Be Aware of the *72 Scam

A new scam is increasingly being used by fraudsters. We’re here to help you avoid being a victim and keep your accounts safe.

How it works:

  • Someone claiming to be from KeyBank calls you about an urgent problem with your account.
  • They then tell you to hang up and dial *72 plus a 10-digit number to secure your account.
  • *72 is the telephone code for forwarding your calls to a different phone number. If you follow their instructions, all your calls will be forwarded to the fraudster’s phone number.
  • The fraudster can then intercept your calls to receive information such as your username, password, and any 6-digit authentication codes.
  • They then use this information to access your financial accounts and make transactions.

What to do:

  • Never follow instructions to enter *72 plus a phone number from an unexpected caller.
  • Be skeptical of any unexpected calls claiming to be from KeyBank.
  • If the call is the slightest bit suspicious, hang up and call a known KeyBank phone number to verify. Call your banker, your local branch, or a number on our website like 1-800-KEY2YOU®. You can also call our Fraud Hotline at 1-800-433-0124. For clients using a TDD/TYY device, please call 1-800-539-8336.
  • Don’t give the caller any information or perform any action they ask.
  • If you’ve already fallen victim to this *72 scam, you can disable the call forwarding by entering *73.

Learn more about how we protect client information from fraud and theft at key.com/consumer-security.

This material is presented for informational purposes only and should not be construed as individual advice.

KeyBank does not provide legal advice.