Top 5 Banking Scams To Watch Out for in 2025 and How To Protect Yourself
March 20, 2025
Top 5 Common Bank Fraud Scams
Banking scammers are getting smarter every year. Scammers figure out new tricks to steal money and personal information. If you’re not careful, you could fall victim to fraud and identity theft.
According to the Indiana Securities Division, seniors lose between $12,500 and $25,000 on average to financial fraud.[1] But the good news is, you can protect yourself by knowing what to watch for. Here are five of the biggest banking scams in 2025 and how to keep your money safe.
1. AI-Powered Bank Scams
Technology is making scams more convincing. Scammers now use artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake voices, emails, and even customer service chats. These scams feel real because AI can make it sound like someone you know or even a representative from your bank.
A common AI scam works like this: You get a phone call that sounds just like your bank. The voice on the line may even know your name and some details about your account. But it’s not really your bank — it’s a scammer using AI to copy real voices.
Sometimes, they also use AI to gather personal details from social media or stolen data, making the call seem even more real. They may ask you to confirm your account number or a security code to "protect" your account, but they're really trying to steal your money or commit identity theft.
Never share your password or any one-time passcodes over the phone. Banks will never ask for this information for your banking safety.
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2. Fake Bank Websites and Apps
Scammers create fake websites and apps that look just like real banking platforms. They trick people into entering their login information, then use it to steal money and leverage identity theft.
You might get an email or text saying your account is locked and you need to log in to fix it. The link takes you to a website that looks just like your bank’s, but when you enter your details, the scammers steal them.
To stay safe, always go to your bank’s website by typing the URL yourself rather than clicking on links in emails or texts. Look closely at web addresses. Fake sites often have small typos or unusual domain names. Only download banking apps from your bank’s official website or through verified app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Recommended: Centier Bank’s Official Online Banking & Mobile Banking App
3. Person-To-Person Money Scams and Wire Transfer Scams
Services like Zelle®, Venmo®, and wire transfers make sending money easy. But once you send money, it’s almost impossible to get it back — scammers take advantage of this.
One common scam involves a fraudster posing as a seller on an online marketplace. You might be trying to buy concert tickets, a rental property, or a rare item, and the seller insists on being paid through Zelle® or a wire transfer. They claim it’s faster and safer than other payment methods. But once you send the money, the seller disappears, and you never receive what you paid for.
Another scam involves fake buyers. Someone might “accidentally” overpay you for an item and ask you to send the extra money back. Later, their original payment is reversed, and you lose the money you sent.
A good way to protect yourself is to only send money through official channels to people you know and trust. If someone insists on using these methods for a transaction, be cautious. This is especially true if they pressure you to act quickly. If you get a call from someone who claims to be your bank and asks you to transfer funds, verify their identity by calling the bank directly.
4. Fake Text Messages (Smishing)
Scammers send fake text messages pretending to be your bank.
These messages often say something urgent, like:
- "Suspicious activity detected on your account! Click here to verify your identity."
- "Your debit card has been locked. Call now to unlock it."
If you click the link or call the number in the text, you’ll be directed to a scam website or a fake customer service line. The scammers will ask for personal details, like your PIN or account number, and use them to steal your money.
If you get a text from your bank, don’t click on any links. Visit your bank’s official website by typing the URL yourself. Be cautious of any messages that create a sense of urgency. Scammers want you to panic and act without thinking.
If you’re unsure whether a message is real, call your bank directly using the phone number on their website, not the one in the text.
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5. Check Fraud and Deposit Scams
Scammers often commit check fraud. One of the common check scams is when someone sends you a fake check and asks you to deposit it.
They may claim it’s for:
- A job
- A prize
- A rent payment
After you deposit it, they ask you to send back some of the money before the check bounces. Once it does, you’re responsible for the lost funds. Scammers also steal checks from mailboxes and change the payee’s name to cash them.
To avoid check fraud and check scams, always wait for a check to be fully cleared before you spend the money. Be cautious of checks from unknown sources, especially if someone asks you to send money back right away. Direct deposit and online banking in place of paper checks may help lower your risk of check scams.
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How To Protect Yourself from Banking Scams
Scammers are always coming up with new ways to steal money.
You can protect yourself by following these steps:
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Monitor your bank accounts regularly
- Be skeptical of urgent requests
- Shred sensitive documents
- Stay informed
- If you ever suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately
By staying cautious and taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of falling for scams and keep your finances secure.
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Stay Safe From Scams With Centier By Your Side
Banking scams are becoming more advanced, but you don’t have to fall for them. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself from fraud. Always verify before you trust, and never share personal information with unknown contacts.
As an account holder, if you ever suspect banking fraud, contact Centier Bank immediately.
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