"Your money is in danger. Move it now."

Nobody legitimate will ever tell you to move or withdraw your savings to "protect" it. Hang up and call your real bank at a number you already have.

If this is happening to you right now

The FTC says many of these scams start with a call or message about something supposedly wrong, such as suspicious activity on an Amazon account or unauthorized charges on a bank account.
The caller says your money is at risk, and may even say you are linked to money laundering or drug smuggling, but that they can help.
They tell you to withdraw cash from your bank, investment or retirement accounts and deposit it in a specific Bitcoin ATM, send it to a new account, or hand cash or gold to a courier. They may tell you to keep it secret.
The FTC's 2025 data spotlight found that people 60+ filing reports of losses of $10,000 or more to business and government imposters rose from 1,790 reports in 2020 to 8,269 in 2024 (all report counts, not a count of everyone affected).

An unexpected call saying your accounts are compromised.
Instructions to withdraw cash, buy gold, or use a Bitcoin ATM.
A QR code to scan at a Bitcoin ATM. The FTC says only a scammer will give you one to "help" you deposit your savings.
Someone sent to your home to pick up money or valuables.
"Don't tell anyone, even the bank."

Never move or transfer money to "protect" it. The FTC says your money is fine where it is.
Hang up. Call your real bank, broker or advisor using the number on your statement, not the number the caller gave.
There is no government Bitcoin account, digital wallet or "Bitcoin federal safety locker" (FTC).
Tell someone you trust before you act. Secrecy is part of the trap.

Your bank or investment company (right away, especially if you moved money): Call the number on your statement
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
FBI IC3: ic3.gov
National Elder Fraud Hotline (age 60+): 833-372-8311

My bank's number shows on caller ID. Is it real?

The FTC says do not trust caller ID because it can be faked. Hang up and call the number on your statement or card.

Can a Bitcoin ATM protect my money?

The FTC says no. Neither Bitcoin nor the ATM will protect your money, and no cryptocurrency will.

Last verified: October 17, 2026. We link to the original public pages. Hotline hours and agency advice can change; check the linked page.