Bank alerts and transfers

A text message is not money

When someone sends you money, your bank may send you a text message. This is called an alert.

But anyone can make a text message that looks like an alert. A fake alert can show the bank name, the amount and even a balance.

It is just words on a screen. No money has moved.

What a fake alert looks like

A scammer may buy something from you and show you an alert like this one. Or they may say they sent you money by mistake.

Then they ask you to hand over the goods, or send back the “extra” money.

How to check that money arrived

1. Open your bank app, or go to an ATM.
2. Look at your account balance.
3. If the money is not in your balance, it has not arrived.

If you don’t use a bank app, call your bank on the number on the back of your card, or ask at your bank.

An alert is like someone telling you “the money is on its way”. You only believe it when it is in your hand.

“I sent too much, please send it back”

This is a very common trick. Someone says they sent you money by mistake. They beg you to return it quickly.

First, check your balance. Even if the money really came, do not send it back yourself.

Tell your bank and let the bank return it. That way you are safe, even if the “mistake” was a trick.