Beware the Fake Bank of America “Gamestop Charge” Scam Text

Share this post on social...

Text message scams that impersonate legitimate banks are on the rise, and one of the most talked‑about versions targets Bank of America customers with fake “Gamestop charge” alerts. In these scams, fraudsters try to trick you into revealing sensitive financial information or calling fake support lines. Knowing how these scams work and how to respond can protect your money and identity.

What Is the “Gamestop Charge” Scam?

Scammers send SMS messages that look like fraud alerts from Bank of America, claiming there is an unauthorized purchase — such as a GameStop charge — on your debit or credit card. A typical scam text might say:

“Bank of America Alert: We detected a suspicious GameStop charge on your account. Reply YES to confirm or NO to deny.”

This message may include a dollar amount or a “support” phone number. In reality, scammers tailor the message to prompt panic and engagement so they can attempt to steal your data or access to your accounts. MalwareTips Forums

These fraudsters often make the text look official by mimicking format, tone, and even inserting recognizable store names like GameStop to make it seem plausible. MalwareTips Forums

How This Scam Can Hurt You

Responding to these texts or calling the phone numbers they provide can have real consequences:

Personal information theft — Scammers may ask for passwords, one‑time verification codes (OTP), or full account numbers.
Unauthorized transfers or purchases — Once they have credentials, they can transfer funds or make charges on your account.
Ongoing scam targeting — Replying “YES” or “NO” confirms your phone number is active, making you a target for more scams. MalwareTips Forums

How to Spot a Fake Bank of America Scam Text

It’s critical to recognize the red flags that distinguish a scam text from a real banking alert:

Unsolicited message with urgent language: Banks will not pressure you to act immediately in a threatening way. Bank of America
Unknown links or phone numbers: Scammers often include suspicious links or numbers that are not found on the official Bank of America website. Bank of America
Requests for personal info: Legitimate Bank of America alerts never ask for your full account number, password, PIN, or one‑time code via SMS. Bank of America
Texting you out of the blue: If you weren’t expecting communication about an issue, pause and verify. Bank of America

Bank of America’s official Security Center explains that you should pause and verify unusual communication before taking any action. Bank of America

What to Do If You Get a Suspicious Text

If you receive what looks like a Bank of America scam message:

Step 1: Do Not Reply or Click Links

Ignoring and deleting the message is the safest first step. Clicking links can install malware or take you to fake sites designed to steal credentials. Snopes

Step 2: Report It Immediately

Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) — This reports the number to your mobile carrier so they can investigate.
Email the message to Bank of America’s fraud team: abuse@bankofamerica.com. Bank of America

Step 3: Verify Through Official Channels

Instead of engaging with the text:

Log into your Bank of America app or official website by manually typing https://www.bankofamerica.com into your browser.
Or call the number on the back of your debit/credit card or the official fraud reporting number listed on the Bank of America site. Bank of America

Step 4: Monitor Your Accounts

Check recent transactions directly in your bank app or online portal. If anything looks unfamiliar, notify the bank immediately. Bank of America

Reporting Scams Outside the U.S.

If you’re in Nigeria or another country, you can still take action:

Use 7726 (SPAM) to report suspicious messages to your mobile provider locally. Techparley Africa
Some regions have cybercrime units or scam reporting services (for example, Scamwatch Nigeria or NCC resources). Techparley Africa

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Bank of America text me about suspicious activity?
A: Yes — Bank of America can send official alerts if you have alerts enabled. However, they will never ask for your full password, PIN, or personal details via SMS. Always verify through official channels. Bank of America

Q: What if I accidentally replied to a scam?
A: Contact Bank of America immediately, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. Bank of America

Q: How do I know if a phone number in a text is fake?
A: Do not trust any number listed in the text. Instead, use the official contact numbers on Bank of America’s website or the back of your card. CGAA

Conclusion

The “Gamestop charge” text scam is a classic bank impersonation attack designed to exploit fear and urgency. Scammers use familiar names and urgent language to trick you into clicking links or handing over personal information. The best defense is to pause, verify, and report using trusted channels rather than responding to suspicious texts.

Staying informed and vigilant can save you from financial loss, identity theft, and weeks of stress. Share this information with friends, family, and coworkers — especially those who might be less familiar with digital scams.