Filed under: Banks, tax & authorities

Is this “unusual activity on your account, verify now” bank text a scam?

Q: Is this “unusual activity on your account, verify now” bank text a scam?

Almost certainly. Banks do send fraud alerts — but they don't send you a link to “verify” your login or card details, and they don't threaten to freeze your account in an hour. The link leads to a look-alike login page that harvests your credentials.

Q: is the bank unusual activity text real

Almost certainly. Banks do send fraud alerts — but they don't send you a link to “verify” your login or card details, and they don't threaten to freeze your account in an hour. The link leads to a look-alike login page that harvests your credentials.

Q: bank asked me to verify within 60 minutes scam

Almost certainly. Banks do send fraud alerts — but they don't send you a link to “verify” your login or card details, and they don't threaten to freeze your account in an hour. The link leads to a look-alike login page that harvests your credentials.

Q: secure-bank-verify link legit

Almost certainly. Banks do send fraud alerts — but they don't send you a link to “verify” your login or card details, and they don't threaten to freeze your account in an hour. The link leads to a look-alike login page that harvests your credentials.

Q: does my bank send verification links by sms

Almost certainly. Banks do send fraud alerts — but they don't send you a link to “verify” your login or card details, and they don't threaten to freeze your account in an hour. The link leads to a look-alike login page that harvests your credentials.

Almost certainly. Banks do send fraud alerts — but they don't send you a link to “verify” your login or card details, and they don't threaten to freeze your account in an hour. The link leads to a look-alike login page that harvests your credentials.

The exhibit

EXHIBIT · FAKE LOGIN / PASSWORD GRAB

Received via: SMS EN

ALERT: unusual activity detected on your account. Verify your identity within 60 minutes to avoid a temporary freeze: secure-bank-verify.topunexpected domain — verify where it really leads

Suspicious Worth a closer look

How to verify it yourself

Call the bank using the number on the back of your card — never the number or link in the message.
Banks don't ask you to confirm full card numbers, PINs, or passwords by text.
A countdown to a “freeze” is manufactured urgency.
Log in only by typing the bank's address yourself or using its official app.

Check this message yourself

Or try a real one: