Protect yourself from scams
Recognize and report scams
Scammers use different tactics to get victims to fall for their schemes. In some cases, they can be friendly, sympathetic and seem willing to help. In others, they use fear tactics to persuade a victim. Learn about the different scam tactics, and what to do if you suspect suspicious behavior.
Common red flags
Scams start with someone you don’t know
Scams often use fake emails, text messages, voice calls, letters or someone who shows up at your front door unexpectedly.
Scams you may see
Tech support scams
Tech support claims your computer has malware and requests payment to fix the defects or access your computer.
Impersonation scams
Scammers pose as a legitimate company (like Capital One) and request personal information or a payment transfer.
Utility scams
Scammers pose as your utility company and request payment of your balance within a limited time or else the utility will be shut off.
Payment scams
Be wary if you are urged to make a purchase with the promise of compensation, or if someone offers to make a payment for you, or provides you with bank account info with which to make a payment. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you use a payment method you are not familiar with, you run the risk of ultimately being held responsible for the amount paid.
Employment scams
Be vigilant in validating employment opportunities, especially when exclusively online or working from home. Be suspicious if someone claims to have overpaid you for a job, promises to reimburse for equipment, or asks you to send equipment to an IT dept. The equipment may never be returned, and reimbursements or overpayments may be illegitimate, leaving you liable for the funds. Never divulge personal information online to an unreliable source or through deceptive job applications.
Romance scams
Be aware if you are asked for financial support from a partner in a relationship that’s been exclusively online.
Avoid scams and safeguard your finances
When in doubt, hang up the phone and call us at the number listed on the back of your debit or credit card.
Fraudsters will try to spoof the number calling you to appear as if it is coming from Capital One.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Be wary of "get rich quick" or "easy money" schemes, especially if unsolicited.
Verify SMS text or email origins.
Scammers may target you with text messages to gain sensitive information. Verify the SMS texts or emails are coming from the usual Capital One email domain and short code (a 5 or 6 digit phone number that is used to send text messages at scale).
Resist the pressure to act immediately.
While high-pressure sales tactics are also used by some legitimate businesses, it typically isn't a good idea to make important financial decisions quickly. Take your time. Where your finances are concerned, you should have space to make the best decision for you and talk it over with those you trust.
Reporting scams
Spotted a scam or worried you've been compromised?
1. Contact us at 1-800-227-4825. If you are outside the U.S., call us collect at: 1-804-934-2001.
2. Forward the email or text to abuse@capitalone.com so we can look into it on our end.
3. Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker and the government via the FTC ReportFraud site. You may also want to report scammers directly to the FBI.
Security tips
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What to know About work-from-home scams
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How to protect your digital identity with Capital One
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Mobile security: reducing your risk of fraud and scams