Bank Account Locked Text Scam
Bank impersonation texts claiming your account is 'locked', 'frozen', or 'suspended' are one of the most common smishing patterns. They work because bank account access feels urgent. Multiple specific numbers used in this pattern are in the BeenVerified Dirty Dozen 2024.
Reports
Part of $2.95B imposter losses (FTC 2024)
First documented
2020
Last active
2026-03
⚠ This page documents a reported scam pattern for educational purposes. It is not a factual determination about any specific caller or number. Sources are cited for all statistics and claims. ZeroScam is not affiliated with the FTC, FBI, or FCC.
What the scam says
Text reads: '[Bank name]: Your account has been temporarily locked due to suspicious activity. Verify your identity immediately to restore access: [link]' — or uses a callback number. The bank name may be generic ('your bank') or specific (Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America).
4 red flags
Banks send fraud alerts via their app or to your registered email — not unsolicited SMS links
Real fraud alerts ask you to confirm or deny a transaction — not click a link
The link domain is never the real bank's domain
No account number or last 4 digits referenced — this is a mass blast to millions
What to do
Do not click any link
Log in directly to your bank's official app or website to check your real account status
Call the number on the back of your card if concerned
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM)
Report to CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint
Report this scam
Source
FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — imposter scams $2.95B; BeenVerified Dirty Dozen 2024
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages ↗Reported numbers using this pattern
Area codes associated with this pattern
Specific scam messages in this pattern
"Bank Account Locked" Text Scam — Unlock Phishing Warning
Your bank account has been locked due to multiple failed login attempt…
"Bank Account Restricted" Text Scam — Policy Violation Phishing
Your bank account has been restricted due to policy violations. Restor…
Chase "Security Alert" Text Scam — Phishing Warning 2025
Chase: We've detected suspicious activity on your account ending in 48…
Wells Fargo "Fraud Alert" Text Scam — Large Transaction Warning
Wells Fargo: Fraud alert — a $2,347.00 transaction was attempted. Disp…
People also search for
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bank Account Locked Text Scam?▼
Bank impersonation texts claiming your account is 'locked', 'frozen', or 'suspended' are one of the most common smishing patterns. They work because bank account access feels urgent. Multiple specific numbers used in this pattern are in the BeenVerified Dirty Dozen 2024.
How do I recognize a Bank Account Locked Text Scam?▼
Red flags: Banks send fraud alerts via their app or to your registered email — not unsolicited SMS links; Real fraud alerts ask you to confirm or deny a transaction — not click a link; The link domain is never the real bank's domain.
What should I do if I receive a Bank Account Locked Text Scam?▼
Do not click any link Log in directly to your bank's official app or website to check your real account status Call the number on the back of your card if concerned
How common is the Bank Account Locked Text Scam?▼
Part of $2.95B imposter losses (FTC 2024). First documented: 2020. Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — imposter scams $2.95B; BeenVerified Dirty Dozen 2024.
Received a call or text from this number?
Check any message instantly — free, no signup required.
Check your message →Source: FTC Consumer Sentinel 2024 — imposter scams $2.95B; BeenVerified Dirty Dozen 2024
First documented: 2020 · Last active: 2026-03
← Scam message database