Bank impostor scams call or text claiming to be your bank's fraud department with an urgent alert about suspicious transactions. They then ask you to verify your identity by providing your account number, debit card number, PIN, or online banking password — information that lets them drain your account. 2,199 fake bank fraud alert phone numbers reports have been filed by Boston residents. In Massachusetts, residents filed 81,434 fraud reports last year totalling $210 million in losses (FTC Consumer Sentinel).
How this scam works in Boston
Caller claims to be your bank's fraud department about a suspicious charge
They ask you to confirm account details or card information to 'verify your identity'
Some use caller ID spoofing to show your actual bank's number
Once they have your credentials, they access your account or add themselves as an authorized user
Red flags Boston residents have reported
Incoming call asking for your PIN, full card number, or online banking password
Caller ID shows your bank but the caller asks for credentials
Pressure to act immediately or your account will be frozen
Request to transfer money to a 'safe account' for protection
What to do if you get this call in Boston
Hang up and call the number printed on the back of your debit or credit card
Do not provide any account credentials to an incoming caller — ever
Log in directly to your bank's official app to check for real fraud alerts
Report to your bank's fraud department and the FTC