Most Common Wells Fargo Scams & How to Avoid Them
Criminals are impersonating Wells Fargo by text, phone, and email to steal money and one-time codes. See current examples, red flags, and how to protect and recover.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Business impersonation scams happen when criminals pretend to be a trusted company like Wells Fargo. They use email, phone, texts, and social media to trick you into sharing information, clicking fake links, or sending money. This type of scam works because scammers copy official messages and create a sense of urgency. New federal rules make impersonating businesses illegal and allow for penalties.
How scammers contact victims
Most Wells Fargo scams now arrive as text messages or phone calls. Scammers often send alerts pretending to be from actual Wells Fargo numbers and ask you to reply, call a different number, or follow a suspicious link. They exploit the fast pace of texting and the trust people have in automated banking alerts.
Who is most at risk
Older adults and busy mobile users are frequent targets because they may rely on phone calls and texts to manage accounts and might respond quickly to urgent messages. Older people, especially, are more likely to answer calls and may be less familiar with digital scams, making them more vulnerable.
Understanding the risk level
The risk is high because once money is sent through Zelle, wire, or gift cards, it is usually gone for good. Scammers can steal money, personal data, and even take over your accounts. These scams can result in major financial loss, identity theft, and cause emotional distress.
Most Common Wells Fargo Scams
How it works: You get a voicemail about a declined charge with a request to call a different number. The scammer may use caller ID spoofing to make the call look real. When you call back, the imposters ask for your information or one-time codes to access your accounts.
Real Example (2025)
Wells Fargo alert... a recent purchase attempt of $224.35 at GameStop.com was declined. If you do not recognize this activity, call 1‑855‑203‑4391. Red Flag Signs:
- • The callback number differs from the original caller.
- • Caller ID shows a real Wells Fargo number but it is spoofed.
- • Voicemail comes at odd hours or mentions the same amount reported by others.
- • The message pressures you to act immediately and call back.
How it works: A scammer calls pretending to be from Wells Fargo fraud. They say your account is at risk and instruct you to send money using Zelle to 'yourself' or 'reverse a transfer,' but the money actually goes to the criminal.
Actual Script
To secure your account, send the funds to yourself using Zelle and read me the code we just texted you. Red Flag Signs:
- • Asked to share one-time access codes or passwords.
- • Told to transfer money to fix a problem or to a “safe” account.
- • Caller insists you stay on the line and do not call the bank.
- • State and local authorities have warned about this exact Zelle scam pattern.
How it works: You receive a text saying your Wells Fargo account is locked with instructions to verify your info at a suspicious link. Genuine Wells Fargo alerts use official short codes like 93557. Always verify messages in the app before acting.
Typical Scam Text
Wells Fargo: your account access is suspended. Verify now at wf-secure[.]com. Red Flag Signs:
- • Text comes from a random 10-digit number or email address.
- • Link includes misspellings or odd web addresses.
- • Urgent language tells you to 'act now.'
- • Short code does not match an official Wells Fargo code.
How it works: A scammer pretends to be Wells Fargo HR by email or text and offers you a job, then asks for banking details or upfront payment for a software fee. True Wells Fargo recruiters use @wellsfargo.com emails and do not charge fees.
Recruitment Scam Example
Wells Fargo HR selected you for a remote data entry role. To proceed today, send your bank details for direct deposit and pay a $50 software fee. Red Flag Signs:
- • Interview conducted over non-Wells Fargo emails or messaging apps.
- • Asked for fees or sensitive personal data before a job offer.
- • Pressure to act quickly or keep the process secret.
How it works: Fake social media profiles or posts promise prizes, grants, or survey rewards. They lure you into entering your login info or other personal details. Never click suspicious links or give details from a post or message.
Scam Social Media Post
Congratulations, you are selected for a $100 Wells Fargo reward. Confirm your bank login to claim. Red Flag Signs:
- • New profiles using the Wells Fargo name or logo.
- • Requests for account numbers, sign-in details, or your Social Security number.
- • Links that do not go to wellsfargo.com or the mobile app.
How it works: You receive an email pretending to be a secure Wells Fargo message that pushes you to click a link or open an attachment. Correct secure messages have a known process and never ask for sign-in info by reply.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Requests to sign in from a link in the email rather than the official website or app.
- • Unexpected attachments in the email.
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 "Your account is locked. Verify now."
Creates urgency and prompts you to click a fake link or call a number.
- 2 "Read me the one-time code we sent."
No real Wells Fargo staff will ever ask for this code.
- 3 "Send the money to yourself to reverse the transfer."
A trick to get you to send money to the criminal’s account.
- 4 "Stay on the line and do not call the number on your card."
Prevents you from checking with Wells Fargo directly.
- 5 "Call 1‑855‑203‑XXXX to dispute now."
The callback number is not an official Wells Fargo contact and goes to scammers.
Scam Warning Signs
- Unexpected contact about a fraud issue or deliveryScammers use surprise and pressure to make you act fast.
- Requests for one-time codes, passwords, or remote accessReal banks do not ask for this information by phone, text, or email.
- Suspicious links or unofficial short codesFake links lead to lookalike sites. Official codes can be checked online.
- Callback numbers that are not published by Wells FargoAlways check the number using your bank card or official website.
- Asked to send money with Zelle, crypto, gift cards, or wireFraudsters use hard-to-trace payments that are usually not recoverable.
Legitimate Communications
- Arrives in the Wells Fargo app Message Center and matches your activityGenuine fraud alerts can be verified in the app or online account.
- Text comes from a published Wells Fargo short code like 93557 or 93733Check official lists to know which numbers to trust.
- Never asks for one-time codes or passwordsWells Fargo will not request these by text, phone, or email.
- Allows you to independently verify by calling the number on your cardYou should always be able to check a message without pressure to stay on the line.
- Secure bank email uses documented Wells Fargo processLegitimate secure messages do not ask you to reply with credentials.
How to Protect Yourself
Protect your family from Wells Fargo scams by following these safe habits. Browse and share these steps with relatives who may be at higher risk.
- 1. Do Not Reply, Click, or Call Back from Suspicious Messages
If you get a suspicious text, voicemail, or email, delete it and report it. Forward unwanted text messages to 7726 and file fraud reports at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- 2. Verify Only Through Trusted Channels
Use the official Wells Fargo app Message Center or call the number on your bank card. Never trust caller ID or numbers provided in suspicious messages.
- 3. Turn On Alerts and Save Official Numbers
Set up banking alerts in your Wells Fargo app for real-time updates. Save official short codes (like 93557 or 93733) and contact numbers in your phone.
- 4. Lock Down Your Sign-In for Extra Security
Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and consider passkeys or voice verification for more security.
- 5. Limit Your Exposure to Scams
Never share one-time codes, and do not allow remote access to your device. Never send money to resolve suspicious problems.
- 6. Educate Older Relatives About Scam Scripts
Review common scam tactics together and keep the bank’s real contact numbers handy by the phone.
Save 1‑866‑867‑5568 as 'Wells Fargo Fraud' in your phone contacts for emergencies.
- 7. If You Run a Small Business, Train Your Team
Train employees to notice callback traps and always verify before sending business payments or changing account information.
Stay ahead of scams and help protect your loved ones by signing up for Lifeguard's scam monitoring and family safety tools.
What to Do If You're a Victim
Act fast if you suspect a Wells Fargo scam. Quick action can limit your loss and increase the chance of recovery. Support and resources are available.
- 1. Call Wells Fargo Immediately (Do immediately)
If you shared a code, clicked a link, or sent money, call Wells Fargo at 1‑866‑867‑5568 right away. For checking or savings fraud, call 1‑800‑869‑3557. For small business, call 1‑800‑225‑5935. For credit cards, call 1‑800‑642‑4720.
- 2. Forward the Scam Message (Do immediately)
Send suspicious messages to reportphish@wellsfargo.com. If it was a phone imposter and you did not pay, email details to reportimposter@wellsfargo.com.
- 3. Change Your Passwords (Within 24 hours)
Change your Wells Fargo password and any other accounts where you use the same password. Turn on two-step verification and review trusted devices.
- 4. Freeze Your Credit (Within 24 hours)
Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to put a free credit freeze or fraud alert on your file. This prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
- 5. Report the Scam to Federal Authorities (Within 24 hours)
Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at IC3.gov if the scam involved online fraud.
- 6. Monitor Accounts and Zelle Transfers
Check your account activity and Zelle history often. Remember, Zelle payments have no purchase protection.
- 7. If an Elderly Person Was Targeted, Call for Help
Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1‑833‑372‑8311 for specialized support and reporting.
- 8. Create a Recovery Plan if Data Was Stolen
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to set up a personal recovery plan if your personal data was exposed. Keep documentation of all case numbers and communications.
For more help, visit Wells Fargo's Security Center and the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov for recovery resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Wells Fargo staff may send you a code but will never ask you to share it by phone or text. If someone does, hang up and call your bank directly.
Official codes include 93557 and 93733 for Advanced Access plus a few others. Add them to your contacts to recognize real messages.
It is unlikely to be real. Do not click any links. Always check the Message Center in the Wells Fargo app or call the number on your card. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Zelle payments are usually final and have no purchase protection. File a claim right away, but authorized payments often cannot be refunded.
If you clicked or paid, call Wells Fargo at 1‑866‑867‑5568. If you did not interact, forward the message to reportphish@wellsfargo.com. For imposter calls you did not engage with, use reportimposter@wellsfargo.com.
The FTC’s Government and Business Impersonation Rule became law in April 2024. Civil penalties against scammers can be more than $53,000 for each violation.
Yes. In August 2025, the New York Attorney General sued the company behind Zelle, citing over $1 billion in fraud between 2017 and 2023.
Look for matching alerts in the app’s Message Center or coming from official short codes. If unsure, call the number on your card instead of using any message link or number.
Yes. Use your device’s 'report junk' feature, forward suspicious texts to 7726, and block senders when possible.
Do not assume it is real. Scammers may use leaked data or guess details. Never share codes, and verify directly with official bank channels.
Shield Your Family from Bank Scams
Lifeguard's tools help you detect and stop Wells Fargo and Zelle scams before money is lost. Get personalized alerts, easy scam reporting, and ongoing protection for your loved ones.
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