A text says my bank account is locked. Should I click the link?
Check your bank through its known app or the number on your card.
A locked-account text may be fake or may point to a real issue. You can check without opening its link.
Use your bank's own app or the number printed on your card. Do not use a new number supplied in the text.
A bank may need to check your identity when you contact it. That does not mean you should give a password or sign-in code to an unexpected caller.
- Leave the text's link unopened. Do not reply with account details.
- Open the bank app you already use, or call the number on your bank card.
- Ask whether access is restricted and what steps are needed. Follow the bank's own verified process.
- If you entered details on a suspect page, tell the bank promptly. Secure the account through its genuine recovery route.
- If money moved, report the payment to the bank now and ask what can be done.
Draft a question for a bank I will reach through the number on my card. I received a text claiming my account is locked. Use no private details. Ask how to check the account's status.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
ChatGPT can help phrase the question. It cannot check your bank account or unlock it.
Sources and more help
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