Resident Nearly Loses $20K In Text Message Scam, Tewksbury Police Say

TEWKSBURY, MA — Police are warning residents to be cautious after a local resident nearly lost $20,000 in a text message scam.

The scammers were posing as Bank of America employees.

Here's the statement police released on social media:

A local resident recently lost nearly $20,000 after receiving a text message that appeared to be from Bank of America, asking if she had authorized a wire transfer. When she replied “NO”, scammers followed up by email and phone, impersonating bank employees and convincing her to withdraw money and deposit it into another account. This incident remains under investigation.

If you receive a suspicious message or call claiming to be from your bank:

• Do NOT reply to texts or click links.
• Hang up and call your bank directly using a known, official number.
• Never withdraw money or transfer funds based on a phone request.
• Trust your instincts—when in doubt, check with police or your bank first.

These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Stay alert and talk to your loved ones—especially seniors—about these tactics.