Bank of America text scam: is that alert real?
Editorially reviewed · Last updated September 8, 2026
Yes — this is a scam. Bank of America doesn't text you links to “unlock” or “confirm” your account.
Exhibit · Text message
Other versions you might get: A text about a card being locked, a login from a new device, a payment you need to “authorize,” or a code to “stop” a transfer you never made.
Reported versions of this message
Each source below documented a text. Web addresses are defanged, and identifying values may be redacted; the remaining wording follows the source. Similar wording is a reason to check independently, not proof that two messages came from the same sender.
“BofA Payment Accepted for $153.48 at PetSmart. Was this you? IF NO, call 800-XXX-XXXX.”
Documented by MalwareTips · June 2025 “Alert: Your BofA ATM/Debit card has been suspended. Please verify activity immediately by calling 888-XXX-XXXX.”
Documented by MalwareTips · June 2025
What to do right now
- Don't tap the link or call any number in the text. Don't reply — even “STOP” tells them your number is live.
- Check independently. Open Bank of America’s official app or call the number on your card. Review the claimed activity and ask support if it is unclear; a missing alert or transaction does not automatically prove there is no account problem.
- If you already tapped or entered details: call Bank of America from the number on your card, change your password and PIN, and watch your account for charges you don't recognize.
- Report it. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM), then file at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Delete the message.
Reduce the risk of another scam
Do not use the message’s link to check the claim. Open the real service yourself. If you paid or shared account details, start with what to do after a scam. Blocking and reporting can reduce unwanted contact, but they cannot stop every attempt or tell you how the sender found you.
● Public service · free steps first
Take the free protection steps first
A suspicious message does not tell us how someone found your details. If you shared personal information, start with the official recovery guidance. You can also freeze your credit for free.
- Freeze your credit — free at all three bureausRestricts access to your credit report for new credit applications. It does not protect existing accounts from misuse.
- Report it and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.govThe FTC walks you through exactly what to do next, for free.
Decide what protection you need
Start with the free controls above. Compare what a paid service would add only after deciding which problem remains.
No purchase needed. How we use evidence.
Frequently asked
Does Bank of America send real fraud alerts by text?
How do I report a fake Bank of America text?
I replied to the text or tapped the link — what now?
Sources
- 01Report suspicious activity— Bank of America
- 02How to recognize and report spam text messages— Federal Trade Commission
- 03What To Do if You Were Scammed— consumer.ftc.gov
Pass it on
Help protect someone else
If this could have fooled you, it can fool someone you know — a parent, a friend, the family group chat. It's safe to forward, and stands on its own as a record for a bank or the police.