“PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” Text Message Scam
Written by: Stelian
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If you are a PNC customer, you may have received a text message claiming that you have a pending transaction that needs your approval or decline. But before you respond or click on any links, be aware that this is a phishing scam that aims to steal your personal and financial information. In this article, we will explain what this scam is, how it works, and what to do if you have fallen victim to it.
What is the “PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” text message scam?
The “PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” Text Message Scam is a type of phishing, which is an attempt by fraudsters to impersonate a trusted company or individual and trick you into revealing your sensitive data, such as your account number, password, PIN, or Social Security number. The scammers send you a text message that appears to be from PNC, using a spoofed phone number or sender name. The message claims that you have a transaction in pending status and asks you to call an 888 number or follow a link to approve or decline it. The message may also create a sense of urgency or threaten you with consequences if you do not act quickly.
Here is how the “PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” Text Message scam looks like:
([PNC]You have one transaction in pending 8482449933 – ID1005) Reach us to approve/decline
How does the “PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” text message scam work?
If you call the scam number or click on the link provided in the text message, you will be connected to a fake customer service representative or a fraudulent website that looks like PNC’s official site. The scammers will then ask you to verify your identity by providing your personal or account-related information, such as your name, address, date of birth, account number, password, PIN, or Social Security number. They may also ask you to confirm some transactions or authorize some transfers. By doing so, they will gain access to your account and be able to steal your money or identity.
What to do if you have fallen victim to the “PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” text message scam?
If you suspect that you have responded to a fraudulent text message and disclosed your personal or account-related information, you should take the following steps as soon as possible:
Change your PNC online and mobile banking username and password.
Contact PNC directly at 888-PNC-BANK (888-762-2265) or stop by your local branch and report the incident.
Review your financial statements and online transaction activity for any unauthorized charges or transfers.
Check your credit report for any suspicious activity and place a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit profile.
Report the scam to PNC Abuse (abuse@pnc.com) by forwarding the text message or taking a screenshot of it.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard : Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Scan your device for malware. If you suspect your device is infected with malware, you can run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.
Final Thoughts
The “PNC Transaction Pending Approve/Device” text message scam is one of the many phishing attempts that target consumers through their mobile phones. To avoid falling for such scams, you should always be wary of unexpected texts or emails that ask you to provide personal or financial information or follow links. You should also verify the source of any communication before responding or clicking on anything. Remember that PNC will never ask you to click on a link from a text message or request your user ID and password over the phone. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a text message or an email from PNC, contact them directly using their official website or phone number.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
