What it looks like
"This is the fraud department at your bank. A foreign hacker has gained access to your accounts. To protect your savings, we need to move them to a secure account at the Federal Reserve today. Do not discuss this with branch staff, as some of them may be involved."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The FBI calls this the phantom hacker scam and describes it in three steps. First, a fake tech support worker contacts you, or a pop-up tells you to call. They connect to your computer, say you have been hacked, and ask you to open your bank accounts so they can 'check' them. This shows them where your money is.
Second, a fake bank fraud worker calls. They say foreign hackers are in your accounts and your money must be moved to a safe government account. Third, a fake government agent, often claiming to be from the Federal Reserve, calls or sends an official looking letter to confirm the plan. Each caller backs up the story of the one before.
It fools careful savers because it feels like a team of experts working to protect you. The warning that 'bank staff may be in on it' keeps you from asking the people who could help. The FBI says the US government will never ask you to send money by wire to foreign accounts, by cryptocurrency, or by gift cards. No real bank or agency will tell you to move money to keep it safe.
Signs it is fake
- A tech support call or pop-up that leads to a call from someone 'at your bank'
- A request to move your savings to a 'safe' or 'secure' account
- Someone claiming to be from the Federal Reserve or another government agency. The Federal Reserve does not keep accounts for individuals.
- Instructions to keep it secret, even from your own bank teller
- Payment by wire, cash, cryptocurrency, or gold or cash handed to a courier
What to do
- Hang up on anyone who tells you to move money to protect it.
- Call your bank yourself using the number on your card or statement, and ask for the fraud department.
- Never install software or give computer access to someone who contacted you.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- Call your bank right away and ask them to stop or recall any wire.
- Contact your local FBI field office and report it at ic3.gov. Include names, phone numbers and the account details you were given.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov as well.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Tech support pop-up
- Fake invoice or renewal email
- Online marketplace scam
- Romance scam
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle