You received a text message from your bank? Before you click, read this first

This is the kind of message which makes your heart skip beats. Your phone displays a message: Your account has now been suspended. Verify your account details by clicking here. It looks official – the same tone, the same number, even in the same chat thread as your genuine bank messages.

It’s definitely not your bank. Scammers are trying to make you panic.

Here’s the new face of Fraud. In 2025, it’s more likely that you will be robbed via your mobile phone than in the street. And while it doesn’t happen face-to-face, the damage can be far worse – because by the time you realise what’s happened, your account could already be empty.

The fraud looks exactly like the real deal

These days, cybercriminals don’t need to hack your account – they just need you to trust them for a few seconds. They have mastered the art to create messages that appear and feel authentic, often inserting their fake alerts into the same thread as your bank.

It’s called “spoofing”, a technique that is working. After clicking the link, you are taken to a false website that looks exactly like your bank’s login screen. The moment you type your details, they have everything they need – your passwords, your card number, your money.

Experts in banking say that the level of sophistication has reached a frightening level. “These scams are no longer riddled with spelling mistakes or clumsy wording – they look professional, polished and authentic.”

It’s for this reason that the old advice is still valid: if you feel anything at all off, stop before clicking.

Your bank wants you remember this simple rule

Since years, banks in Europe have repeated the same message: they will not send you a hyperlink via text message. No, they won’t unlock your account or verify any details.

A text asking you to click on a hyperlink is almost always a scam. The same goes for messages asking for your PIN, card number or password – your bank simply doesn’t work that way.

Here are some warning signs that the message is not genuine:

• It creates a sense of urgency – saying your account will be blocked or there’s an unauthorised payment.
• Text messages may ask for banking or personal information.
• There are small mistakes or unusual phrases that make the text feel odd.

Different are legitimate bank messages. They are short, informative and do not demand any action. You’ll never be asked to ‘click’ or ‘verify’ anything.

How to always be one step ahead

Don’t respond to or click anything if you receive a message that causes you concern. You can also go directly to your bank’s website or app. You can check your notifications or recent activities. If you see that everything is normal, then you have just avoided a scam.

Experts advise that the best way to defend yourself is to remain calm and double check. Scammers rely on you reacting fast – fear and urgency are their greatest weapons. You can save a lot of stress and money by taking a few minutes to check things out on the official app.

You should call your bank immediately after clicking a suspicious link. Most banks offer 24-hour fraud services and can freeze an account instantly.

Online scams don’t seem to be slowing down. These scams only get smarter, more personalized, and harder for you to detect. Your best defence is to be aware. When it comes to messages about your money, remember: your bank will never rush you – only scammers will.