Is that Chase text real?

Company check · Updated October 7, 2026

Bank “fraud alert” texts are one of the most common scams going, and Chase is a favorite name to borrow because so many people bank there. The trick is that Chase really does send fraud alerts by text, so a text that mentions Chase isn't automatically fake. What gives a scam away is what the message asks you to do next.

This page sticks to what Chase says on its own security pages, plus the FTC's guidance, so you can check a message in a couple of minutes.

What the fake texts look like

The FTC says scammers pose as a bank's fraud department and send messages offering “to help with a suspicious charge.” Once you respond, they “spin elaborate lies and drain your bank account.” (FTC)

If you reply NO, a “fraud specialist” calls. Caller ID may even say Chase: Chase warns that “scammers can make caller ID, emails and texts display as messages from your bank.” (Chase) The caller then asks for a one-time passcode to “verify” you, or walks you through moving your money into a “safe” account. The FTC describes that second move exactly: to “protect” your account, they give step-by-step instructions to transfer money into a new account in your name that really belongs to the scammer. (FTC)

The one fact that settles it

Chase will never ask you to move money to fix a fraud problem. In Chase's words: “Legitimate banks will never ask you to move money to ‘fix’ the problem.” (Chase) The FTC says the same about every bank: “Your bank will never contact you to tell you to transfer money or to ask for personal information or passcodes.” (FTC) If a text or the call that follows it ends with you sending money, through Zelle, a wire, crypto or anything else, it isn't Chase.

How to check if it's really Chase

1. Look at the sender. Chase says its texts use short codes, which are 5- or 6-digit numbers. (Chase) Its text terms list 28107, 36640 and 72166 for fraud and account security alerts. (Chase) A text from a regular 10-digit number or an email address isn't from Chase. But a short code isn't proof on its own, since Chase warns texts can be made to look like they're from your bank.
2. Check your account yourself. Open the Chase Mobile app or type chase.com into your browser, and look for the charge or alert there. Don't use a link in the text.
3. Call the number on the back of your card. Chase's advice for any strange or suspicious text: “don't reply to it. Instead, call Chase using the phone number on the back of your card or on your account statement.” (Chase)
4. If someone calls you, hang up and call back on that same card number. A real Chase employee won't mind.

Signs it's fake

Chase lists things it won't do. A message or call that does any of them isn't from Chase:

• Asks for your user name, password or PIN. Chase says it won't ask for these “in a text message or email, or over the phone,” unless you contacted Chase first about an account issue. (Chase)
• Asks for a passcode, your mother's maiden name, Social Security number or account number to resolve an issue. Chase says don't engage. (Chase)
• Tells you to move money to a new or “secure” account, or to send a Zelle payment to yourself or a “bank employee.” (Chase)
• Says it's a “sting operation” or tells you not to trust bank staff. Chase: “Banks, police and government agencies never run ‘sting operations’ with customers or ask you to distrust employees.” (Chase)
• Asks you to keep it secret or act right now. Chase warns about pressure to act quickly and requests to keep things secret. (Chase)
• Asks for remote access to your phone or computer. (Chase)
• Has a link that isn't chase.com: extra words, odd endings or a shortened link.

What to do

1. Don't reply, tap a link or call a number in the text. Even “NO” tells the sender your number is live and invites the follow-up call.
2. Check your account in the Chase app or on chase.com, which you open yourself.
3. Call Chase using the number on the back of your card or on your statement if anything looks wrong. (Chase)
4. Report it. Forward a suspicious email to phishing@chase.com, as Chase asks. (Chase) For a text, forward it to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone's junk reporting, as the FTC suggests. (FTC) Our guide on how to report a scam text covers every option.
5. Delete it.

If you already paid or clicked

• You sent money or see charges you didn't make: call Chase now. Chase lists 1-800-935-9935 (option 8) for checking, savings and debit cards, and 1-800-955-9060 (option 2) for personal credit cards. You can also report a charge in the Chase Mobile app: tap the charge, then “Report a problem.” (Chase)
• You sent a Zelle, Cash App or Venmo payment: report it to your bank or the app right away and ask them to reverse it. (FTC)
• You typed your password or shared a passcode: sign in through the app or chase.com yourself, change your password, and tell Chase immediately. Chase says to let it know right away “so we can help protect your account.” (Chase)
• You shared your Social Security number or other identity details: Chase suggests reviewing your credit reports and asking the credit bureaus for a fraud alert or credit freeze, and reporting it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Chase) IdentityTheft.gov gives you a step-by-step recovery plan.

Common questions

Does Chase send fraud alert texts?

Yes. Chase says it may text you if it believes someone is trying to get into your account, and its texts come from 5- or 6-digit short codes. But scammers can make texts look like they're from your bank, so if a text seems strange, don't reply. Call the number on the back of your card.

Will Chase ever ask me to move money to a safe account?

No. Chase says legitimate banks will never ask you to move money to fix a problem. Anyone who tells you to transfer money, send a Zelle payment to yourself or buy crypto to protect your account is a scammer.

How do I report a fake Chase text or email?

Forward suspicious emails to phishing@chase.com. Forward a scam text to 7726 (SPAM), and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you shared information or money moved, call Chase using the number on your card.

Related: is that Amazon text real?, another company check, and how to check if a link is safe before you tap it.

Sources

• Chase — How to spot scams
• Chase — How you can protect yourself
• Chase — Security Self-Service (SMS) Terms and Conditions
• Chase — How to spot suspicious emails
• Chase — How to report fraud
• Chase — Scam prevention tips (PDF)
• FTC — Is that unexpected text a scam? (April 2025)
• FTC — Do you use payment apps like Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle? Read this (August 2023)
• FTC — What to do if you were scammed

Shieldr isn't affiliated with JPMorgan Chase. Chase is a trademark of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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