Chase Bank has sent a serious notice to its customers to warn about a growing danger. The alert clearly warns: if you make a forbidden gesture, you'll be taking a real risk that could cost you even your savings.
This type of scam is known as smishing, a variant of phishing that arrives via text message. Scammers send a message pretending to be from Chase, announcing supposed "unusual activities" or requesting an "urgent verification" of your account. The message includes a link or a fake phone number, designed to make you think it comes from the bank.
Important alert from Chase Bank to all its customers: millions of Americans warned
If you react and click on that SMS, you'll be redirected to a fraudulent website that mimics Chase's official site. There, you're asked for your username, password, verification code, or even banking information. In a matter of minutes, scammers can access your account and move your money without you noticing. In some cases, victims have lost more than $15,000.
Additionally, scammers can use techniques like spoofing: they make the number that appears on your screen match Chase's, or the messages have an urgent tone so you don't think and act immediately.
Why is your money at risk?
The key is in speed and pressure. Smishing exploits the habit of reading messages immediately. It's estimated that 98% of users open SMS within minutes.
If the message urges you to act "within two hours" or warns that your account will be blocked, panic can lead you to give critical information without thinking. Once you share this data, scammers can empty your account or open lines of credit in your name.
Chase Bank doesn't leave its customers behind
The bank has reminded that it only sends messages from official codes, such as 28107, 36640, or 72166. Chase will never ask for your password, PIN, or for you to reply with sensitive information by SMS. If you receive a suspicious message, what you should do is not reply at all, not click on links, and delete it.
If you have doubts, the correct thing to do is call Chase directly at the number on the back of your card or in your online banking. Additionally, the bank recommends a series of steps: enable multi-factor authentication, keep your software updated, and report any detected fraud.
How to protect ourselves from this fraud
Don't act impulsively, don't open links or reply, and check that the message comes from one of the official codes mentioned above. If you suspect anything, contact Chase through official channels. It's also recommended to report the SMS to the number 7726 (SPAM) and send it to phishing@chase.com.
In the United States, this type of fraud has already cost billions. In 2022, more than 150,000 cases of mobile phishing were reported, with losses exceeding $326 million. Don't let them trick you again.