If an unexpected message says there is a problem with your bank account, treat it as unverified. Don’t click its link, open an attachment, reply, or call a number in the message. Instead, contact your bank using a number on your statement or the official app or website you already use. Never share your password or verification code, or transfer money to “protect” your account.
How to recognize a suspicious bank message
Focus on what the message wants you to do, not how convincingly it is written. Phishing messages impersonate trusted organizations and try to prompt a click, attachment download, payment, or disclosure of account or personal information. An unexpected request to update payment or account details deserves independent verification. The FTC’s advice is direct: “Don’t click on links or download attachments in unexpected messages.” (FTC guidance; FTC phishing guidance)
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- Unexpected urgency: A message claims there is suspicious activity or a problem and pushes you to act through its link or phone number.
- A request for secrets or money: Someone asks for your password, a one-time verification code, or a transfer to supposedly secure your funds. Do not comply.
- A follow-up call that seems legitimate: A text may be followed by a call from someone claiming to be bank support. The FBI warns that scammers can spoof a bank’s real support number, so caller ID and a professional tone do not prove the caller is genuine. (FBI IC3 bank-alert warning)
These are warning signs, not a scoring system. A typo, polished sentence, familiar greeting, or sender display name cannot establish that a message is genuine or fraudulent by itself. Don’t try to decide whether it “sounds like AI”; verify the request using a channel independent of the message.
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There is no reliable consumer method established here for determining whether a particular message was generated by AI. Grammar and style are not dependable authorship tests: an AI-assisted message may read smoothly, and a real message may contain awkward wording. The practical test is the requested action and whether the bank independently confirms the claim. Treat suspicious requests cautiously regardless of who—or what—wrote them. (FTC phishing guidance; CISA phishing infographic)
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
What to do when a message claims to be from your bank
- Stop interacting with it. Don’t click links, download attachments, reply, or call a number included in the message.
- Check the claim separately. Contact the bank using a phone number on a statement or an official app or website you already know. Ask whether the alert or transaction is real.
- Refuse requests for credentials, codes, or transfers. Do not disclose your password or one-time code, or move money to an account someone says will protect it.
- Report the message using the U.S. routes below. Keep relevant details if you may need to follow up, then delete the message.
How to report a phishing message in the United States
These reporting channels are U.S.-specific; readers elsewhere should use their country’s official bank and cybercrime reporting channels.
- Phishing email: Forward it to [email protected].
- Suspicious text: Forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
- Fraud attempt: Submit a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The FTC recommends reporting and then deleting the message. (FTC guidance; FTC phishing guidance)
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
If you clicked, shared information, or lost money
If you disclosed personal or financial information
Contact your bank promptly through its verified fraud channel and explain what you shared. For identity-theft recovery steps tailored to your situation, use IdentityTheft.gov.
If your account was taken over or a wire transfer was sent
Contact the financial institution that sent the money as soon as possible and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Preserve relevant messages and transaction details for your bank and report. (IC3 account-takeover and wire-fraud guidance)
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FIDO2 & Passkey Ready: Business-ready and FIDO2 L1 certified. This key is supported by major management suites and is ideal for both individual and enterprise deployment. Works seamlessly with Gmail, Facebook, GitHub, Dropbox, Coinbase, and more.
- Universal Connectivity (USB-A ): Features a built-in USB-A connector—simply unfold the key and plug it into your compatible PC or laptop for seamless authentication on the go.
- Dedicated Manager App: Use the Thetis Manager App for the initial hardware PIN setup. Setting the PIN on the device first ensures a smooth registration process. Once the PIN is configured, you can begin registering the key across your favorite FIDO2-compatible online services.
- Ultra-Durable & Portable: Featuring a rotating metal cover, this key is water, crush, and tamper-resistant. It fits easily on a keychain and requires no batteries or network connectivity.
- Check FIDO2 compatibility before purchase - Known limitations: ID Austria is not supported (requires FIDO2 Level 2). Windows Hello login only works with Windows Enterprise editions that support Entra ID, and NFC is NOT supported.
Rank #4
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
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