06/09/2026
FVB Customers! There is a new phone call scam that is going around to try to steal your information. Please read the following information so you are aware and can protect your information!
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Please be aware of an emerging scam tactic being used to steal customers' information:
The “*21*” scam is a type of phone fraud where a scammer tricks customers into entering a code that forwards all incoming calls and text messages to the scammer’s device. This also allows the scammer to intercept one-time passwords (OTPs) and other sensitive information to gain access to customers’ financial and online accounts.
The scammers often call pretending to be financial institution representatives or another trusted company and ask the customer to dial a code like one of the following saying it will "secure" the account.
AT&T / T‑Mobile: *21* + destination number + # to enable;
Verizon: *72 + destination number + # to enable;
US Cellular: *72 or *73 + destination number + # to enable.
How the scam works:
1. The fraudster contacts the customer, often by impersonating a legitimate entity like their bank, phone provider, or a company they’ve ordered from.
2. They create a sense of urgency by claiming a problem with the account, a fake missed package, or fraudulent activity.
3. The scammer provides instructions for a supposed "fix." Telling the customer to dial a code like one of the above and 10-digit number, the fraudsters phone number.
4. The code forwards your calls and text messages to the fraudster.
5. The swindler hijacks the customers’ accounts. They then use their access to the customers’ calls and texts to defeat financial institutions calling customers to verify transactions / checks, and initiate password resets on the accounts. They can intercept the OTPs or two-factor authentication codes sent to customers’ phones, giving them control of bank, social media, or other online accounts.
Deactivating call forwarding varies by carrier.
