'Overdraft — Act Now' Panic Text
A text claims your account is overdrawn and links to 'resolve' it, using money panic to make you log in on a fake page.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You get an alarming text that your account is overdrawn or has a negative balance and that fees will hit unless you act now via a link. Money fear pushes you to click and log in to a fake page that steals your credentials. Banks show your real balance in the app; they do not fix overdrafts through a texted link asking for your login.
What it usually looks like
- An 'overdrawn' or 'negative balance' text.
- A link to 'resolve' or 'avoid fees.'
- A login page that is not your bank.
- Urgent fee threats.
Common warning signs
- The link is not your bank's real site.
- Panic wording about fees and negative balances.
- A request to log in via the text.
- You can check your real balance and it is fine.
Example wording scammers use
“ALERT: Your account is overdrawn -$128.40. Resolve now to avoid a $35 fee: bankalert-resolve.net”
“Negative balance detected. Log in to prevent further charges.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your online-banking login.
- To act on your panic.
- Account access to move money.
What to do
- Check your balance in the official app, not the link.
- Call the number on your card if unsure.
- Do not log in from a texted link.
- Delete and report.
What to do if you already responded
- Change your password and call your bank's fraud line.
- Watch for unauthorized transfers.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.