Unauthorized
Contact the bank or credit union quickly, freeze access if needed, and keep timestamps and confirmation numbers.
Account safety
Bank fraud and scams: separate unauthorized activity from scam payments
Bank-account problems often split into two lanes. Unauthorized activity means someone used the account or payment method without permission. Scam payments often involve being tricked into authorizing a transfer, purchase, wire, gift card, crypto payment, or check deposit. The lane affects what to do next.
By CashTalks ·
Authorized scam
Act fast, but recovery is not guaranteed when you were tricked into sending money.
Imposter warning
Real banks do not need your password, one-time code, or instructions to move money to a safe account.
Move quickly when activity was unauthorized
If you see an unauthorized transaction, contact the bank or credit union immediately using a trusted number from the app, card, statement, or official website. Ask how to secure the account, replace cards, change credentials, and file a written dispute if needed.
Keep dates, times, transaction amounts, merchant names, screenshots, case numbers, and the names of people you spoke with. If checks, debit cards, online banking, or account numbers were exposed, ask what else needs to be changed.
A scam payment can be harder to recover
If you authorized a wire, peer payment, gift card purchase, crypto transfer, or other payment because a scammer pressured you, contact the payment provider immediately and ask whether reversal, recall, or fraud reporting is possible.
Do not keep talking to the person who coached the payment. Be cautious of recovery scams that ask for more money to get the original money back.
Common bank imposters create urgency
A scammer may claim there is fraud on the account and tell you to move money to a safe place, share a code, install software, or keep the call secret. Hang up and contact the institution through a trusted channel.
If the incident involves identity theft, account takeover, or personal information exposure, use IdentityTheft.gov and follow the bank's instructions for securing the account.
FAQ
Will my bank always refund scam payments?
No. Recovery depends on payment type, timing, facts, account rules, and applicable law. Act quickly and keep records, but do not assume a refund is guaranteed.
What if a check deposit looked available and then bounced?
Available funds do not prove a check is legitimate. Contact the bank quickly, stop sending money, keep records, and report the scam through official channels.
Official Resources
- CFPB unauthorized check guidance
CFPB guidance to contact the bank or credit union quickly after discovering an unauthorized payment.
- CFPB common scams
CFPB overview of common fraud and scams, warning signs, and reporting steps.
- FTC fake check scams
Federal Trade Commission guidance on fake check scams, why funds can appear available, and what to do after sending money.
- FTC wire transfer scams
FTC guidance on wire transfer scam warning signs and urgent steps after wiring money to a scammer.
- FTC bank fraud imposter calls
FTC alert about callers who claim fraud activity and pressure people to move money or share verification codes.