Platform page
Phone call scams
Phone scam searches usually happen after a high-pressure call. Voice clone fraud, parent panic scams, and urgent verification calls all rely on speed and emotional reaction.
Common searches
Watch for
- The caller rushes you before you can verify the identity independently.
- A second person or fake background story tries to confirm the urgency.
- The solution always leads toward money, codes, or secrecy.
AI voice clone family emergency scam
A caller sounds exactly like a family member in distress and pressures the victim to send money immediately before verifying the story.
Hang up and call the family member back directly using a known number.
Parents
U.S.
AI school injury parent call scam
A caller with a child's cloned voice says there has been a school injury and demands immediate payment before the parent verifies the story.
Call the school or student directly using a known number before taking any action.
Parents
U.S.
Fake lawyer court date payment call
A caller pretending to be a lawyer uses cloned voices and legal jargon to say you missed a court date and need to pay immediately to avoid arrest.
End the call and contact the court through its public website or number.
Older adults
U.S.
AI hospital billing emergency call scam
A caller claiming to be hospital staff uses synthetic voice cues and background noise to pressure a family into paying for urgent treatment.
Contact the hospital through its official number and verify the patient before paying.
Families
U.S.
AI police bail demand scam
A victim hears a distressed relative followed by a fake officer who demands bail money through wire transfer or gift cards.
Call the relative or local precinct directly using a public number.
Grandparents
U.S.
Airline rebooking payment call scam
A traveler searching for support reaches a fake airline agent who charges rebooking or seat-protection fees over the phone.
Use the airline app or official number from your itinerary.
Travelers
Global
Hotel card verification call scam
A guest receives a room phone call or message saying the front desk needs card details again because the first authorization failed.
Walk to the front desk in person before giving any payment information.
Hotel guests
Global
Cruise upgrade payment scam
A caller says your cruise cabin upgrade or onboard credit is ready but must be paid or confirmed immediately.
Call the cruise line using the number on your booking documents.
Cruise travelers
Global
One-time passcode support call scam
A fake support agent says they are stopping suspicious activity and needs the latest one-time passcode to secure the account.
Never read one-time codes to inbound callers.
Bank users
Global
Jury duty arrest payment scam
A caller says you missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately to avoid arrest.
Call the court using its official public number before doing anything.
Older adults
U.S.
Immigration case payment scam
A fake immigration officer says there is a problem with your file and demands immediate payment or documents.
Contact the immigration agency through its official website or lawyer.
Immigrants
U.S.
Social security freeze scam
A caller or message says your identity or benefits are frozen and must be reactivated through immediate verification.
Do not share identity data until you contact the agency directly.
Retirees
U.S.
Census or survey data harvest scam
A fake government survey or census call collects identity, household, or banking data under the banner of compliance.
Verify the survey through the agency website before participating.
Households
Global
SSN update call scam
A caller claims your national ID needs urgent re-validation because it was linked to suspicious activity.
Hang up and contact the official agency yourself.
Older adults
U.S.
Tax warrant crypto payment scam
A caller says a tax warrant or filing violation will trigger arrest unless the victim pays immediately in crypto or gift cards.
End the call and contact the tax authority from its official website or mailed notice.
Households
U.S.
cold call tech support scam
Scammers call victims unprompted, claiming to be from a major tech company, and warn of a fictitious security issue to gain remote access or extract payment.
Hang up immediately as legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited support calls
Older adults
U.S.
remote access exploitation tech support scam
Scammers convince victims to install remote access software under the guise of tech support, then use it to steal banking credentials, files, and personal data.
Never install remote access software at the request of someone who contacted you unsolicited
Older adults
Global
Microsoft impersonator tech support scam
Scammers impersonate Microsoft support via calls, emails, or popups, claiming your Windows license or account is compromised and demanding payment or remote access.
Microsoft never makes unsolicited tech support calls or sends unsolicited security warnings with phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
Apple impersonator tech support scam
Scammers pose as Apple Support via calls or emails, claiming your Apple ID is compromised or your iCloud account has been breached, to steal credentials or money.
Apple never calls you unsolicited to ask for your password or verification codes
Apple users
U.S.
tech support refund overpayment scam
Scammers claim you are owed a refund for a tech support subscription, then pretend to accidentally deposit too much and ask you to return the difference.
Never allow remote access to process a refund as legitimate companies do not operate this way
Older adults
U.S.
Publishers Clearing House impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate Publishers Clearing House, telling victims they have won a major prize but must pay fees or buy gift cards to receive it.
Publishers Clearing House never requires payment to claim a prize and their prize patrol visits without prior notice
Older adults
U.S.
scratch card guaranteed winner scam
Scammers distribute fake scratch cards through mail or in person that always show a winning prize, then direct victims to call a number and pay fees to collect.
Be suspicious of any scratch card received unsolicited that shows you as a winner
Older adults
U.S.
free vacation prize scam
Victims are told they won a free vacation but must attend a high-pressure timeshare presentation or pay resort fees, taxes, and hidden charges that negate any value.
Research the company thoroughly through the BBB and consumer review sites before agreeing to anything
Older adults
U.S.
car winner notification scam
Victims receive a call, email, or letter claiming they won a new car but must pay taxes, registration fees, or delivery charges before receiving it.
Legitimate car giveaways handle tax obligations as part of the prize and never require upfront payment
Older adults
U.S.
veteran and military charity scam
Fraudulent organizations use names similar to legitimate veteran charities to solicit donations, with most or all funds going to the operators rather than veterans.
Verify veteran charities on Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before donating
Donors
U.S.
holiday season giving scam
Scammers exploit the generosity of the holiday season with fake charitable appeals, pop-up organizations, and impersonation of well-known charities to steal donations.
Take time to research any charity before donating, even during the holidays
Donors
U.S.
magazine subscription scam
Callers claim to represent a publisher and sign victims up for magazine subscriptions they never ordered, then send aggressive collection notices.
Never provide payment information to unsolicited callers.
Older adults
U.S.
fake debt collector call scam
A caller impersonates a debt collector and pressures the victim to pay a debt that either does not exist or is not legitimately owed to the caller.
Request a written debt validation letter — legitimate collectors are required to provide one under the FDCPA.
People with debt
U.S.
phantom debt collection scam
A scammer demands payment for a debt that never existed, often citing fabricated account numbers and threatening legal consequences.
Pull your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com to verify any claimed debt.
People with debt
U.S.
lawsuit threat debt collection scam
A scammer claims to be a lawyer or process server and says a lawsuit has been filed over an unpaid debt, demanding immediate payment to avoid court.
Ask for the attorney's bar number and verify it with your state bar association.
People with debt
U.S.
wage garnishment threat debt scam
A scammer threatens to garnish the victim's wages through their employer unless a debt — often fabricated — is paid immediately.
Know that real wage garnishment requires a court order — you would be notified in writing.
Employed adults
U.S.
medical debt collection scam
A scammer calls claiming to collect on a medical bill and pressures quick payment, exploiting the complexity and confusion of real medical billing.
Contact the healthcare provider's billing department directly to verify any outstanding balance.
People with debt
U.S.
jail threat debt collection scam
A scammer threatens the victim with arrest and imprisonment for an unpaid debt, a practice that is illegal under federal law.
Know that you cannot be jailed for unpaid consumer debt in the United States.
People with debt
U.S.
zombie debt collection scam
A collector attempts to revive and collect on an old debt that has passed the statute of limitations, tricking the victim into restarting the clock.
Check your state's statute of limitations on debt before acknowledging any claim.
People with debt
U.S.
spousal debt claim scam
A scammer contacts someone claiming they are legally responsible for their spouse's or partner's debt, demanding payment under false pretenses.
Know your state's community property vs. common law rules for marital debt.
Married couples
U.S.
fake health insurance plan scam
Scammers sell fraudulent health insurance plans that collect premiums but deny or fail to pay claims when the policyholder needs coverage.
Verify any health plan through your state's Department of Insurance.
Uninsured adults
U.S.
ACA marketplace impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate healthcare.gov or state marketplace representatives during open enrollment to harvest personal and financial information.
The official marketplace will never cold-call asking for payment or SSN.
Uninsured adults
U.S.
home warranty scam
A telemarketer sells a home warranty that charges premiums but routinely denies claims, has extensive hidden exclusions, or disappears when service is needed.
Research the company's complaint history on the BBB and your state attorney general's website.
Homeowners
U.S.
flood insurance scam
After a natural disaster, scammers pose as FEMA or NFIP representatives and sell fake flood insurance policies or charge fees for free disaster assistance.
FEMA does not charge for disaster assistance — any request for payment is a scam.
Homeowners
U.S.
life insurance scam
Scammers sell fake life insurance policies, often targeting seniors, collecting premiums for coverage that does not exist with any legitimate insurer.
Verify the agent's license and the insurance company through your state insurance department.
Seniors
U.S.
power company disconnection threat scam
Scammers call or text pretending to be your electric utility, claiming your power will be shut off within hours unless you pay immediately via gift card or wire transfer.
Hang up and call your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website
Homeowners
U.S.
smart meter upgrade scam
Scammers contact homeowners claiming they need to pay for a mandatory smart meter upgrade or risk losing service, when in reality utility-provided meter upgrades are free.
Contact your utility directly to ask about any meter upgrade programs — legitimate upgrades are provided and installed at no cost
Homeowners
U.S.
utility overpayment refund scam
Scammers call claiming you overpaid your utility bill and need to provide bank details or remote computer access so they can process your refund, then drain your account.
Hang up and call your utility company directly — legitimate overpayments are credited to your next bill automatically
Homeowners
U.S.
broadband internet service scam
Fraudsters impersonate internet service providers, calling to offer fake discounts, upgrades, or to fix non-existent connection problems, then steal payment or personal information.
Hang up on unsolicited ISP calls and contact your provider directly using the number on your bill
Homeowners
U.S.
Biden student loan forgiveness impersonator scam
Scammers exploit confusion around changing federal student loan forgiveness policies by impersonating the Department of Education and offering fake forgiveness enrollment for a fee.
Verify all student loan policy changes at StudentAid.gov — the government will never call asking for payment to enroll in forgiveness
Borrowers
U.S.
student loan settlement scam
Fraudsters promise to negotiate your student loan balance down to a fraction of what you owe, collect upfront fees, and either do nothing or put your loans into default.
Understand that federal student loans generally cannot be settled for less than owed — legitimate options are forgiveness and repayment plans
Borrowers
U.S.
Department of Education impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Department of Education officials claiming you are eligible for special programs, legal settlements, or owe back payments, then steal money or personal data.
Know that the Department of Education will never call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest
Borrowers
U.S.
student loan relief robocall scam
Automated robocalls promise student loan relief, reduction, or forgiveness, then transfer victims to live operators who collect fees and personal information.
Hang up on any robocall about student loans — the federal government does not make unsolicited calls about loan programs
Borrowers
U.S.
Medicare card replacement scam
Scammers call Medicare beneficiaries claiming they need a new Medicare card and requesting their Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank details to process the replacement.
Know that Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for your Medicare number or personal information
Seniors
U.S.
Medicare open enrollment impersonator scam
During Medicare open enrollment periods, scammers pose as insurance agents or Medicare representatives to switch beneficiaries to plans that pay the scammer higher commissions but offer worse coverage.
Compare plans yourself using the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for free help
Seniors
U.S.
durable medical equipment Medicare scam
Scammers contact Medicare beneficiaries offering free back braces, knee braces, or wheelchairs, then bill Medicare for expensive equipment the patient does not need.
Only obtain durable medical equipment through a prescription from your treating physician
Seniors
U.S.
Medicare Advantage unauthorized switch scam
Scammers enroll Medicare beneficiaries into Medicare Advantage plans without their knowledge or consent by using personal information obtained through deceptive calls.
Review your Medicare Summary Notices regularly and report any unfamiliar plan enrollments immediately
Seniors
U.S.
Medicaid eligibility check scam
Scammers contact people claiming to verify Medicaid eligibility, collect personal and financial data, and use it to commit identity theft or file fraudulent Medicaid claims.
Contact your state Medicaid office directly using the number on your Medicaid card or Medicaid.gov to verify eligibility
Patients
U.S.
SIM swap for crypto theft scam
Scammers convince your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to their SIM card, then use it to bypass two-factor authentication and access your cryptocurrency exchange accounts.
Switch from SMS-based 2FA to hardware security keys or authenticator apps for all cryptocurrency exchange accounts
Crypto investors
U.S.
stimulus check fraud
Scammers impersonate government agencies and claim victims must pay a fee or verify personal information to receive a stimulus payment.
Remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email to ask for personal information or payment.
Sellers
U.S.
hostage furniture moving scam
A moving company loads belongings onto a truck, then refuses to deliver unless the customer pays a dramatically inflated price.
Under federal law, movers must deliver for no more than 110 percent of a binding estimate — know this before moving day.
Relocating workers
U.S.
weight bump moving scam
The moving company inflates the recorded weight of a shipment to justify charging a higher price than originally quoted.
Request to be present at the weigh-in or ask for the reweigh option, which is your legal right under FMCSA regulations.
Relocating workers
U.S.
bait-and-switch moving truck scam
A moving company promises a full-size truck but arrives with a smaller vehicle, forcing a second trip at additional cost or leaving items behind.
Insist on an in-home or detailed video survey before accepting any estimate.
Families
U.S.
last-minute moving price hike scam
On moving day or mid-move, the company adds unexpected fees for stairs, long carries, bulky items, or other charges not in the original quote.
Read the entire contract and ask about every possible surcharge before signing.
Relocating workers
U.S.
storage facility moving scam
Movers place belongings in an undisclosed storage facility and charge escalating fees before releasing them to the owner.
Confirm delivery timelines and storage terms in writing before the move begins.
Relocating workers
U.S.
dealer add-on fraud
A dealership adds unwanted products or services — such as paint protection, fabric coating, or VIN etching — to the final purchase price without clear consent.
Read every line of the purchase agreement and refuse to sign until all charges are explained.
Car buyers
U.S.
timeshare resale scam
A company contacts timeshare owners claiming to have a buyer ready to purchase their timeshare but requires upfront fees that are never recovered.
Never pay upfront fees to sell a timeshare — legitimate resale companies charge commissions only after a sale closes.
Timeshare owners
U.S.
vacation club membership scam
A travel club sells expensive memberships promising exclusive discounted vacations, but the deals are no better than publicly available rates.
Compare any claimed exclusive deals against prices on Kayak, Google Flights, and Booking.com before purchasing a membership.
Vacationers
U.S.
free vacation presentation scam
Consumers are lured with a free vacation or gift in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation that uses extreme high-pressure sales tactics.
Know your state's rescission period before attending — most states allow cancellation within 3 to 15 days of signing.
Vacationers
U.S.
vacation rental timeshare conversion scam
A company promises to convert a timeshare into a vacation rental property that will generate income, but the conversion is a fiction and fees are pocketed.
Verify that any rental management company is a licensed real estate broker in the state where the timeshare property is located.
Timeshare owners
U.S.
plumbing emergency scam
A plumber responding to an emergency call inflates the scope of work, claims additional problems exist, or charges extreme markups for parts.
Unless water is actively flooding, get at least two estimates before authorizing major plumbing work.
Homeowners
U.S.
HVAC inspection scam
A company offers a cheap HVAC inspection and then claims the system has dangerous defects requiring thousands in immediate repairs or replacement.
Get a second opinion from another licensed HVAC contractor before agreeing to any major repair or replacement.
Homeowners
U.S.
contractor permit fraud
A contractor skips required building permits to save money and speed up work, leaving the homeowner liable for code violations and potentially unsafe work.
Check with your local building department about what work requires permits before hiring any contractor.
Homeowners
U.S.
contractor material upcharge scam
A contractor inflates the cost of materials far above retail price, uses cheaper materials than specified, or charges for materials never purchased.
Require an itemized materials list in the contract specifying brand, model, and unit cost.
Homeowners
U.S.
IRS impersonator phone call scam
A caller claims to be from the IRS and threatens arrest, deportation, or license revocation unless you pay an alleged tax debt immediately over the phone.
Hang up immediately — the IRS never calls to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest.
Taxpayers
U.S.
ITIN application scam
Scammers pose as authorized agents who can expedite Individual Taxpayer Identification Number applications, charging high fees for services that are free or low-cost through the IRS.
Apply for an ITIN directly through the IRS or use an IRS-authorized Certified Acceptance Agent.
Immigrants
U.S.
state tax agency impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate a state department of revenue or taxation, claiming you owe state taxes and demanding immediate payment to avoid penalties or legal action.
Hang up and call your state tax agency directly using the number on its official website.
Taxpayers
U.S.
IRS audit threat robocall scam
An automated robocall claims the IRS is filing a lawsuit or audit against you and instructs you to call back immediately or face arrest.
Do not call back — the IRS does not leave pre-recorded messages threatening lawsuits or arrest.
Taxpayers
U.S.
payment by gift card demand scam
A scammer posing as a government agent, utility company, or other authority demands you pay a debt, fine, or fee by purchasing gift cards and reading the numbers over the phone.
Hang up immediately — gift cards are for gifts, not payments. No real organization demands gift card payment.
Older adults
U.S.
gift card activation fee scam
A fake website or phone call claims your gift card requires an activation fee before it can be used, tricking you into providing payment information.
Activate gift cards only through the official website or phone number listed on the card issuer's official site.
Gift card buyers
U.S.
retail store impersonator gift card scam
Scammers call or email pretending to be from a major retailer, claiming there is a problem with your recent gift card purchase and requesting the card numbers to 'verify' or 'replace' it.
Never share gift card numbers or PINs with anyone who contacts you — retailers will not call asking for this information.
Gift card buyers
U.S.
tech support gift card payment scam
A fake tech support agent claims your computer is infected or your account is compromised and demands payment in gift cards to fix the issue.
Legitimate tech companies never demand payment in gift cards — hang up or close the pop-up.
Older adults
U.S.
IRS gift card payment scam
A caller impersonating an IRS agent threatens arrest or legal action unless you pay a supposed tax debt immediately with gift cards purchased from a retail store.
Hang up — the IRS never demands payment by gift card. This is always a scam.
Taxpayers
U.S.
bank fraud department impersonation scam
A caller or texter claims to be from your bank's fraud department, warns about suspicious transactions, and convinces you to share account details or transfer money to a 'safe' account.
Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on your bank's official website.
Account holders
U.S.
utility company shutoff scam
A caller impersonating your electric, gas, or water company threatens to disconnect your service within hours unless you make an immediate payment, often by gift card or wire transfer.
Hang up and call the number on your utility bill or the company's official website.
Online consumers
U.S.
government benefits impersonation scam
A call, text, or email impersonates a government benefits agency — such as Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment — and asks for personal information to 'process your benefits' or 'protect your account.'
Hang up and contact the agency directly — SSA at 1-800-772-1213, Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
Older adults
U.S.
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.
Hang up — do not press any number or call back.
Phone users
U.S.
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.
Hang up — the SSA does not suspend Social Security numbers, and this message is always a scam.
Phone users
U.S.
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.
Hang up — the Chinese embassy does not contact citizens through pre-recorded phone calls demanding money.
Non-English speakers
U.S.
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.
Hang up — you can call your credit card company directly to request a lower rate at no cost.
Consumers
U.S.
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.
Enroll in health insurance only through healthcare.gov or your state's official marketplace.
Consumers
U.S.
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.
Never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers.
Older adults
U.S.
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.
Hang up — legitimate vacations are not awarded through unsolicited phone calls.
Consumers
U.S.
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.
Hang up — legitimate debt relief companies cannot charge fees before settling or reducing your debt under FTC rules.
Consumers
U.S.
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.
Hang up — apply for federal student loan programs only through studentaid.gov.
Consumers
U.S.
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.
Be cautious about confirming personal information or saying 'yes' to unknown callers.
Phone users
U.S.
grandchild arrested bail scam
A caller pretends to be a grandchild who has been arrested and urgently needs bail money, often with a second caller posing as a lawyer or police officer to add credibility.
Hang up and call your grandchild directly on their known phone number to verify the story.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild in car accident scam
A frantic caller claims to be your grandchild involved in a serious car accident, saying they need money immediately for hospital bills or to settle with the other driver before police arrive.
Hang up and independently contact your grandchild or their parents to verify.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild stuck abroad scam
A caller claims to be your grandchild stranded in a foreign country — passport stolen, wallet gone — and needs money wired urgently to get home safely.
Hang up and contact your grandchild through their normal phone number, email, or social media.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild hospital emergency scam
A caller claims your grandchild is in the hospital after an accident or illness and needs money immediately for surgery or medical treatment.
Call the grandchild's phone directly or contact their parents to verify the situation.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild kidnapped ransom scam
A caller claims your grandchild has been kidnapped and demands an immediate ransom, sometimes playing recordings of a person screaming in the background.
Try to contact your grandchild independently — use another phone or ask someone nearby to call them.
Grandparents
U.S.
AI voice clone grandchild scam
Scammers use AI voice cloning to replicate a grandchild's voice from social media videos, making the impersonation call nearly indistinguishable from the real person.
Establish a family code word that only family members know, to verify identity during emergency calls.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild needs a lawyer scam
A caller claiming to be a lawyer says your grandchild has been arrested and needs an immediate retainer fee to avoid jail time.
Ask for the attorney's full name, bar number, and firm — then verify independently through your state bar's lawyer search.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild DUI arrest scam
A caller claims your grandchild was arrested for drunk driving and needs immediate bail money to avoid being held overnight or having their license suspended.
Call your grandchild's phone directly — if they answer, the scam is confirmed.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild lost wallet overseas scam
A caller pretending to be your grandchild says they lost their wallet while traveling abroad and need money wired for a hotel, food, and a replacement passport.
Hang up and contact your grandchild through their normal phone or social media to confirm their location.
Grandparents
U.S.
fake police follow-up call scam
After a grandparent scam attempt — whether successful or not — a second caller poses as a police officer investigating the case, extracting more money or personal information.
Real police never call to request money or banking information — hang up if asked.
Grandparents
U.S.
military benefits fraud scam
Scammers contact veterans or active-duty personnel claiming to help them access unclaimed military benefits, then steal personal information or charge fraudulent processing fees.
Access all military benefits directly through VA.gov or your local VA office — never through a third party.
Veterans
U.S.
fake military charity scam
Fraudulent charities use names and imagery similar to legitimate veterans organizations to solicit donations that never reach service members or their families.
Verify any charity through Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before donating.
Military families
U.S.
veteran grant scam
Scammers contact veterans claiming they qualify for a special government grant but must pay a processing or tax fee upfront to receive the funds.
Know that the government never calls to offer grants or asks for fees to release government funds.
Veterans
U.S.
extended car warranty robocall scam
Robocallers claim your vehicle warranty is about to expire and pressure you into purchasing an expensive extended warranty from a fraudulent third-party company.
Hang up on unsolicited warranty calls and add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry at DoNotCall.gov
Car owners
U.S.
appliance warranty extension scam
Scammers call or email homeowners claiming their appliance warranties are expiring and offering costly extended coverage that provides little to no actual protection.
Verify your actual warranty status by contacting the appliance manufacturer directly using the number in your owner manual
Homeowners
U.S.
home warranty upsell scam
Telemarketers aggressively sell overpriced home warranty plans to new homeowners, promising comprehensive coverage that is riddled with exclusions and denial triggers.
Research any home warranty company thoroughly on BBB, state insurance department records, and consumer review sites before purchasing
Homeowners
U.S.
manufacturer impersonator warranty scam
Scammers impersonate well-known manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, or LG by phone or email, offering fake extended warranties that collect payments and personal data.
Hang up and call the manufacturer directly using the phone number listed on their official website
Consumers
U.S.
reverse mortgage scam targeting elderly
Scammers or unscrupulous lenders push elderly homeowners into unfavorable reverse mortgage products, often using deceptive terms to strip home equity.
Consult a HUD-approved housing counselor before signing any reverse mortgage agreement.
Seniors
U.S.
Medicare fraud targeting elderly
Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal information or bill Medicare for services and equipment never provided to the beneficiary.
Never share your Medicare number with unsolicited callers — Medicare will not call to ask for your number.
Seniors
U.S.
business loan advance fee scam
A fraudulent lender guarantees approval for a business loan but requires upfront fees for processing, insurance, or collateral — after payment, the loan never materializes.
Never pay upfront fees to secure a loan — legitimate lenders deduct costs from loan proceeds or charge at closing.
Small business owners
U.S.
office supply overcharge scam
A caller claims to confirm an existing supply order and ships unrequested products at inflated prices, then aggressively invoices the business.
Establish a policy that only authorized personnel can approve supply orders, and never confirm orders with unknown callers.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake BBB accreditation scam
Scammers impersonate the Better Business Bureau and contact businesses offering accreditation, threatening negative ratings, or charging fees for listing improvements that the real BBB never initiated.
Hang up and call your local BBB directly using the number from bbb.org to verify any communication.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake Lyft support call scam
A caller posing as Lyft support contacts drivers or riders claiming there is an account issue, then steals login credentials or payment information.
Never provide passwords, verification codes, or payment details to inbound callers — Lyft and Uber will never ask for these by phone.
Rideshare users
U.S.
HUD housing grant scam
Scammers impersonate HUD or local housing authorities, offering grants for home purchases or repairs in exchange for upfront fees or personal information.
HUD does not call individuals to offer grants — contact your local HUD office directly at hud.gov for legitimate programs.
Low-income households
U.S.
FEMA grant advance fee scam
After a natural disaster, scammers pose as FEMA representatives offering disaster relief grants that require an upfront fee to process.
FEMA never charges application fees for disaster assistance — apply directly at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Low-income households
U.S.
office supplies invoice scam
Scammers send fake invoices for office supplies such as toner, paper, or printer cartridges that were never ordered, targeting businesses that process many similar invoices.
Instruct staff to never provide equipment or ordering details to unsolicited callers.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake HOA maintenance vendor scam
Scammers pose as maintenance vendors approved by the HOA, collecting upfront payment from homeowners for landscaping, painting, or repairs that never get completed.
Verify any vendor by checking with your HOA board or management company before paying.
Homeowners
U.S.
HOA insurance fraud scam
Scammers pose as insurance agents claiming the HOA's master policy has lapsed, pressuring homeowners to purchase individual coverage through a fraudulent insurer.
Contact your HOA board to verify the status of the master insurance policy.
Homeowners
U.S.
voicemail then text scam
Scammers leave an urgent voicemail and follow up with a text containing a malicious link, using the voicemail to make the text appear legitimate.
Never click links in text messages prompted by unsolicited voicemails.
Older adults
U.S.
amended return scam
Scammers contact taxpayers claiming they qualify for a larger refund by filing an amended return, then charge fees and steal personal information in the process.
The IRS does not call to tell you about unclaimed refunds — hang up immediately on such calls.
Taxpayers
U.S.
employee retention credit scam
Aggressive promoters convince businesses they qualify for the Employee Retention Credit when they do not, charging large upfront fees and filing fraudulent claims that trigger IRS audits and penalties.
Consult a trusted, independent tax professional about ERC eligibility before engaging any promoter.
Small business owners
U.S.
timeshare presentation lure scam
Travelers are lured to high-pressure timeshare sales presentations with promises of free gifts, cheap vacations, or prize money, then subjected to aggressive tactics to sign expensive contracts.
Never sign a timeshare contract on the same day — take the documents home and review them with a lawyer.
Travelers
U.S.
fake cruise deal scam
Scammers advertise free or deeply discounted cruise vacations through robocalls and social media, collecting payment and personal information for cruises that are never booked.
Hang up on unsolicited calls about free cruises — legitimate cruise lines do not cold-call with free offers.
Travelers
U.S.
fake FEMA aid application scam
Scammers impersonate FEMA agents or create fake FEMA application websites after natural disasters, stealing personal information and diverting disaster relief funds from real victims.
Apply for FEMA assistance only at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 — FEMA never charges fees.
Disaster victims
U.S.
fake Red Cross donation scam
Scammers impersonate the American Red Cross after disasters, soliciting donations through fake websites, phone calls, and social media that divert funds from legitimate relief efforts.
Donate to the Red Cross only through redcross.org (US), redcross.ca (Canada), or redcross.org.uk (UK).
Donors
U.S.
disaster loan advance fee scam
Scammers pose as SBA disaster loan agents or private lenders, promising fast approval for disaster relief loans in exchange for upfront application fees that are never refunded.
Apply for SBA disaster loans only at sba.gov/disaster or by visiting a local SBA disaster center — the SBA never charges application fees.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake utility restoration scam
Scammers impersonate utility companies after disasters, calling or texting residents to demand payment for expedited power, water, or gas restoration that would otherwise happen through normal recovery operations.
Utility companies never charge fees to prioritize restoration — call your utility directly using the number on your bill to verify any communication.
Homeowners
U.S.
medicare supplement telemarketing scam
Callers impersonate Medicare representatives and pressure seniors into purchasing unnecessary or nonexistent supplemental insurance plans, collecting personal health information and payment details.
Hang up immediately — Medicare will never call you unsolicited to sell supplemental plans.
Seniors
U.S.
funeral insurance scam targeting seniors
Scammers sell fake or grossly overpriced funeral insurance policies to seniors by exploiting fears about burdening their families with burial costs.
Verify any insurance company's license with your state's Department of Insurance before paying anything.
Seniors
U.S.
reverse mortgage pitch scam
Fraudulent advisors pressure seniors into taking out reverse mortgages with hidden fees and unfavorable terms, sometimes redirecting loan proceeds to themselves.
Only work with FHA-approved reverse mortgage lenders and always attend HUD-required counseling before signing.
Seniors
U.S.
sweepstakes phone call scam targeting seniors
Callers tell seniors they have won a sweepstakes or lottery and must pay taxes or fees upfront to claim the prize, which does not exist.
Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payment — it is illegal under US and Canadian law.
Seniors
U.S.
retirement account advisor impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate financial advisors or representatives from brokerage firms and convince seniors to transfer retirement savings into fraudulent investment accounts.
Never transfer retirement funds based on an unsolicited call — hang up and call your brokerage directly using the number on your account statement.
Seniors
U.S.
ICE impersonator phone call scam
Scammers call immigrants posing as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents, threatening arrest or deportation unless immediate payment is made.
Hang up immediately — ICE never calls to demand payment over the phone and does not accept gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Immigrants
U.S.
immigration bond scam
Scammers contact families of detained immigrants and demand fraudulent bond payments to secure the detainee's release, impersonating ICE officials or bondsmen.
Contact the detention facility directly or use the ICE detainee locator at locator.ice.gov to verify bond amounts and payment procedures.
Immigrants
U.S.
deportation threat robocall scam
Automated robocalls in multiple languages threaten immigrants with deportation or arrest warrants and demand immediate payment to resolve fabricated immigration violations.
Hang up on any robocall threatening deportation — the government does not use robocalls to communicate immigration enforcement actions.
Immigrants
U.S.
fake school emergency call scam
Scammers call parents claiming their child has been injured or is in trouble at school and demand immediate payment for medical treatment or bail before the parent can verify the situation.
Hang up and call your child's school directly using the number you have on file to verify any emergency.
Parents
U.S.
fake pediatrician office call scam
Scammers call parents impersonating their child's pediatrician's office, claiming overdue payments or insurance issues and collecting payment or insurance information over the phone.
Hang up and call your pediatrician's office directly using the number from their website or your contacts to verify any billing issues.
Parents
U.S.
deepfake kidnapping ransom video scam
Criminals create AI deepfake videos of a victim's family member appearing to be in distress or captivity, then demand ransom payment for their safe release.
Hang up and immediately try to contact the supposedly kidnapped family member directly.
Parents
U.S.
political deepfake robocall scam
AI-cloned voices of political figures are used in robocalls to spread disinformation, suppress voter turnout, or solicit fraudulent donations during election periods.
Verify any election information through your state or local election board's official website.
Voters
U.S.
AI voice clone customer service scam
Criminals use AI voice cloning to impersonate customer service representatives from banks and tech companies, tricking victims into revealing account credentials or authorizing fraudulent transactions.
Hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card or on their official website.
Bank customers
U.S.
utility bill assistance scam
Fraudulent calls and messages offer fake utility bill assistance programs, collecting personal data and upfront fees from people struggling to pay their energy or water bills.
Contact your utility company directly or apply for LIHEAP through your state's official program at liheapch.acf.hhs.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
fake healthcare subsidy enrollment scam
Scammers pose as healthcare marketplace navigators or insurance agents, offering fake premium subsidies and collecting personal health and financial data for identity theft.
Apply for healthcare coverage only through healthcare.gov or your state's official marketplace.
Uninsured individuals
U.S.
mortgage forbearance extension scam
Scammers contact homeowners offering to extend mortgage forbearance programs or modify loans for a fee, collecting personal financial data and payment while providing no actual assistance.
Contact your mortgage servicer directly to discuss forbearance or modification options — they are required to help you for free.
Homeowners
U.S.
Related platforms