You've just received an unexpected package from Bank of America. Your mind probably races with questions: Is it legitimate? Is it a scam? What could it possibly be? Don't panic! While it's wise to be cautious, there are several legitimate reasons why Bank of America might send you a package. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the possibilities, step-by-step, to help you determine what's inside and what you should do next.
Why is Bank of America Sending Me a Package? A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Don't Open It Immediately! (Especially if you're suspicious)
First things first: take a deep breath. An unsolicited package, especially from a financial institution, can be alarming. Your immediate reaction might be to tear it open, but hold on! Before you do anything, observe the package carefully.
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Examine the exterior:
- Is the return address genuinely from Bank of America? Look for their official corporate address, not a random residential one.
- Is there a tracking number? If so, does it correspond to a legitimate shipping service like UPS, FedEx, or USPS?
- Does the packaging itself look professional, or does it seem hastily put together or generic? Scammers often use cheap packaging.
- Are there any typos, grammatical errors, or strange phrasing on the label? These are major red flags.
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Consider your recent interactions: Have you applied for a new product, closed an account, or made any significant changes recently? Sometimes, packages are a follow-up to these actions.
Step 2: Identify Common Legitimate Reasons for a Bank of America Package
Bank of America sends out various forms of mail, and some of them might come in a package or larger envelope rather than a standard letter. Here are the most common legitimate reasons:
- A New or Replacement Card: This is perhaps the most common reason for receiving a package from your bank. If you've recently opened a new account (credit card, debit card, ATM card), reported a card lost or stolen, or your existing card is expiring, Bank of America will mail you a new one. These often come in a plain, unmarked envelope for security purposes, but sometimes a small package.
- What to look for: The package will likely be thin and contain a card securely attached to a letter with activation instructions.
- Important Account Documents: Banks are legally obligated to send certain documents to customers. This could include:
- Annual statements: While many opt for e-statements, you might still receive physical statements, especially for less active accounts or if you haven't opted out.
- Tax documents (e.g., 1099-INT, 1098): These are sent annually for interest earned or mortgage interest paid, typically at the beginning of the year.
- Updated terms and conditions: Banks periodically update their account agreements, privacy policies, or service agreements. They often send these in a larger mailing.
- Notices about account changes: This could be about changes to fees, services, or even the closure of an inactive account.
- New Checkbook or Deposit Slips: If you ordered new checks or deposit slips, they usually arrive in a package.
- Promotional Materials for a New Product or Service You Applied For: While less common for "packages," if you applied for a specific product (e.g., a new type of investment account, a mortgage, or a business loan), they might send a welcome kit or information packet.
- Security Devices: In rare cases, if you've signed up for enhanced security measures (like a physical token for multi-factor authentication), they might mail you a device.
- Correspondence Related to a Loan or Mortgage: If you have a loan or mortgage with Bank of America, they might send documents related to your loan, statements, escrow information, or year-end summaries.
- Legal or Regulatory Notices: Less frequent, but sometimes banks send notices related to legal or regulatory matters that impact your account.
Step 3: Recognize Potential Scams and Red Flags
Unfortunately, scammers often impersonate banks to trick individuals into revealing personal information or money. Be extremely wary if the package exhibits any of the following:
- Unsolicited requests for personal information: Legitimate bank packages will never ask you to call a number and provide your full Social Security Number, PINs, or online banking passwords.
- A sense of urgency or threat: Scammers often try to create panic, stating that your account will be closed or you'll face penalties if you don't act immediately.
- Requests to send money or purchase gift cards: A bank will never ask you to send money to resolve an issue or to buy gift cards. This is a classic scam tactic.
- Poor grammar, spelling, or unprofessional design: Official bank correspondence is meticulously reviewed. Errors are a huge warning sign.
- Unusual or unexpected attachments/items: If the package contains something completely irrelevant to banking, like a small, cheap item you didn't order (known as a "brushing scam" to make you think you're receiving a product), it's highly suspicious.
- Requests to download software or grant remote access: No legitimate bank communication will ask you to install software or allow remote access to your computer or phone.
- Phone numbers that don't match official Bank of America numbers: Always cross-reference any phone numbers provided with those on the official Bank of America website or the back of your existing bank card.
Step 4: Verify the Package's Authenticity (Without Opening It if You're Unsure)
If you're still uncertain after your initial inspection, it's crucial to verify the package's legitimacy without potentially compromising your information.
- Contact Bank of America Directly: Do not use any phone numbers or websites provided in the suspicious package itself. Instead, find the official customer service number on:
- The back of your Bank of America debit or credit card.
- Your official bank statement (a physical one you know is legitimate, or one accessed securely online).
- The official Bank of America website (bankofamerica.com). Look for their "Contact Us" section.
- Explain the situation: When you call, tell them you received an unexpected package and want to verify its authenticity and purpose. Provide any tracking numbers or sender information you have.
- Check your online banking: Log into your Bank of America online banking account (again, only through the official website). Look for any alerts, messages, or recent activity that might explain the package.
Step 5: Decide How to Proceed
Once you've done your due diligence, you can confidently decide on your next action:
- If it's legitimate: Open the package carefully. Review the contents and follow any instructions provided (e.g., activating a new card). Keep important documents in a safe place.
- If it's a scam:
- Do NOT open the package: If you're confident it's a scam, it's often best not to open it at all.
- Report it:
- To Bank of America: Forward any suspicious emails or text messages related to the package to
abuse@bankofamerica.com. You can also call their fraud department (use the official number, not one from the suspicious package). - To the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS): If it arrived via mail, you can report mail fraud to the USPIS.
- To the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- To Bank of America: Forward any suspicious emails or text messages related to the package to
- Shred or dispose of it securely: If you have opened it and determined it's a scam, shred any documents containing personal information before discarding them.
By following these steps, you can protect yourself from potential fraud and ensure that any package you receive from Bank of America is handled appropriately.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to identify a legitimate Bank of America phone number?
The safest way is to always call the number on the back of your existing Bank of America debit or credit card, or find it on their official website (bankofamerica.com) under their "Contact Us" section. Do not trust numbers provided in unsolicited calls, emails, or packages.
How to report a suspicious email claiming to be from Bank of America?
Forward the suspicious email directly to abuse@bankofamerica.com. Do not click on any links within the email or reply to it.
How to report a suspicious text message claiming to be from Bank of America?
Forward the suspicious text message to abuse@bankofamerica.com. You can also forward it to your cell phone provider at 7726 (which spells SPAM) to help report spam messages.
How to tell if a Bank of America package is a "brushing scam"?
A brushing scam is when you receive an unsolicited package, often with a cheap, lightweight item you didn't order. The purpose is usually to create a fake online review or confirm a shipping address for future fraudulent activities. If the package contains something completely random and you haven't ordered anything, be wary.
How to secure my Bank of America online banking account?
Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication (if available), monitor your account regularly for unusual activity, and be cautious about clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
How to check my Bank of America account for unusual activity?
Regularly log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app to review your transaction history. You can also set up account alerts for various activities, such as large transactions or international purchases.
How to activate a new Bank of America debit or credit card?
Instructions are typically included with your new card. This usually involves calling a specific activation number or activating it through your online banking account. Never activate a card using a link from an email or text message.
How to update my contact information with Bank of America?
You can update your contact information (address, phone number, email) by logging into your Bank of America online banking account, visiting a local branch, or calling their official customer service line.
How to access Bank of America's official security center?
Visit the official Bank of America website (bankofamerica.com) and look for a link to their "Security Center" or "Privacy & Security" section. This page provides valuable information on fraud prevention and how to report suspicious activity.
How to ensure I'm on the legitimate Bank of America website?
Always type bankofamerica.com directly into your browser's address bar or use a trusted bookmark. Look for "https://" at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in your browser's address bar, indicating a secure connection. Be wary of subtle misspellings in the URL.
