Scam category

Robocall scams

Robocall scams use automated dialers to reach millions of numbers per day at near-zero cost. The most common variants claim your car warranty is expiring, your Social Security number has been suspended, or your bank account has been compromised. These calls are designed to transfer you to a live operator who extracts payment or personal information.

10 scams trackedAll categories

Category activity

“robocall”

↑ 126%

Watch for

  • A pre-recorded message creates urgency and asks you to press a number or stay on the line.
  • The caller ID appears to be from your area code or a government agency but the call is unsolicited.
  • The live operator asks for your Social Security number, credit card, or bank account to resolve the issue.

Common searches

auto warranty robocallsocial security suspension callrobocall scamspam call scam

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Live reports from government agencies, cybersecurity researchers, and consumer watchdogs that match robocall scams.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

extended car warranty robocall scam

An automated call claims your vehicle's warranty is about to expire and urges you to call back or press a number to renew, leading to a high-pressure sale for a worthless or overpriced service contract.

What to do first

Hang up — do not press any number or call back.

Targets

Phone users

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

Social Security number suspended robocall scam

An automated call claims your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity and threatens legal action unless you call back and provide personal information.

What to do first

Hang up — the SSA does not suspend Social Security numbers, and this message is always a scam.

Targets

Phone users

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

Chinese embassy robocall scam

An automated call in Mandarin claims to be from the Chinese embassy or consulate, stating the recipient has an important document or is involved in a legal matter requiring immediate action and payment.

What to do first

Hang up — the Chinese embassy does not contact citizens through pre-recorded phone calls demanding money.

Targets

Non-English speakers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

credit card interest rate reduction robocall scam

An automated call claims you qualify for a significantly lower credit card interest rate and connects you to a 'specialist' who charges upfront fees for a service that does nothing.

What to do first

Hang up — you can call your credit card company directly to request a lower rate at no cost.

Targets

Consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

health insurance enrollment robocall scam

A robocall claims to be from a health insurance marketplace and pressures you to enroll in a plan immediately, collecting your personal and financial data for identity theft.

What to do first

Enroll in health insurance only through healthcare.gov or your state's official marketplace.

Targets

Consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

free medical brace robocall scam

A robocall offers a free knee brace, back brace, or other medical device covered by Medicare, then collects your Medicare number and personal information for fraudulent billing.

What to do first

Never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers.

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

vacation package robocall scam

A robocall congratulates you on winning a free vacation or cruise and asks you to pay taxes, fees, or a deposit to claim it — the vacation either does not exist or comes with extreme restrictions.

What to do first

Hang up — legitimate vacations are not awarded through unsolicited phone calls.

Targets

Consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

debt relief offer robocall scam

A robocall promises to reduce or eliminate your credit card or personal debt, then charges large upfront fees and does little or nothing to actually help with your debt.

What to do first

Hang up — legitimate debt relief companies cannot charge fees before settling or reducing your debt under FTC rules.

Targets

Consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

student loan forgiveness robocall scam

A robocall claims you qualify for immediate student loan forgiveness or reduction and asks for personal details and an upfront fee to process an application you could file yourself for free.

What to do first

Hang up — apply for federal student loan programs only through studentaid.gov.

Targets

Consumers

Seen in

U.S.

Robocall scams
↑ 3%

AI voice bot conversation scam

An advanced AI-powered voice bot conducts a natural-sounding phone conversation to extract personal information, verify your identity, or trick you into confirming fraudulent transactions.

What to do first

Be cautious about confirming personal information or saying 'yes' to unknown callers.

Targets

Phone users

Seen in

U.S.

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