If you get a message about your account and something doesn’t feel right, pay attention to that instinct.
Imposter scams are designed to look real and create urgency. Scammers may pretend to be Numerica, a payment service, or even someone you know. Their goal is to get you to act quickly before you have time to verify what’s actually happening.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize these scams, what they’re trying to get you to do, and how to protect yourself.
Why these scams work
Most scams don’t look like scams.
Scammers copy logos, phone numbers, email styles, and familiar language to make their messages feel real. They may even reference real payment apps, debit card transactions, or your credit union. Then they create urgency.
Scammers often:
- Pose as your credit union or a known company
- Reference real tools or card transactions
- Use familiar language, logos, and timing
Then they push you to act.
They might say:
- Your account has suspicious activity
- A payment needs to be verified
- Your account will be locked
- You need to act immediately to stop fraud
Their goal is to get you to:
- Click a link to “log in”
- Share a one-time passcode
- Confirm account or card details
- Send money to “reverse” a transaction
Once that happens, they have what they need.
What imposter scams usually look like
There’s no single script, but the pattern is consistent.
It starts with something unexpected:
- A text, email, or phone call
Then urgency:
- “Did you approve this transaction?”
- “Your account will be locked”
Then a next step:
- Click a link
- Share a code
- Confirm your information
That’s the moment to pause.
What we're seeing right now
These scams change often, but a few show up again and again.
- A text that looks like it’s from your credit union asking you to verify a charge
- A follow-up call offering to “help” resolve the issue
- A message about a payment through Zelle that you didn’t make
- Someone walks you through steps that end with them accessing your account
- A delivery notice asking you to “reschedule” a package
Someone pretending to be Numerica
You receive a text or phone call asking you to verify a transaction or log in to your account. The message may include our name, logo, or even appear to come from one of our phone numbers.
If you're unsure, hang up and call us directly at 800.433.1837.
Digital wallet phishing scams
You receive a text about a suspicious transaction and are asked to reply "Yes" or "No," or call a phone number for help stopping the fraud or getting a refund.
The message may look like a legitimate fraud alert, but responding connects you with a scammer instead of your financial institution. They may ask for personal information, one-time passcodes, or walk you through steps that give them access to your account or digital wallet.
If you're ever unsure whether a fraud alert is legitimate, don't use the phone number or links in the message. Instead, call Numerica directly at 800.433.1837 or use the number on the back of your card.
Fake Zelle fraud alerts
You receive a text asking if you authorized a payment. When you respond "No," you're connected with someone claiming they'll help reverse the transaction.
Instead, they're trying to gain access to your account.
Government impersonation
Scammers may pretend to be the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or another government agency. They claim there's a problem with your benefits, taxes, or identity and ask for personal or financial information.
Delivery scams
You receive a text saying a package couldn't be delivered or needs to be rescheduled, even though you weren't expecting one. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your information.
Gift card and cryptocurrency scams
Scammers often ask for payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency because the money is difficult to recover once it's sent.
They may pretend to be a government agency, a business, a family member, or even a fraud investigator trying to "protect" your money. They often create a sense of urgency and tell you to act immediately.
A legitimate business, government agency, or financial institution will never ask you to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency to resolve a problem or protect your account. If someone does, it's a scam.
If anyone pressures you to send money using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a payment app, stop and verify the request before taking another step.
AI voice scams
Artificial intelligence has made some scams even more convincing. A scammer may use AI to imitate the voice of a family member or send messages that sound like someone you know. If something feels unusual, verify it another way before taking action.
Vendor impersonation scams
Scammers don't always pretend to be your financial institution. Sometimes they pose as a company you already do business with.
They may gain access to a legitimate vendor's email account and send updated payment instructions. They might ask you to switch from ACH to a wire transfer or send payment to a new bank account.
If a vendor unexpectedly asks you to change payment methods or banking information, don't rely on the contact information in the email. Instead, verify the request using a phone number or contact you already know.
AI scams are increasing
Some scams are harder to spot because they feel personal.
You might get:
- A call that sounds like a family member asking for help
- A voicemail that uses a familiar voice
- A message that matches how someone you know normally writes
These can be created using AI tools that mimic voices or writing styles.
If the situation feels urgent or unusual, slow it down and verify another way.
What to do when something feels off
You don’t need to figure it out immediately.
- Slow it down
- Don’t click the link
- Don’t respond to the message
Instead, contact Numerica directly using a number you trust.
Call 800.433.1837 or use the number on the back of your card.
A quick check can prevent a much bigger issue.
If you already responded
It happens. Acting quickly can still protect you.
- Call Numerica as soon as possible
- Change your passwords
- Review your recent transactions
From there, we can help you take next steps. That may include placing a fraud alert or monitoring your credit.
You can also report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov to help prevent others from being affected.
A few habits that can make a difference
Most scams rely on catching you off guard. Small habits help you stay in control.
- Be cautious with unexpected messages, even if they look familiar
- Use multi-factor authentication when it’s available
- Verify requests before sending money or information
You don’t need to recognize every scam. You just need a way to slow things down.
We're here to help
If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct.
Call 800.433.1837, visit a branch, or reach out in a way that works for you.
We don’t judge, we partner. We’re here to help you protect what you’ve worked hard for.
Updated 2026
Written by Numerica’s fraud and security team
