Fake bank email saying account is limited

What happens

Criminals send emails claiming a bank account or card is limited and urge people to update their details through a link. The fake page collects security answers and personal information to take over accounts.

Warning signs

• Threatens to limit your account The email says your card use and payments are blocked, which pushes you to act quickly without thinking.
• Asks for security answers It asks for your security question information, which a real bank never asks for by email.
• Asks for address and verification It asks you to update your mailing address and account verification details through a link.
• Button to update account The big 'Update your account' button sends you to a page that is made to look real so you will type in your details.
• No name or sender shown The email does not use your name and does not show a clear sender, and the logo image is broken.
• Vague wording It says 'some required information is missing' without saying which account or company, which is a common trick.

How this scam works

1. Criminals send mass emails that look like they come from a bank or card company.
2. The email makes you worried by saying your account or card is limited.
3. The button takes you to a fake page that copies the real login or update page.
4. Anything you type, such as security answers, address or passwords, goes straight to the criminals.
5. They use these details to take over your account, change your details or pay out money in your name.

What to do

1. Do not click the blue button, and do not reply to this email.
2. Take a screenshot of the email and keep it.
3. Report it to the company it claims to be from, using its official app or website, and to your local police.
4. Tell your family and friends about it so they are warned too.