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 * Fraud Protection
 * Fraud Prevention Checklist
 * How to Avoid Scams
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 * Understand Merchant Compromise
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 * Privacy and Security Glossary

 * Fraud Protection
 * Fraud Prevention Checklist
 * How to Avoid Scams
 * Identity Theft
 * Business Security Center
 * Understand Merchant Compromise
 * FAQs
 * Privacy and Security Glossary


HOW TO AVOID SCAMS


THINK YOU CAN SPOT A SCAM?


THINK YOU CAN SPOT A SCAM?



To help you learn how, we're sharing the Explainer Series, "The Science Behind
Scams", courtesy of Vox and Zelle®Footnote[1].
Learn more how to pay Zelle safe layer to help you stay secure

NEW SCAM ALERT

Are you taking the right precautions before you buy online? layer

NEW SCAM ALERT

It's tax season and scammers are changing their tactics layer


KNOW THE RED FLAGS

The most common types of scams will target you through fake emails, text
messages, voice calls, letters or even someone who shows up at your front door
unexpectedly. No matter which technique the scammer uses, you may be:

 * Contacted unexpectedly by phone, email, text, direct message or pop-up with a
   request for personal information or money. Never click a link or download an
   attachment from someone you don't know. Bank of America will never text,
   email or call you asking for personal or account information.
 * Pressured to act immediately with an alarming phone call, email or text that
   plays with your emotions. Scammers may pose as an employee from a familiar
   organization, such as Bank of America and say there's a problem that needs
   immediate attention. Do not act unless you have verified the person who has
   contacted you and the story or request is legitimate.
 * Asked to pay in an unusual way, like gift cards, bitcoin, prepaid debit cards
   or digital currency, including Zelle® to resolve fraud. Bank of America will
   never ask you to transfer money to anyone, including yourself and will never
   ask you to transfer money because we detected fraud on your account.
 * Asked to provide personal or account information, such as an account
   verification code, bank account number or PIN. When in doubt, don't give it
   out. Bank of America will never text, email or call you asking for an account
   authorization code.
 * Offered a free product or 'get rich quick' opportunity that seems too good to
   be true? If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never cash
   a check for someone you don't know.

If you authorize a transfer or send money to a scammer, there's often little we
can do to help get your money back.

Check your security level with our security meter located in the Security Center
in Mobile and Online Banking. Increase your meter level by reviewing the 5 Red
Flags that Signal a Scam — and learn more about scams and how to stay safe.


ONLINE SALES SCAMS

Whether you're thinking about purchasing event tickets, adopting an animal or
just browsing the web, be cautious if you see an online promotion that sounds
too good to be true - it probably is.

Scammers set up fake stores selling fake goods, and after you've made your
purchase, the store suddenly disappears. They may use social media platforms to
contact you and build a relationship, telling you about an offer that's hard to
resist, then instructing you to download an app or send money to take advantage
of the offer.

How to help protect yourself:


 * Slow down and use caution if pressured to act quickly - scammers want you to
   act without thinking about the consequences.
 * Research the seller and products independently, check reviews for possible
   scam notices, and compare prices with other websites. Make sure they have a
   refund policy, information on privacy terms and conditions, and ways you can
   contact them.
 * Verify the website by looking carefully at the URL address bar or domain name
   to ensure you are visiting the correct domain and not a fake. Look for secure
   URLs (https://), and while an encrypted site does not guarantee safety -
   beware of buying from sites with no encryption.
 * Use caution if asked to pay using untraceable means such as a wire, money
   transfer or gift card. If you do, you may not receive your purchase or the
   return of your money.

Watch the video



Tax season is upon us, which means scammers may impersonate government officials
or someone else of authority that you trust. These scammers may call and say
that you owe money, and try to get you to provide personal information, gift
card information or to send money electronically. Recently they've changed their
approach, yet their goal remains the same - to obtain your information. They'll
now send a text and/or email about your “tax refund” which looks legitimate but
if you click on the link you'll be asked for personal information or exposed to
malware.


 * Don't feel pressured to respond right away
 * Never click on links in unexpected texts or emails from people or companies
   you don't know
 * Know that the IRS won't call, email or text to contact you for the first
   time; they'll always start correspondence with you by sending you a letter
 * Research the request. Contact the actual agency via a verified number or
   contact method, and confide in trusted family members or friends




KNOW THE SCAMS

Scammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some
cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others,
they use fear tactics to persuade a victim. Select the scam type from the
following list to see a typical message from a scammer and the red flags that
should cause you concern.

Expand all | Collapse all
Imposter Scams
Scammers may pose as businesses or people you know — like your bank, utility
company, phone provider or even a friend or relative. They may ask you to send
funds to yourself or others using online or mobile banking. They may spoof
legitimate phone numbers to call or text you to make the request more
convincing.
While Bank of America may send you a text to validate unusual activity, we will
never contact you to request that you send money using Zelle® to anyone,
including yourself or to share a code to resolve fraud. The “representative” or
scammer will offer to help stop the alleged fraud by asking you to send money to
yourself with Zelle® and ask for a one time code you just received from a bank.
If you give them that code, they will use it to enroll their bank account with
Zelle® using your email or phone number.How to help protect yourself:
* Be cautious if being pressured to respond immediately - this is what scammers
  want you to do.
* Be wary of unfamiliar calls, computer messages, texts or emails requesting
  money or personal information - it's not always who it says it is.
* Verify you are sending to a trusted recipient by calling a trusted or verified
  phone number from a recent bill, receipt or by visiting an official website.
* Don't share codes based on a call you receive.

To learn more: watch this educational video layer layer from Zelle®

Online sales scams
Whether you're thinking about purchasing event tickets, adopting an animal or
just browsing the web, be cautious if you see an online promotion that sounds
too good to be true - it probably is.
Scammers set up fake stores selling fake goods, and after you've made your
purchase, the store will suddenly disappear. They may use social media platforms
to contact you and build a relationship, telling you about an offer that's hard
to resist, then instructing you to download an app or send money to take
advantage of the offer.How to help protect yourself:
* Slow down and use caution if pressured to act quickly - scammers want you to
  act without thinking about the consequences.
* Research the seller and products independently, check reviews for possible
  scam notices, and compare prices with other websites. Make sure they have a
  refund policy, information on privacy terms and conditions, and ways you can
  contact them.
* Verify the website by looking carefully at the URL address bar or domain name
  to ensure you are visiting the correct domain and not a fake. Look for secure
  URLs (https://), and while an encrypted site does not guarantee safety -
  beware of buying from sites with no encryption.
* Use caution if asked to pay using untraceable means such as a wire, money
  transfer or gift card. If you do, you may not receive your purchase or the
  return of your money.

Watch a short video to learn more

Real estate scams
Whether you are looking for a vacation rental or are purchasing or refinancing a
home, you may still be a target for scammers. Scammers can take over a rental or
real estate listing by changing the email address or other contact information,
then listing it on another site. They may send you an email that appears to be
from your real estate agent, title company, or settlement agent/attorney with
last minute updates to wiring instructions. Or you could get a quote for moving
your items to your new place that turns out to be significantly higher and
they'll hold your belongings until you pay.How to help protect yourself:
* Before you send any money, always independently confirm wiring instructions in
  person or via a phone call to a trusted or verified phone number. Once the
  money is gone, there's almost no way to get it back.
* Be cautious if pressured to urgently send a security deposit or make a payment
  to hold the property before you even see it or sign a lease.
* Pay attention and do your research on the companies, owner(s) and/or listing:
  Is it vague? Do the photos have watermarks? Does the rent amount sound too
  low? Are there any scam warnings or complaints about them online? Remember: If
  it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Investment Scams
Be wary if you are contacted by “investment managers” or receive an unsolicited
request (via social media, pop-up, text, email or phone call) that presents a
“great investment opportunity.” Offers that promise guaranteed returns, or the
chance to get rich quick or double your money are likely a scam.How to help
protect yourself:
* Think twice if you're asked to send money through digital currency/crypto
  currency or instant money transfers. Remember, once you send the money, there
  is very little we can do to get that money back.
* Always validate requests for money, research investment managers/offers and
  use caution if asked to provide personal or financial information.

Romance Scams
Romance scammers may contact you online via dating aps or social media and try
to establish a trusting, caring, and believable relationship — as quickly as
possible. Then, scammers make an emotional plea, telling you a story that ends
with a request to transfer money through untraceable means like a wire transfer
or gift cards. Be vigilant — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably
is.How to help protect yourself:
* Be careful when posting personally identifiable information on social media.
  Enable security settings on your social media profiles to limit what you share
  publicly.
* Never send money, provide financial information or other sensitive information
  to anyone whose identify you cannot independently verify.
* Research who you are talking to. See if their images, name and details have
  been used elsewhere.

Technology Scams
If you get an unsolicited request to remotely access your computer or mobile
device, it's probably a scam - and you could lose money. Scammers often pose as
employees of familiar companies and ask you to provide remote access or download
an app. They may call, use pop-up screens or email to convince you that your
device has a virus or that you're owed money.How to help protect yourself:
* No matter what reason you're given, never grant device access or download any
  app at the request of unknown companies or individuals.
* Always confirm the identity of someone requesting access by calling a trusted
  and verified phone number (the one they provide could be part of the scam).

Compromise Scams
Scammers may try to target you through a fake business, social media or email
account. The cyber criminal may use a hacked or fake account that looks
legitimate to trick you into sending funds.How to help protect yourself:
* Never trust unknown individuals. Verify everything they claim and do not send
  sensitive information to anyone whose identity you can't confirm.
* Give all requests for funds a second look. If an email looks strange, look up
  the sender and email or call them (don't use the number they provide).
* Invest in antivirus software and other cyber security software that can flag
  suspicious emails and websites.

Natural disaster scams
Know the scams that may follow a natural disaster
Watch out for fake contractors:Following a disaster, unlicensed contractors will
canvas the impacted areas promising to get clean up or repairs done quickly.
They may ask for payment up front and not show up to do the work, or have you
sign a contract that redirects insurance payouts to them and not you.How to help
protect yourself:
* Do your research; get multiple quotes for comparison, and make sure the
  contractors are licensed.
* Use caution if you're pressured to pay up front for the job or sign over the
  insurance claim. Contractors may try to offer special deals that seem too good
  to be true.
Avoid being taken advantage of when donating:Make sure you know where the money
is going and that you're giving it to the right person or organization.How to
help protect yourself:
* Do your research and make sure the organization is legitimate. Look it up on
  the internet and check for complaints or scams.
* Be careful if giving through social media and other online fundraising
  platforms. It's safest to give to people you know and trust.
* Be cautious of how you pay when donating and use caution if asked to pay in
  unusual ways. Keep a record of your donation.
Know how to spot imposters:No matter where they say they're from or who they're
representing, imposters have the same goal - to get you to pay them money or
give them your personal or financial information.How to help protect yourself:
* Stay vigilant about being pressured to act quickly and don't act unless you've
  verified the person who has contacted you and that the story or request is
  legitimate.
* Know that disaster relief organizations typically do not charge fees to apply
  for assistance.
* Ask for proof of ID and remember: if you're asked for financial information,
  it could be a scam.

If you feel you may have been a victim of a scam, contact us immediately


CHECK CASHING SCAM

(typical message): “Excuse me, I left my wallet home, can you cash this check
for me?”
Red flags include: You’re approached outside a bank branch and asked to cash a
check for someone who claims they don’t have an account or left their ID home.
The bad check will be held against your account when it doesn’t clear.


FAKE GOODS SCAM

(typical message): “We can offer you those goods at a considerably lower price
than retail.”
Red flags include: You’re asked to pay a very low price for typically expensive
items (for example: $49 for a $300 pair of sneakers). Never transfer money (for
example, by using Zelle®Footnote[1]) to someone you don’t know.


FAKE RENTAL SCAM

(typical message): “Hi, I see you received my rental deposit and wanted to
follow up about the move in date.”

Red flags include: Your house is legitimately listed for sale online, but
scammers have set up a fake website and listed your house as a rental. You
receive inquiries from prospective renters about deposit checks they sent you
(which they really sent to the scammer).


OVERPAYMENT SCAM

(typical message): “Go ahead and deposit the check and wire the difference to
the account number attached.”
Red flags include: You receive an overpayment for an item you’re selling,
immediately followed by a request to deposit the check (which turns out to be a
bad check) and then send the difference via a wire or gift card.


STUDENT AID SCAM

(typical message): “Your student aid is at risk: Click this link to verify your
information and validate your security.”
Red flags include: The link in the email isn’t familiar and the message has
grammatical errors and doesn’t address the student by name.


TECH SUPPORT SCAM

(typical message): “We've detected malware on your computer, let's go ahead and
get this fixed for you.”
Red flags include: You receive a request from tech support claiming your
computer has malware and requesting payment to fix the defects or access your
computer.


CHARITY SCAM

(typical message): “Hi, the reason for my call is to see if you would consider
donating to help preserve our local park.”
Red flags include: You receive a request to donate to a charity that you've
never heard of and for which you can’t find an official website.


DEBT RELIEF SCAM

(typical message): “I can help you reduce or eliminate your debt.”
Red flags include: You receive a request for payment in order to establish a
service relationship to pay, settle or get rid of debt.


EMAIL COMPROMISE SCAM

(typical message): “There's been a change in the transfer details for completing
your purchase. Please send the funds to the following account.”
Red flags include: You receive an unexpected request to redirect funds.


GRANDPARENT SCAM

(typical message): “Grandma, I'm in trouble! I need your help — I need some
money really fast!”
Red flags include: You receive a call or text message from someone claiming to
be a grandchild or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency, plus
instructions on where to send the funds.


IMPOSTOR SCAM

(typical message): “I'm with the IRS and a lawsuit is being filed against you
for non-payment of back taxes.”
Red flags include: You receive a request from a government agency asking you for
a payment and/or to verify your personal information.


INVESTMENT SCAM

(typical message): “Glad I got you! A while back you requested information about
one of our programs. Are you ready to invest?”
Red flags include: You receive a request to invest in a business opportunity
with promises of high returns and/or getting rich quick.


LOTTERY/SWEEPSTAKES SCAM

(typical message): “Your email address was randomly picked to receive a major
prize in our drawing. To receive your prize, simply follow these instructions.”
Red flags include: You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to
receive a large prize you supposedly won.


ROMANCE SCAM

(typical message): “I'd love to come to see you, but I don't have the money to
travel right now. Can you help me out?”
Red flags include: You receive a request for financial support from a new
partner in an exclusively online relationship.


MORTGAGE CLOSING SCAM

(typical message): “URGENT: New Instructions For Wiring Your Closing Funds.”
Red flags include: You receive an email or text message that looks similar to
your real estate agent’s contact info that indicates there is a last minute
change to the wiring instructions, and tells you to wire closing costs to a
different account.


ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS

Red flags include: You find an amazing deal online but is it too good to be
true?
Research the seller and products independently and compare prices with other
websites to ensure you are on a legitimate shopping site.


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 * Visit our Better Money Habits article for more student scam types
 * Visit the AARP page on scams and fraud layer

 * Parents: Read how you can help protect students in your life from scams
 * Read about senior red flags: more about the red flags of senior financial
   exploitation

Best practices when using QR codes or clicking on links

Know fraud when you see it

Know what to do when your card is lost or stolen, you see suspicious activity on
your statement and more.

See how to report a problem

Increase your security

Help protect yourself and your accounts — see what to do (and why it matters).

Start increasing your security now

 1. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning
    Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Back to content

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   ADVERTISING PRACTICES
   
   We strive to provide you with information about products and services you
   might find interesting and useful. Relationship-based ads and online
   behavioral advertising help us do that.
   
   Here's how it works: We gather information about your online activities, such
   as the searches you conduct on our Sites and the pages you visit. This
   information may be used to deliver advertising on our Sites and offline (for
   example, by phone, email and direct mail) that's customized to meet specific
   interests you may have.
   
   If you prefer that we do not use this information, you may opt out of online
   behavioral advertising. If you opt out, though, you may still receive generic
   advertising. In addition, financial advisors/Client Managers may continue to
   use information collected online to provide product and service information
   in accordance with account agreements.
   
   Also, if you opt out of online behavioral advertising, you may still see ads
   when you log in to your account, for example through Online Banking or
   MyMerrill. These ads are based on your specific account relationships with
   us.
   
   To learn more about relationship-based ads, online behavioral advertising and
   our privacy practices, please review Bank of America Online Privacy Notice
   and our Online Privacy FAQs.

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© 2023 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.


SHARING AND SELLING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

California residents covered by the California Consumer Privacy Act have the
right to opt-out from the “sale” or “sharing” of their personal information via
browser-enabled opt-out preference signals. While we do not “sell” or “share”
personal information of California residents, Bank of America treats opt-out
preference signals as valid requests to opt-out of sale/sharing for the browser.
For more information, please see our CCPA Notice.
CCPA Notice

Sharing and Selling of Personal Information

SHARING AND SELLING OF PERSONAL INFORMATION



CA Opt-Out Preference Signals Honored

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