A caller says they are from your bank or an agency. Now what?

Caller ID can be faked and the person can sound calm and helpful. What gives it away is what they ask you to do.

What a real bank or agency does not do

Ask you to move money to "protect" itNo caller will say this. Your money is fine where it is.

Ask for a verification code or passwordNever share a one-time code, even with someone who sounds official.

Threaten you with arrest or demand payment nowReal agencies do not threaten you or demand immediate payment.

Require gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or payment appsNo real agency takes payment this way.

Hang upYou do not have to be polite. A real bank is fine with a call back.

Do not use the number they gave youIt will take you to the scammer, and so can the number on your caller ID.

Call the number on your card or statementOr look up the agency yourself and call it directly.

If you already moved money or shared a codeTell your bank right away and report it.