The Wells Fargo scam text

Scam guide · Updated October 26, 2026

What the text looks like

A text says it is from Wells Fargo. It warns about suspicious activity, a locked account or a transfer you didn't make, and it asks you to tap a link, call a number or read back a code. The goal is to get your login, a one-time code or your money.

What Wells Fargo says about bank imposter texts

Wells Fargo's own fraud page tells you to beware of senders using an address or phone number you don't recognize, not to respond to alerts that ask for your private account access info, and never to click links or call numbers you don't recognize. (Wells Fargo)

It also warns that scammers can spoof caller ID, so even a message that appears to come from a known source like Wells Fargo should not be trusted if something feels off. (Wells Fargo)

Signs it's a scam

• It asks for your password, PIN or Social Security Number. Wells Fargo says its employees will not initiate contact and ask for your password or sensitive information like your SSN. (Wells Fargo)
• It tells you to move money. Wells Fargo says it will never ask you to move or send money to anyone, including yourself, to "reverse a transfer," "receive a refund," "protect your money" or "fix a problem." (Wells Fargo)
• It asks for a one-time code you didn't request. Wells Fargo says if you receive a one-time access code for a transaction you didn't initiate, don't use it or share it, even with someone who says they're from your bank. (Wells Fargo)
• It pushes you to act now. Wells Fargo says scammers claim urgency, such as fraud or an investigation, and use scare tactics like threats of account closure or frozen funds. (Wells Fargo)
• It wants remote access to your phone or computer. Wells Fargo says it will never ask you to download screen-sharing or remote access software. (Wells Fargo)

What to do

1. Don't tap the link, call the number or reply.
2. Contact Wells Fargo yourself. Wells Fargo says to use a verified source such as the phone number on your card, the contact information on wellsfargo.com, or the Wells Fargo Mobile app. (Wells Fargo)
3. Report it. If you didn't click or open anything, Wells Fargo says to email the message to reportphish@wellsfargo.com and then delete it. (Wells Fargo) You can also forward a scam text to 7726. See how to report a scam text.

If you already paid or shared information

Wells Fargo says that if you sent a payment to, or shared personal account information with, someone claiming to be from Wells Fargo, call it immediately at 1-800-869-3557. (Wells Fargo) Its fraud reporting page also lists steps if you clicked a link or opened an attachment. (Wells Fargo)

Common questions

Will Wells Fargo ask for my password in a text?

Wells Fargo says its employees will not initiate contact and ask for your password or sensitive information like your Social Security Number.

Where do I forward a fake Wells Fargo text?

Wells Fargo says to email a suspicious message to reportphish@wellsfargo.com and then delete it. You can also forward a scam text to 7726.

Will Wells Fargo ever ask me to move money to protect it?

No. Wells Fargo says it will never ask you to move or send money to anyone, including yourself, to fix a problem or protect your money.

Sources

Details are from Wells Fargo's fraud pages, checked on October 26, 2026. Policies may change.

• Wells Fargo — Identify and avoid bank imposter scams
• Wells Fargo — Report fraud or suspicious activity

Related: is a Chase text real?, is a Bank of America text real?, how to check if a link is safe and how to report a scam text.

ScamSensor isn't affiliated with Wells Fargo & Company. Wells Fargo is a trademark of its owner.

← All scam guides