Calls that say your money is at risk and only the caller can help
Federal Trade CommissionNationwide
On January 30, 2026, the FTC described unexpected calls that claim there is fraud on your card, that your bank account was hacked, that you owe a tax debt, or that your benefits will end the same day. The caller then offers to help. The FTC's answer is not to trust the call, even if the person knows your name, your address, or something about your accounts. Scammers buy or steal those details so the story sounds familiar.
The recommended sequence is short: learn which company they claim to represent and what the supposed problem is, then hang up. Check the story by opening the company's own app or website, or by calling the number on a statement or the back of your card. Do not pick a phone number from the first search result. The FTC says scammers buy ads so a fake number appears at the top. No real fraud department will tell you to keep the call a secret, and you should not share account information, grant remote access, or read verification codes to the caller.
Red flags
- An unexpected caller says your card, bank account, taxes, or benefits are in trouble today.
- They already know personal details and use that to sound legitimate.
- They tell you not to talk to anyone else about the call.
- They want a verification code, remote access to your phone or computer, or a payment to protect the money.
How to protect yourself
- Get the company name and the claimed problem, then hang up.
- Contact the company through its app, its website that you type yourself, or the number on your statement or card.
- Skip sponsored search results when you look up a fraud department.
- Tell a friend or family member. Secrecy is a warning, not a safety step.
If you are hit
- If you shared a code or moved money, call your bank or card issuer using the number on the card.
- Report the call at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- If you gave remote access to a device, update its security software, run a scan, and change passwords you use on that device.
Questions
Is Calls that say your money is at risk and only the caller can help a scam?
On January 30, 2026, the FTC described unexpected calls that claim there is fraud on your card, that your bank account was hacked, that you owe a tax debt, or that your benefits will end the same day. The caller then offers to help. The FTC's answer is not to trust the call, even if the person knows your name, your address, or something about your accounts. Scammers buy or steal those details so the story sounds familiar. This page summarizes a public warning from Federal Trade Commission dated January 30, 2026. The linked source is the record.
What should I do if I fell for it?
If you shared a code or moved money, call your bank or card issuer using the number on the card. Report the call at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you gave remote access to a device, update its security software, run a scan, and change passwords you use on that device.
Sources
- How to handle unexpected calls that claim your money is at riskFTC Consumer Advice
This summary is informational and not legal advice. If it and the linked source disagree, follow the source.
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- Calls that pair a charity you know with a prize you did not winOctober 26, 2026
- Callers pretending the FTC will shut off your phone numberOctober 22, 2026
- Calls from fake officers demanding payment to clear a crimeSeptember 17, 2026
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