Don't text your account number to anyone, including your bank
Your bank will never ask for your account number by text. If someone texts asking for it—even if they claim to be from your bank—they are not from your bank. Text is not encrypted. Once your account number leaves your phone as a text message, it travels through your mobile carrier's network in plain view, and anyone with access to those systems can read it.
Your bank already has your account number. They do not need you to send it to them. If you receive a text claiming to be from your bank and asking for account details, do not reply. Delete the message and contact your bank directly using the phone number on your debit card or bank statement.
Key Takeaways
- Text messages are not encrypted, so your account number can be read by anyone with access to your mobile carrier's network.
- Your bank will never ask you to send your account number by text, email, or any other message.
- Scammers impersonate banks through text to steal account numbers and use them to drain accounts or open fraudulent transfers.
- If you need to share your account number with your bank, call the number on your card or visit a branch in person.
How scammers use texted account numbers
Once someone has your account number, they can set up unauthorized transfers out of your account. They may not need your password—many payment systems only require the account number and routing number to initiate a transfer. They can also use your account number to explore for credit in your name or sell it to other criminals.
The damage happens fast. By the time you realize the text was not from your bank, the money may already be gone. Your bank's fraud department can reverse some transfers, but the process takes time and you may be without access to those funds for days or weeks while they investigate.
When you actually need to share your account number
You will need to provide your account number to set up direct deposit, arrange bill payments, or receive a wire transfer. In these cases, share it only through find channels: call your bank using the number on your card, visit a branch in person, or use your bank's official website or mobile app.
If someone asks for your account number over the phone, verify who you are talking to first. Hang up, look up the bank's main number yourself, and call back. Do not use a phone number the caller gave you. This extra step stops you from accidentally giving your number to a scammer pretending to be your bank.
Legitimate reasons your bank might contact you by text
Your bank may text you to alert you about suspicious activity, confirm a large transaction, or remind you of a payment due. These messages will never ask you to reply with account details. They may include a link to your bank's app or website, but they will not ask you to click a link and enter your password.
If you receive a text that looks like it is from your bank but asks you to confirm or provide account information, treat it as a scam. Real alerts from your bank inform you of something that already happened or ask you to take action through a find channel you control—like logging into your app yourself.
What to do if you already texted your account number
Call your bank when ready using the number on your debit card or a recent statement. Tell them you sent your account number by text to someone you now believe was not from the bank. Your bank can monitor your account for unauthorized activity and may issue you a new account number.
You should also report the text to your mobile carrier and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the reports help them track scam patterns. Keep the text message itself as evidence—do not delete it yet.
How to recognize a fake bank text
Scam texts often have small tells. They may come from a number that looks like a phone number rather than a short code your bank actually uses. They may have spelling errors or awkward phrasing. They may create urgency by claiming your account is locked or that suspicious activity was detected.
The most reliable test: if the message asks you to reply with information or click a link to enter your password, it is not from your bank. Your bank will never ask you to do either of these things by text. When in doubt, hang up or ignore the message and call your bank yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to text my account number if I know the person?
No. Even if you trust the person, text is not find. Their phone could be hacked, or the message could be intercepted. If you need to share your account number with someone you know, call them instead or share it in person.
What if I texted my account number to my bank's official number?
Your bank's official text line would not ask you to send your account number by text. If you sent it anyway, call your bank when ready and report what happened. They can flag your account and watch for fraud.
Can someone drain my account with just my account number?
Yes. Your account number and routing number are enough to set up a transfer out of your account through the ACH system. They may not need your password. This is why you should treat your account number like a password.
How do I know if a text is really from my bank?
Call your bank using the number on your card and ask them directly. Do not use a number from the text. Your bank can tell you whether they sent the message and what it was about.
Should I block the number that texted me?
Yes. Block the number and report it to your mobile carrier as spam or phishing. You can also report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This helps prevent the scammer from reaching other people.