Pretexting
Inventing a believable story or role to gain your trust and information.
How it appears in scam messages
Pretexting is the believable backstory a scammer invents to lower your guard — posing as your bank's fraud team, a delivery agent, a government officer, IT support, or a new colleague. The story is detailed enough to feel real and usually creates a reason you must act or share information 'to resolve' something. It is the setup that makes the rest of the scam work.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: This is the fraud team. To verify it's really you, read back the code we just sent.
Why it matters
It underpins many targeted scams and impersonations.
Common red flags
- A caller or sender with a detailed, urgent reason to need your help
- A request to 'confirm' codes, passwords, or details to proceed
- Claims of authority that you cannot independently check
- Pressure not to hang up or to act before verifying
Safe next steps
- Stop and verify through official channels you find yourself
- Never share codes, passwords, or card details from a message
- Use the message checker if you are unsure
- Report and block the sender
Related scam types
Related scam messages you can check
- Is this digital arrest call or message a scam?
- Is this AI voice family emergency call a scam?
- Is this bank fraud department call scam a scam?
Related scam-type hubs
Related red flags
Emergency guides
Frequently asked questions
How can I avoid pretexting?
Slow down, never act on urgency, and verify through official apps or websites you open yourself. Use the free checker if a message seems off.
What if I have already been affected?
Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.