Protect your life savings: The one red flag that could stop a bank scam before it starts
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In a time when managing our money often comes down to a quick phone call or a few taps on a screen, it’s easier than ever to fall into a trap set by skilled scammers.
And unfortunately, it only takes one mistake—one moment of panic—for your entire savings to disappear.
At The GrayVine, we're committed to helping you stay a step ahead. Today, we’re spotlighting the one warning sign that could protect you—and your loved ones—from devastating financial loss.
Amelia Mandeville-Marinaro, 28, was on maternity leave when she got a frantic text from her husband. Their bank account, he said, had been hacked.
He was on the phone with someone claiming to be from the bank—and they needed to move their savings immediately to a secure account.
"Today, we were scammed which meant that we’ve lost our savings which is, you know, scary because I’m on maternity leave but I wanted to do this video so that other people learn from our mistakes,” she opened up in a social media post.
“I know people are going to be like, 'why are you so stupid, it's obvious it's a scam' but I think sometimes, in the moments, you don't realize it.”
Despite Amelia’s gut feeling that something was off, she went ahead and approved the transfer.
The one thing Amelia says she wishes she had known?
Your bank will never call and ask you to move money to a different account.
That simple detail could’ve saved their life savings.
Many banking apps now include a call log feature that shows whether you’ve been contacted. Had they checked, they would’ve seen that their bank hadn’t called at all.
Bank frauds have surged in recent years, with a recent survey indicating that one in three US citizens (34 percent) had encountered financial fraud or a scam since January 2024, according to Bankrate, a consumer financial services firm based in New York City.
The firm's Financial Fraud Survey, released on March 5, indicates that approximately 37 percent of Americans experienced financial losses due to frauds in the past year.
The new mother is but one among millions who succumb to banking fraud annually. Bank frauds have surged in recent years, with a recent survey indicating that one in three US citizens (34 percent) had encountered financial fraud or a scam since January 2024.
Sarah Foster—an economic analyst at Bankrate—stated, "Financial scams today come in all shapes and sizes, advancing far beyond the typo-ridden text messages that so obviously look to be from a scammer."
The survey revealed that 37 percent of Americans who encountered financial fraud or scams in the preceding 12 months reported monetary losses. This includes individuals whose funds were misappropriated after their personal or financial information was accessed (19 percent) and those who transmitted funds to a scammer or paid for a fraudulent service (23 percent).
"If you suspect that someone has used your information falsely or that you've paid for a phony service, don't panic," Foster warned.
"The best steps toward reversing any monetary damage are having all parties aligned on the same goal and using every resource available to you."
Have you or someone close to you ever been targeted by a bank scam? What red flags did you catch—or miss? Your experience could help others spot a scam before it's too late. Share your thoughts in the comments and help our community stay alert and informed.
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And unfortunately, it only takes one mistake—one moment of panic—for your entire savings to disappear.
At The GrayVine, we're committed to helping you stay a step ahead. Today, we’re spotlighting the one warning sign that could protect you—and your loved ones—from devastating financial loss.
Amelia Mandeville-Marinaro, 28, was on maternity leave when she got a frantic text from her husband. Their bank account, he said, had been hacked.
He was on the phone with someone claiming to be from the bank—and they needed to move their savings immediately to a secure account.
"Today, we were scammed which meant that we’ve lost our savings which is, you know, scary because I’m on maternity leave but I wanted to do this video so that other people learn from our mistakes,” she opened up in a social media post.
“I know people are going to be like, 'why are you so stupid, it's obvious it's a scam' but I think sometimes, in the moments, you don't realize it.”
Despite Amelia’s gut feeling that something was off, she went ahead and approved the transfer.
The one thing Amelia says she wishes she had known?
Your bank will never call and ask you to move money to a different account.
That simple detail could’ve saved their life savings.
Many banking apps now include a call log feature that shows whether you’ve been contacted. Had they checked, they would’ve seen that their bank hadn’t called at all.
Bank frauds have surged in recent years, with a recent survey indicating that one in three US citizens (34 percent) had encountered financial fraud or a scam since January 2024, according to Bankrate, a consumer financial services firm based in New York City.
The firm's Financial Fraud Survey, released on March 5, indicates that approximately 37 percent of Americans experienced financial losses due to frauds in the past year.
The new mother is but one among millions who succumb to banking fraud annually. Bank frauds have surged in recent years, with a recent survey indicating that one in three US citizens (34 percent) had encountered financial fraud or a scam since January 2024.
Sarah Foster—an economic analyst at Bankrate—stated, "Financial scams today come in all shapes and sizes, advancing far beyond the typo-ridden text messages that so obviously look to be from a scammer."
The survey revealed that 37 percent of Americans who encountered financial fraud or scams in the preceding 12 months reported monetary losses. This includes individuals whose funds were misappropriated after their personal or financial information was accessed (19 percent) and those who transmitted funds to a scammer or paid for a fraudulent service (23 percent).
"If you suspect that someone has used your information falsely or that you've paid for a phony service, don't panic," Foster warned.
"The best steps toward reversing any monetary damage are having all parties aligned on the same goal and using every resource available to you."
Read more:
