How to Spot a Fake Bank Text Message

Resty
Published on July 4, 2025 | Cyber Hygiene

Have you ever received a text that says something like, “Your bank account has been temporarily locked” or “Congratulations, you’ve won a cash prize from [insert random bank here]”? 🚩 Chances are, that wasn’t your bank at all—it was a scammer trying to trick you into giving away sensitive information. This type of scam is known as phishing, and it's one of the most common threats to everyday mobile users.Cybercriminals are constantly finding sneaky ways to make their messages look legit. But the good news? Most fake bank texts have a few glaring red flags. Let’s break them down so you can protect yourself and your money. 

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Common Signs of a Fake Text Message

  • 📱 Strange numbers or senders: Real banks usually use short official numbers (also called shortcodes), not random international phone numbers. If the sender’s number looks unfamiliar or suspicious, trust your gut.
  • 🔗 Suspicious links: Always double-check any link you receive. If it starts with bit.ly, or leads to a URL that doesn’t include the bank’s verified domain (like yourbank.ph), don’t click. These shortened links can hide malicious websites designed to steal your credentials.
  • 🗣 Poor grammar or weird formatting: Real banks take communication seriously. If the message is full of spelling errors, random capitalizations, or just sounds off, it’s likely a scam.
  • ⏰ Urgency tactics: Scammers want you to panic so you act without thinking. Messages like “ACT NOW or your account will be permanently locked!” are designed to scare you into clicking. Don’t fall for it.

What To Do If You Get One

So what should you do when one of these shady texts lands in your inbox? First: Do not click on any links or reply to the message. Even replying “STOP” can confirm to the scammer that your number is active. Second: Contact your bank directly using the phone number or website listed on your official bank card—not the number in the suspicious message. Ask them to verify if there are any issues with your account. Third: Report the scam. Most telecom providers have dedicated hotlines or shortcodes (like “7726” in some regions) where you can forward phishing messages. You can also report them to your country's cybersecurity agency or the bank itself.

Stay Safe with These Extra Tips

  • 🔒 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your banking apps and email accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
  • 📵 Don’t store passwords in plain text on your phone. Use a secure password manager instead.
  • 🧠 Stay informed: Scammers evolve. Keep up with the latest scams by following your bank’s alerts or cybersecurity pages.
Final Tip: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Better to be overly cautious than to become the next victim. Stay smart, stay safe. 💡
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