Lesson 1 of 12
Your Account Has Been Locked
This week, we’ll look at one of the most common scam texts — a fake bank fraud alert. It’s designed to look exactly like a real message from your bank. Here’s how to tell the difference, and what to do.
This is a fake example — it can't affect your computer or accounts
Chase-Alert
Today 2:14 PM
Biggest red flag
It asks you to fix the problem through its own link
That puts the sender in control of where you go and what you enter. A real bank won’t send you a link to “fix” a fraud alert.
Supporting sign
The 24-hour deadline
Real banks don’t threaten to process a fraudulent charge if you don’t respond fast enough. The urgency is designed to stop you from pausing.
Helpful, but not the main reason
Specific personal details
Your card’s last four digits, a store name, a dollar amount — these don’t mean the message is real. Scammers buy this data in bulk.
Helpful, but not the main reason
The fake URL
“chase-securityalert.com” is not chase.com. But don’t rely only on spotting fake URLs — the safer habit is to never click links in unexpected messages.
What to do
Don’t tap the link
No matter how urgent it seems.
Call the number on the back of your card
It’s the one number you know is real.
Or open your bank’s app directly
If there’s a real problem, you’ll see it there.
Let’s practice
You get this text while checking out at the grocery store. You really did use your debit card today. What’s the safest next step?
Example — not a real message
Chase-Alert
Today 2:14 PM
Never fix a bank problem through a link in a text. Call the number on the back of your card — it’s the one number you know is real.
You’re getting better at this. Your next lesson arrives in about a week.
Help them keep up with a changing world
This is one of 12 lessons covering the scams targeting your parent right now. One arrives each week — no app, no account, just email.
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