pulled into a fake cryptocurrency investment, scammers may say cash has to be handed to a courier. The FBI has warned that this pickup method is often aimed at older adults and is also used in other scams.
• Fake job interview, offer letter, and upfront fee
  Job — Scammers post jobs on real job boards, hold interviews, and even send offer letters that use a company's name and logo. Then they ask for money or sensitive information, or they send a fake check and tell you to send some of it back.
• Unpaid toll text (E-ZPass, FasTrak, SunPass, or state DOT)
  Toll & bills — Phones across the country have been getting texts that claim you owe a toll or ticket and must pay through a link to avoid a fine or license problem. State attorneys general say government agencies do not text people out of the blue to demand that kind of payment.
• IRS refund or tax-problem text and email
  Text — Scammers send texts, emails, or social media messages that look like they came from the IRS. They often use urgent language and QR codes that lead to fake IRS websites asking you to 'verify' an account or claim a refund.