Banesco USA has warned customers that requests to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency can be part of a bank-impersonation scam. Its April 11, 2025 guidance says the bank will not request those payment methods to settle a dispute, unlock an account or resolve a purported problem.

The bank describes scammers who pressure victims to buy gift cards and then disclose their redemption codes by phone, email or a deceptive website. Similar impersonation attempts can arrive through text messages and social media, aimed at both individuals and business owners.

Banesco also says it will not ask customers to reveal their password or PIN in an email, call or text. It distinguishes verification through its secure channels from a caller creating a false emergency and demanding credentials.

A request to transfer money to protect an account is another scenario covered in the guidance. The bank urges customers to stop an unexpected conversation and contact a branch directly instead of following instructions to move funds or act under pressure.

Other warnings concern remote access and payment-card information. Banesco says customers should not install unfamiliar software or grant device access at an unsolicited caller's request, and should not send full card numbers or CVV codes through unverified messages or websites.

The bank says social media is used for general inquiries and updates, not private requests for account access, payment verification or sensitive identification details. It recommends verifying unusual messages through its official channels and reporting suspicious contacts.