Scammers ask you to open a bank account to use you as a "money mule," moving criminal proceeds, often under the guise of a fake job, investment, or to "protect" your money, allowing them to lauber money, steal your identity, or get you to send funds to them disguised as transfers, making you legally responsible for moving illicit funds. They want access to your legitimate account to launder money from other victims or trick you into sending money to them directly through your new account.
Yes, someone can potentially take money using just your BSB and account number, primarily through setting up unauthorized direct debits (if they get past security checks) or combining them with other personal info for more complex fraud, but it's much harder to withdraw funds like an ATM withdrawal without your PIN or login details; the main risk is setting up recurring payments or using them with other stolen data like your driver's license, so always share details with trusted entities and monitor your statements closely.
Common scammer phrases create urgency, promise rewards, threaten consequences, or build fake intimacy, using language like "Act Now," "You've Won," "Problem with your account," "Soulmate," "If you love me," "Would you kindly," or "Don't tell anyone" to manipulate victims into revealing personal info or sending money. They often use awkward grammar, unusual spelling (like "British English"), and demand secrecy to bypass critical thinking and isolate you.
You can't get hacked instantly just by responding to a scam text. But replying might expose vulnerabilities that could get you hacked in the future, so it's best not to respond at all.
If someone has access to both your bank account and routing number, they could make fraudulent ACH transfers and payments out of your account. In other words, you could wind up being scammed. That's why it's so important to understand this aspect of your personal finances and protect your money.
To access your bank account, a scammer usually needs your bank account number and credentials (username and password). They might also need your SSN or date of birth to bypass security questions or 2FA.
However, while these details alone cannot be used to directly withdraw money, they can be exploited in fraud attempts. You should be especially cautious if: You are asked to share your details by someone you do not know personally. You receive an unexpected message or call claiming to be from your bank.
Consider these seven ways to help you outsmart scammers:
You can't get hacked by simply replying to a text. However, engaging with a hacker in any way will make it more likely that you get hacked. They'll find a way to fool you and make you click a link, which is what leads to you getting hacked.
Unfamiliar apps, losing access to your accounts, call and messaging features that suddenly stop working, and performance issues — such as apps crashing, a hot or loud device, and reduced battery life — are all common signs that your phone has been hacked.
Scam red flags include unsolicited contact, pressure to act immediately, requests for unusual payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers), offers that are too good to be true, requests for personal information, poor grammar/spelling, and a demand for secrecy, all designed to rush you into sending money or data before you can think or verify. If you feel rushed, threatened, or asked to pay in a strange way, it's likely a scam, so stop and check the source directly.
3 Excuses a Scammer Uses to Not Meet in Person
To deter scammers, firmly state you're aware of their tactics, threaten to report them to authorities like the FTC, or mention involving law enforcement. Avoid sharing personal information, hang up, or block their contact.
Can I run a test to see if my phone is hacked? Yes, running an antivirus scan using a mobile security app like Norton 360 Deluxe can help you identify malware infections that could be granting hackers access to your device or data.
Yes, you should be cautious if a scammer has your phone number. They could use it to steal sensitive data, ask you to send money, and gain access to your online accounts. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and take steps to enhance your security.
How To Know if a Bank Account Has Been Hacked
Does Turning Your Phone Off Stop Hackers? For most people, yes. Everyday malware and common scams can't touch a device once the operating system shuts down. That's why rebooting often clears suspicious behavior; it kills anything living in memory.
Fraudsters use WhatsApp like any other messaging platform — often using fake or spoofed numbers to trick you into sending them money, investing in fraudulent crypto scams, or sending personal data that can be used to steal your identity.
Code to check if phone is tapped: *#21# Code to show unknown connections and tracking (for Android): *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* Code to show unknown connections and if someone is tracing you (for iPhone): *3001#12345#* Code to find your phone if lost or stolen (for Android): *#*#1472365#*#*
You should be wary of answering calls from Caribbean area codes like 876 (Jamaica), 473 (Grenada), 268 (Antigua & Barbuda), 284 (BVI), and 649 (Turks & Caicos), as these are frequently linked to one-ring scams, lottery fraud, and investment scams, where a brief ring prompts you to call back, incurring high charges. Letting calls from unknown international numbers go to voicemail is best, as scammers often spoof local numbers or use these hotspots for fraud, and legitimate callers usually leave a message.
If you're a victim of monetary or identity theft:
10 tips to protect yourself from scams
Call and write your bank or credit union
Tell your bank that you have “revoked authorization” for the company to take automatic payments from your account. You can use this sample letter . Some banks and credit unions may offer you an online form.
After you've locked your debit or credit card, you should let your card issuer know about the situation. Tell them that you fell for a scam and unintentionally gave the scammer your card number. The more information you provide about the scam, the more they can help you and protect your money.
Do banks usually refund scammed money? Whether a bank refunds stolen money depends on how the payment was made and how quickly the fraud was reported. In many cases, banks can return funds lost to scams, but the process and your level of protection vary by payment method.