My mother got a suspicious phone call about her bank account — what should she do?

Question

My mother got a call saying there was fraud on her bank account and they needed her details to fix it. She hung up, but now she is worried her account really is compromised. What should she actually do?

admin · Accepted Answer

She should immediately call her bank directly using the number on the back of her debit card to verify account status and report any unauthorized activity.Verify with the bank: Instruct her to contact her financial institution only through official numbers listed on their website or statements, never through numbers provided by the caller. This confirms whether the suspected fraud is real or just a scare tactic.Review recent transactions: Have her check her online banking portal for any unauthorized transfers or new card issuances. If the account is compromised, the bank typically has a $50 liability limit for fraudulent debit card transactions if reported promptly.Monitor credit reports: Sign up for free annual credit reports via AnnualCreditReport.com to ensure no new accounts were opened in her name using her Social Security number.Update security measures: Change online banking passwords immediately and enable two-factor authentication if available. Avoid reusing passwords across different platforms.Report the scam: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which helps law enforcement track these schemes.Discuss with a trusted contact: Encourage her to share these details with you or another family member so you can help monitor her accounts for the next 30 days, as scammers often follow up with more calls.

My mother got a suspicious phone call about her bank account — what should she do?

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