Many people have recently reported receiving text messages from 22498 claiming to be from Bank of America. These messages often mention a suspicious purchase or account activity and ask users to call 844-844-0585 immediately. If you received such a message, you should be very careful because this is a known scam attempt designed to trick people into contacting fake bank representatives.
The message is not a legitimate Bank of America security alert. The phone number 8448440585 is not an official Bank of America customer service or fraud prevention number. Scammers often use fake or misleading sender IDs, including shortcodes like 22498, to make their messages appear more trustworthy.
The goal is simple, to create fear, make you act quickly, and convince you to share sensitive information.
One version of the scam message looks like this:
"Bank of America: $218.40 Purchase at Target store #5195 In Chicago, IL. YES? Reply Y. NO? Use: +1(844) 844-0585 to call us now. Reply STOP to opt out"
At first glance, this message may look realistic because it includes a purchase amount, store name, location, and a request to confirm the transaction. However, scammers use these details to make victims believe there is an urgent problem with their bank account.
The message pushes users to call a specific phone number instead of directing them to verify the activity through official Bank of America channels.
There are several warning signs that indicate this message is not genuine:
It Asks You To Call An Unverified Number:
A major red flag is the instruction to call 844-844-0585. Scammers often provide their own phone numbers because they want to control the conversation. Instead of connecting you with a real bank employee, the call goes to scammers pretending to work for Bank of America's security or fraud department.
It Creates Panic And Urgency:
Scammers know that people are more likely to make mistakes when they feel worried. A message about an unauthorized purchase, locked account, or suspicious transaction can cause users to react quickly without checking whether the message is real.
Common scam messages may mention:
The purpose is to make you call immediately before you have time to verify the information.
The Sender Information Can Be Misleading:
Seeing a shortcode like 22498 may make the message appear official. However, scammers can use spoofing techniques or misleading sender information to make messages look like they come from trusted companies. Hence, a sender ID alone does not prove that a message is authentic.
If you call the number provided in the message, you may be connected with a scammer pretending to be a Bank of America employee. The person may sound professional and follow a fake security procedure. They may claim there is a fraudulent transaction and say they need to verify your identity.
During the call, they may ask for sensitive information, including:
The biggest danger is the request for a security code. For example, while you are on the phone, the scammer may try to log into your real bank account. This can trigger a six-digit verification code sent to your device. The scammer may then ask you to read the code aloud, claiming it is needed for verification. In reality, the code may allow them to bypass your account security.
If you receive a message about a suspicious transaction, do not use the phone number provided in the text.
Instead:
If you receive a suspicious Bank of America message from 22498, follow these steps:
Block And Delete The Message: After reporting it, block the sender and delete the conversation to avoid accidentally interacting with it later.
If you already contacted 844-844-0585 and shared personal information, take action quickly. Contact Bank of America through an official phone number and explain what happened. Ask them to review your account security and help protect your funds.
If you shared online banking details, passwords, card information, or verification codes, change your credentials and follow the bank's security recommendations.
The Bank of America text message from 22498 asking users to call 844-844-0585 is a warning sign of a text message scam. The message may look convincing because it uses realistic transaction details and creates urgency, but the safest approach is to avoid calling the number provided.
Remember, never trust unexpected messages asking you to verify banking information through an unknown phone number. Always check your account using official Bank of America channels and contact the bank directly using trusted contact information.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for educational and awareness purposes. Phone numbers, sender names, and other details referenced may have been impersonated, spoofed, or otherwise misused by scammers. Their appearance in this article does not necessarily identify the legitimate owner of a phone number or account as being involved in fraudulent activity.
This article has been written by a Scam Fighter Contributor, De-Reviews.com Team. If you believe the article above contains inaccuracies or needs to include relevant information, please contact ScamAdviser.com using this form.
De-Reviews.com Team is a group of scam researchers, editors, and online safety advocates dedicated to exposing online fraud and helping consumers stay safe online. The team has been investigating scams, fraudulent websites, phishing campaigns, and other online threats since 2014. Read the Full Author Profile.
