Many online services use micro-deposits to verify ownership of a bank account. It's a legitimate process that helps securely connect accounts. But scammers have found ways to exploit confusion around these tiny transactions-and in some cases, use them to steal money or sensitive information.
What Is a Micro-Deposit?
A micro-deposit is a very small deposit—usually less than a dollar and often just a penny or two.
Many financial services use micro-deposits to verify bank account ownership. For example, when you connect a checking account to a payment app, investment account, or budgeting tool, the company may send one or two small deposits and ask you to confirm the amounts. This helps prove that you have access to the account.
Depending on the service, those funds may remain in the account or be offset by a corresponding withdrawal.
Many legitimate financial services use this process, and on its own, receiving a small deposit is not necessarily a cause for concern.
How Micro-Deposit Scams Work
Micro-deposit scams typically begin when a scammer gains access to your account number and routing number.
The scammer attempts to link your account to an external payment platform and initiates the micro-deposit verification process. They may then contact you pretending to be from your financial institution, a payment app, or even a government agency.
And, here's the trick: The scammer asks you to share the exact micro-deposit amounts that appeared in your account. They may claim they need the information to verify your identity, stop fraud, reverse a transaction, or protect your account.
If you provide those amounts, you may unknowingly help the scammer complete the verification process and gain access to your account to transfer money.
Micro-deposit scams work because most people don't think twice about tiny deposits, but those deposit amounts function much like a verification code. They're designed to prove ownership of the account.
Once a scammer has those numbers, they may be able to take over the account and initiate unauthorized transfers.
Micro-Deposit Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if anyone contacts you about micro-deposits for an account connection you did not initiate-even if they claim to be from your financial institution or a government agency. This type of spoofing is a common red flag-especially if the caller pressures you to act immediately.
If you are legitimately linking an account to a financial service, the verification process should be expected and initiated by you. In most cases, legitimate companies will ask you to enter the micro-deposit amounts directly into a secure website or app-not share them with someone over the phone, by text, or by email.
And remember, Maps employees will not initiate a call or email asking you to share deposit amounts or move money to “protect” your account.
How to Protect Yourself
The best defense against micro-deposits and other account takeover tactics is understanding how account verification works. Keep an eye on your accounts and treat micro-deposits the same way you would treat a one-time verification code.
If you see micro-deposits in your account and don’t recognize them:
1. Review your recent account activity.
2. Check whether you’ve recently linked your account to a new service.
3. Contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.
4. Monitor your account for unauthorized transfers.
5. Consider changing online banking credentials if you suspect account compromise.
Most importantly, do not share the deposit amounts with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
If you ever notice unfamiliar account activity or receive a request that doesn't seem right, contact your financial institution directly before taking action. And remember: Maps employees will never ask you to provide verification codes, passwords, PINs, or security credentials via unsolicited calls or text messages. If something feels suspicious, hang up and contact us directly.