Imposter Scams: How to Spot the Warning Signs and Protect Yourself

“We’re calling from the fraud department. Please provide the security code we just texted you.”

“This is the IRS. You owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid penalties.”

“Grandma, it’s me. I’ve been in an accident and need money right away.”

Scammers are experts at pretending to be someone they’re not. They may pose as a government agency, your bank, a trusted company, a family member, or even a romantic interest to steal your money or personal information. In fact, imposter scams have remained the most commonly reported type of fraud for nine consecutive years, with more than $3.5 billion in losses in 2025 alone according to the FTC.

What Is an Imposter Scam?

An imposter scam occurs when a fraudster pretends to be someone you know or trust. Their goal is to create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement that pressures you into sending money, sharing personal information, or clicking a malicious link.

Common Imposter Scams to Watch For:

• Bank Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as your bank and claim there’s suspicious activity on your account. They may ask for login credentials or tell you to move money to a “safe” account.
• Government Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be government agencies, claiming you owe taxes, unpaid tolls, or other fees that require immediate payment.
• Utility Company Scams: Scammers claim your gas, electric, water, or internet service will be disconnected unless you make an immediate payment.
• Package Delivery Scams: Messages appear to come from shipping companies and ask you to click a link, provide personal information, or pay a fee to receive a package.
• Tech Support Scams: Someone claiming to be from a well-known technology company contacts you about a supposed virus or security issue and asks for remote access to your device or payment for repairs.
• Grandparent or Family Emergency Scams: A scammer impersonates a loved one in distress and urgently requests money for an emergency, often asking you to keep it a secret.
• Romance Scams: Scammers build trust through online relationships before asking for money or promoting fraudulent investment opportunities.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Pause before responding to unexpected requests.
• Verify the caller or sender by contacting the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.
• Never click links or call phone numbers provided in suspicious messages.
• Never share passwords, verification codes, or Online Banking credentials.
• Discuss unusual requests with a trusted family member or friend before taking action.
• Keep security software and devices updated.
• Be especially cautious when payment is requested through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.

Older Adults Are Frequently Targeted.

While anyone can become a victim of an imposter scam, older adults are often targeted because scammers believe they may have accumulated savings, maintain strong credit, and be more likely to trust someone who appears to be an authority figure. Criminals frequently use tactics involving Medicare, Social Security, grandchild emergencies, tech support, or fraud alerts to create urgency and pressure victims into acting quickly.

If you have older family members, take time to discuss common scam tactics and encourage them to pause before responding to unexpected calls, texts, or emails. A simple conversation can make a significant difference. Remind them to verify requests independently, never share personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts, and consult a trusted family member or friend if something doesn’t seem right.

Remember: Legitimate organizations won’t demand immediate payment, ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency, or pressure you to keep a request secret. When in doubt, stop, verify, and ask for help.

TruNorth Bank is here to help!

We’re committed to helping you recognize fraud and protect your personal and financial information. If you ever suspect a scam or notice unusual account activity, contact Customer Care immediately at 855.527.4111. Looking to go a step further to protect yourself and your loved ones? We’ve partnered with Equifax to offer ID Watchdog^®, award-winning identity theft protection. Contact Customer Care or visit an office to learn more and enroll today!

For more fraud prevention tips and resources, visit our Fraud Prevention Center or stop by your local office. Staying informed is one of the best defenses against fraud.