How to recognize scams before they reach your account
Phishing scams are getting harder to spot and more convincing than ever.
They used to be easy to catch. Obvious typos. Strange email addresses. Messages that just didn’t feel right.
Now, they often look like they’re coming from brands you trust. A text about a suspicious charge. A message saying your account is locked. Even a phone call asking you to confirm recent activity.
It can feel real. That’s the point.
You may receive real fraud alerts
Financial institutions, including Numerica, may send text messages if there’s unusual activity on your card.
These alerts are meant to help you quickly confirm a transaction and protect your account.
They are simple and direct. Most ask you to reply YES or NO to confirm activity.
Find out more about Numerica's fraud text alerts
How to recognize a real Numerica fraud text alert
Numerica fraud text alerts follow a consistent pattern:
- They reference a specific transaction (amount, merchant, last 4 digits)
- They ask you to reply YES or NO
- They do not include links
- They do not ask for passwords, passcodes, or account details
If a message asks you to click a link, log in, or share sensitive information, it is not a Numerica fraud alert.
How phishing scams work
Most phishing attempts follow a simple pattern:
- You get a message about a problem
- It creates a sense of urgency
- It asks you to click a link, call a number, or share information
That moment – when you’re reacting quickly – is what scammers are counting on.
What this looks like in real life
You might see messages like:
- “Unusual activity detected. Tap to verify.”
- “Your account is locked. Log in to restore access.”
- “Suspicious charges. Call now to review.”
These messages are designed to look legitimate. Even careful people get caught. Scams like these are often part of larger imposter scams designed to trick you into acting quickly.
A quick way to stay safe
If you receive a message about your account, pause before taking action.
Instead of clicking a link or calling a number in the message, go directly to a trusted source:
A few extra seconds can make all the difference.
A reminder from Numerica
We will never:
- Ask for your passcodes or login information
- Ask you to move money to “protect” your account
- Send links asking you to verify personal or account details
If you receive a message like that, it’s not from us.
