Scammers impersonate the Capital One fraud department by sending fake text alerts or calling to steal your personal information, one-time passcodes, or money. They often create a sense of urgency, asking you to verify accounts, transfer funds to "protect" them, or download software. Always use the phone number on the back of your card, not one provided in a text or call.

Advertisements - Continue reading below

Red Flags

  • Fake Alerts: You receive a text or call about a suspicious transaction, asking you to call a fake number.
  • Request for Codes: Scammers will ask for a one-time passcode, password, or PIN sent to your phone. Capital One will never ask for this information.
  • Urgency/Threats: They may claim your account will be suspended if you do not act immediately.
  • "Safe" Account Transfers: They may ask you to send money to a "new" or "safe" account.

Protect Yourself

  • Verify the Number: Never call back a number provided in a text, email, or caller ID. Instead, look up the number on the official Capital One website or use the number on the back of your card.
  • Don't Click Links: Avoid clicking links in text messages or emails claiming to be from Capital One.
  • Report Phishing: Forward suspicious emails or text messages to Capital One.

Contact Information

  • Credit Card Fraud/Customer Service: 1-800-227-4825.
  • Debit Card Fraud: 1-888-464-0727.
  • International: 1-804-934-2001 (call collect).

If you have been targeted, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.