We all have received sketchy looking emails and suspicious phone calls that may or may not be from your bank. Scammers are betting you will be so alarmed to hear from your alleged bank you will do whatever is asked. Before you fall for the latest one, read this Houston Bookkeeper’s Guide to Bank Scams.

1. The Over Payment Scam

Did you know that your bank account information is easily available to many people? This includes account number, routing number, name or names on the account, and even the amount and recipients of your payees? They can get this all just from one check. The scam follows as this:

  1. The scammers will dial the number on the check or look up your phone number.
  2. They will then ask you to confirm the transaction on the check.
  3. When you do, they will say something like “your account is overdrawn” or “the check was rejected.”
  4. They will then warn you of heavy fines and penalties associated with this transaction.
  5. You are then directed to make up for the overdrawn amount immediately.

Did you know? Approximately 57% of Americans encountered some kind of scam in 2025, with about 27% losing money to one? Source: Global Anti-Spam Alliance

But of course, this was all a lie. All they needed was a copy of one of your checks. Keep in mind that your actual bank would not do this. You will be alerted of any over charge often via your preferred method of contact: email, text, or even phone. DO NOT confirm anything over the phone. Contact your bank yourself, check your balance on the app, or even go to the nearest branch before giving away any of your private information – much less your money.

2. Bank Fraud Scams

Scammers know that people are coming more and more aware of them. As a result they are even using the threat of a scam as a scam. You may receive a phone call or email saying something like: “your bank account has been hacked, and you must move the funds.”

They may even escalate the threat saying you only have limited time, and/or that money is being drained from your account right now. Scammers may also give you the information for your “new” account in which to move all of your money. An offer of taking of over your device will be done if/when you have trouble with this. Or if you want to handle it at your local branch, they will tell you the branch is in on the scam.

Did you know? The most common scams are shopping scams, followed by investment scams, and unexpected money gains or losses scams?

As in the above, do not give any information over the phone, via email, click any links, or let anyone take over your device at all. Just remember, that if you are not sure if it is a scam, do not engage in any further communication. Check yourself via your online account, app, in person, or get a trusted family member or friend to advise you.

More on the Houston Bookkeeper’s Guide to Bank Scams in Houston

Are you looking for someone to keep an eye on your business’s money and keep it away from scammers? Our office is full of experts who can spot a scam and keep your money away from it. Contact us to set up an appointment.