Fake bank employee scam

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CaixaBank (Go to home)

The new fake bank employee ploy

Scams involving people posing as bank staff all follow a distinct pattern: the cybercriminal gets in touch with you as if they were from the bank and persuades you to do something on your mobile. The aim is always the same: getting access to your money or personal details.

How does the cybercriminal contact you?

They may use a variety of methods:

A text or WhatsApp message warning about a purported problem with your account or card.
A phone or video call from someone claiming to work at the bank.
A phone number they tell you to call to “sort out the issue”.

These messages often create a sense of urgency or concern, prompting you to act quickly without checking the information.

Step-by-step guide to the bank employee scam

This scam normally follows a similar pattern: gaining your trust to get you to do specific things on your device.

Urgent message or call

You get a text, WhatsApp message or phone call warning you about a suspicious transaction or a problem with your account.

Official-looking contact (vishing)

They ask you to call a number and continue the conversation while pretending to be from the bank to make themselves seem more credible.

Installing a fraudulent app

They may send you a link to install an alleged security app from somewhere that isn't the App Store or Google Play. In other cases, they may ask you directly to make a transfer citing some urgent reason.

Holding your card up to your mobile

If you have installed an app, they may use a technical excuse to ask you to hold your card up to your device to capture information.

Sharing codes, passwords or PINs

The final step usually involves asking for passwords, verification codes or your card PIN to complete the transaction.

How to spot a scam

Be particularly wary in any of the following situations:

You get urgent messages warning of problems with your account.
You are prompted to install apps from external links.
You are asked for passwords, verification codes or your card PIN.
You are told to call a number which does not match the official channels.
You are asked to hold your card up to your phone under a technical pretext.
You are urged to make a transfer or send money urgently.
They try to get you to act hastily or without checking the information.

Things we at the bank will never ask you to do:

Install apps from sources other than official stores.
Share your login details or passwords.
Give out your card PIN.
Take urgent action without giving you time to check the information.

What to do if you get one of these messages

If you get a suspicious call or message, keep calm and follow these recommendations:

Don't press suspicious or unknown links.
Don't install apps from external links.
Don't call numbers included in the message.
Always get in touch with the bank through its official channels.

If you think you may be a victim of a scam, act quickly.

Scams often disguise themselves as urgent situations or threats. Be especially wary of any urgent requests for details or payments.

Keep calm, use your common sense, and if you think you might be a victim of fraud, get in touch with CaixaBank immediately through the official channels: Adviser Space or by calling +34 93 887 25 25.

How to prevent the fake bank employee scam