Profession page
Scams targeting immigrants and visa holders
Immigrants and visa holders face scams that exploit fear of deportation, complex immigration processes, and limited knowledge of local systems. Fake USCIS calls, visa processing fraud, and immigration lawyer impersonation are the most dangerous patterns.
Common searches
Why this profession gets targeted
- Fear of deportation or visa revocation makes immigrants more likely to comply with urgent government impersonation demands.
- Complex immigration processes create opportunities for fake visa services and processing fee fraud.
- Language barriers and unfamiliarity with local systems make it harder to verify whether a contact is legitimate.
What to check first
- USCIS never calls to demand immediate payment or threaten arrest — hang up and check your case status at uscis.gov.
- Verify any immigration attorney through your state bar association before paying for legal services.
- Never pay for immigration services through wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto — use traceable payment methods only.
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.
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.
fake subscription renewal notification scam
Scammers send fake emails or calls claiming your antivirus, software, or tech support subscription is about to auto-renew for a large amount, urging you to call to cancel.
Check your actual subscriptions through the software company's official website or your bank statements
Non-technical users
Global
Lawsuit settlement recovery scam
A fake legal team says your prior scam loss is part of a settlement, but court taxes or release fees are needed before payment.
Independently verify any legal claim before sending release fees.
Prior fraud victims
Global
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.
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.
Police fine payment link scam
A fake police notice says there is an unpaid fine or investigation and directs the victim to a payment or identity portal.
Search for the agency site manually rather than following the notice.
Drivers
Global
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
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.
religious charity donation scam
Scammers exploit religious trust by posing as faith-based charities or church representatives to solicit donations that are never used for their stated religious or charitable purpose.
Verify religious charities through your denomination's official directories and on Charity Navigator
Religious communities
U.S.
fake child sponsorship charity scam
Scammers impersonate or create fake child sponsorship programs, collecting monthly donations that never reach any children in need.
Only sponsor children through well-established organizations verified on Charity Navigator or GuideStar
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.
fake political donation scam
Scammers create fake political action committees or impersonate real campaigns to collect donations that go to personal enrichment instead of political causes.
Verify political organizations through the FEC's database at fec.gov before donating
Donors
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.
tax refund phishing email scam
An email impersonating the IRS or a tax software company claims you are owed a refund and directs you to a fake website to steal your personal and financial information.
Do not click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS does not initiate contact by email.
Taxpayers
U.S.
W-2 employer phishing scam
Scammers impersonate a company executive via email and request that HR or payroll send employee W-2 forms, exposing names, SSNs, and income data for mass identity theft.
Verify any executive request for tax data by calling the executive directly using a known phone number.
Small business owners
U.S.
tax preparer fraud scam
A dishonest or unlicensed tax preparer inflates deductions, fabricates credits, or files fraudulent returns to inflate refunds — then takes a cut or steals the refund entirely.
Verify your tax preparer has a valid PTIN by searching the IRS Return Preparer Office directory.
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.
property tax lien scam
Scammers send official-looking letters or make calls claiming there is a lien on your property due to unpaid taxes and demand immediate payment to remove it.
Contact your county tax assessor's office directly to verify any claims about liens on your property.
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.
Apple ID security alert takeover scam
A polished alert page claims your Apple ID is locked and captures credentials plus device passcodes or MFA approvals.
Open device settings directly and review security alerts there.
iPhone users
Global
Microsoft 365 admin consent scam
A fake Microsoft security or compliance workflow asks a business user or admin to approve an app request that silently grants attacker access.
Review app consent requests directly from the official admin console before approving anything.
IT admins
Global
Shopify admin security reset scam
A store owner gets a fake security or policy reset notice that steals credentials and takes over the store admin panel.
Log into the Shopify admin from your saved bookmark and review alerts there.
Online stores
Global
Amazon account suspension scam
An email or text claims your Amazon account has been suspended due to suspicious activity and directs you to a fake login page to steal your Amazon credentials and payment information.
Log in to Amazon directly by typing amazon.com into your browser — never through email links.
Online consumers
U.S.
Apple ID locked scam
A message claims your Apple ID has been locked or will be disabled and directs you to a fake Apple website to enter your credentials, giving scammers access to your iCloud, payments, and devices.
Check your Apple ID status by going directly to appleid.apple.com — never through links in emails.
Online consumers
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.
ISP service interruption scam
An email or call impersonating your internet service provider claims there is a billing issue or security threat and asks you to verify your account by providing personal or payment details.
Log in to your ISP account directly through the official website to check for any genuine billing issues.
Online consumers
U.S.
streaming account compromised scam
A phishing email claims your Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming account has been compromised or your payment failed, directing you to a fake login page to steal your credentials.
Go directly to the streaming service's website or app to check your account status.
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.
social media platform impersonation scam
A message claims your Facebook, Instagram, or other social media account has been flagged for violation and asks you to verify your identity through a fake login page to avoid account deletion.
Check account status by logging into the platform directly — not through links in messages.
Online consumers
U.S.
antivirus subscription renewal scam
A fake email or pop-up claims your antivirus subscription is expiring or has been auto-renewed for a large amount and directs you to call a number or click a link to cancel or get a refund.
Check your actual antivirus subscription status by logging into the official vendor's website directly.
Online consumers
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 rebate phishing scam
Scammers send emails or texts posing as your utility, claiming you qualify for an energy rebate or refund, then steal your bank details through a fake claim form.
Do not click links in unsolicited rebate offers — visit your utility company website directly to check for legitimate programs
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.
fake IRS refund deposit scam
Scammers send emails or texts claiming an IRS tax refund has been deposited into the wrong account and ask victims to provide banking details to redirect the funds.
Never provide banking details in response to unsolicited messages — the IRS initiates refunds based on the return you filed.
Taxpayers
U.S.
tax preparer identity theft scam
Fraudulent or unlicensed tax preparers collect clients' personal information under the guise of filing returns, then use that data to commit identity theft or file fraudulent returns.
Verify your tax preparer has a valid PTIN at irs.gov/tax-professionals and check for any disciplinary actions.
Taxpayers
U.S.
W-2 phishing scam targeting employers
Cybercriminals send spoofed emails to company payroll or HR departments posing as executives, requesting all employee W-2 forms, which are then used for mass identity theft.
Verify all W-2 requests by calling the executive directly using a known phone number — never respond to the email.
HR professionals
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.
tax transcript request phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate the IRS or tax software providers, directing victims to fake sites where they enter credentials to download a tax transcript, which is then used for identity theft.
Access your tax transcript only through irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript — never through emailed links.
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.
state tax refund phishing scam
Phishing emails and texts impersonate state tax agencies, claiming the recipient is owed a state refund and directing them to fake portals that harvest personal and financial data.
Check your state refund status only through your state's official tax agency website, accessed by typing the URL directly.
Taxpayers
U.S.
application fee scholarship scam
A scholarship opportunity requires an upfront application or processing fee, which legitimate scholarships never charge, and the scholarship itself does not exist.
Never pay to apply for a scholarship — legitimate scholarships do not charge application fees.
High school students
U.S.
scholarship seminar fee scam
A company invites students to a free scholarship seminar that turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for expensive financial aid consulting services.
Never sign up for paid services under pressure at a seminar — take materials home and research the company first.
High school students
U.S.
FAFSA impersonator scam
A website or email impersonates the Federal Student Aid office, tricking students into entering personal and financial information on a fraudulent portal.
Always navigate directly to studentaid.gov — never click links in emails claiming to be from Federal Student Aid.
High school students
U.S.
athletic scholarship scam
A recruiting service claims a college scout noticed your child and charges thousands for a recruiting package that produces no actual scholarship offers.
Contact college coaches directly or use the NCAA Eligibility Center — legitimate recruiting does not require upfront fees from families.
High school students
U.S.
international student scholarship scam
A fake scholarship targets international students with promises of full-tuition awards, requiring application fees and personal documents that are used for identity theft.
Verify scholarships through the university's official international student office — never through third-party websites alone.
International students
U.S.
fake product recall notification scam
Fraudulent emails or posts mimic official product recall notices from the CPSC or manufacturers, directing recipients to phishing sites that collect personal data under the guise of processing refunds.
Verify all product recalls at cpsc.gov or the manufacturer's official website before taking any action.
Parents
U.S.
fake data breach notification scam
Scammers send fake data breach notification emails impersonating well-known companies, directing recipients to phishing sites where they re-enter credentials or financial data to check if they were affected.
Go directly to the company's official website to check for any breach announcements.
Account holders
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.
Fake job offer advance payment scam
A victim receives what looks like a legitimate remote job offer and is asked to pay upfront for equipment, training, or background checks.
Verify the recruiter and company domain independently.
Job seekers
Global
Interview task equipment cheque scam
A fake employer sends a cheque for equipment during the interview stage and asks the candidate to forward part of the money to a vendor.
Do not deposit employer cheques tied to urgent vendor payments.
Students
U.S.
Background check fee hiring scam
A candidate is told they passed the interview and only need to pay for a background check through a partner site.
Ask the employer to confirm the screening provider from a public company email.
Job seekers
Global
Freelance project unlock fee scam
A freelancer wins a project but is told they must buy a platform license, ID badge, or portfolio review to start.
Do not buy access tools or badges to start freelance work.
Freelancers
Global
Payroll onboarding direct-deposit phishing scam
A fake HR portal appears during onboarding and captures banking, tax, and identity documents before the job is confirmed.
Confirm onboarding links with the employer through a public number or known email.
New hires
Global
Paid training portal job scam
A fake employer says the role is secured, but the candidate must buy access to a training portal or certification dashboard before day one.
Ask the employer to confirm any required platform or certification through a public company email.
Job seekers
Global
Freelance style-guide payment scam
A client offers a freelance role, then says the contractor must purchase a mandatory style guide, briefing pack, or brand kit before work starts.
Do not buy starter materials or internal brand kits from a client to begin work.
Freelancers
Global
Warehouse shift scheduling fee scam
A warehouse role promises immediate shifts, but the worker must first pay for scheduling access, safety clearance, or a badge deposit.
Do not pay for scheduling apps, roster access, or badge deposits before a verified contract exists.
Hourly workers
Global
Coding test malware job scam
A fake tech employer sends a take-home exercise or coding test that installs malware or steals credentials from the candidate's device.
Open interview files in a sandbox and never disable device protections for a candidate task.
Developers
Global
LinkedIn fake recruiter message scam
Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies on LinkedIn, sending unsolicited messages about high-paying job opportunities to harvest personal information or advance fees.
Verify the recruiter by checking the actual company's website and calling their HR department directly.
Job seekers
U.S.
LinkedIn fake job posting scam
Fraudulent job listings on LinkedIn collect applicant data or trick candidates into paying for equipment, certifications, or background checks that never materialize into real employment.
Research the company independently — check their official website and look for the job listing there.
Job seekers
U.S.
fake Uber job posting scam
Scammers post fake Uber corporate or driver recruitment listings that require applicants to pay for background checks, training, or equipment upfront.
Sign up to drive for Uber only through the official website at uber.com/drive or the Uber Driver app.
Job seekers
U.S.
USPS job application scam
Fake job postings claim to recruit USPS mail carriers or clerks, charging applicants fees for applications, background checks, or training that USPS provides at no cost.
Apply for USPS jobs only through the official portal at usps.com/careers — all USPS job applications are free.
Job seekers
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.
antivirus subscription auto-renew scam
An email or popup claims your antivirus subscription has auto-renewed for a large amount, urging you to call to cancel — the goal is to gain remote access or steal payment info.
Check your bank or credit card statement directly — do not use the phone number in the email.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake Norton renewal email scam
A phishing email impersonates Norton LifeLock with a fake invoice for annual renewal, directing you to call a number where scammers attempt to gain remote access to your computer.
Do not call the number — go to norton.com directly and check your account for any active subscriptions.
Non-technical users
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.
VA loan scam
Scammers pose as VA-approved lenders offering exclusive mortgage deals to veterans, then collect application fees and personal financial information without providing any actual loan.
Verify any VA lender through the VA's official lender search at va.gov before providing information.
Veterans
U.S.
military discount phishing scam
Fake websites or emails offer exclusive military discounts that require you to verify your service by entering personal information, military ID details, or login credentials.
Access military discounts only through official channels like ID.me, SheerID, or the retailer's official military page.
Active duty
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.
CEO urgent request phishing scam
An email appears to come from a company executive urgently requesting a wire transfer, gift card purchase, or sensitive data, exploiting the recipient's desire to comply with authority.
Always verify unusual financial or data requests through a separate communication channel — call the executive directly.
Office workers
U.S.
password reset phishing scam
A fake password reset notification urges the recipient to click a link and enter their current credentials, which are captured by attackers.
Never click password reset links you did not request — navigate directly to the service's website.
Office workers
U.S.
shared document notification phishing scam
A fake notification claims someone has shared a document with you via Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, leading to a credential-harvesting login page.
Hover over the link to inspect the URL before clicking — legitimate shares come from official domains.
Office workers
U.S.
invoice attachment malware scam
An email with a fake invoice attachment installs malware when opened, giving attackers access to the victim's computer and network.
Never open attachments from unknown senders — verify invoices by contacting the vendor directly.
Office workers
U.S.
account suspension notice phishing scam
A fake email warns that your email, bank, or streaming account will be suspended unless you verify your identity immediately, directing you to a credential-stealing page.
Log into your account directly by typing the URL in your browser — never use links from warning emails.
Office workers
U.S.
two-factor authentication bypass phishing scam
Attackers use real-time phishing toolkits to capture both passwords and two-factor authentication codes simultaneously, defeating standard MFA protections.
Use hardware security keys (FIDO2/WebAuthn) which are resistant to real-time phishing proxy attacks.
IT administrators
U.S.
email forwarding rule hijack scam
After compromising an email account, attackers silently create forwarding rules that copy all incoming messages to an external address, enabling long-term surveillance.
After any account compromise, immediately check your email rules and forwarding settings — remove anything you did not create.
Office workers
U.S.
calendar invite phishing scam
Attackers send calendar invitations containing phishing links in the event description or location field, which automatically appear in the victim's calendar.
Change your calendar settings to not automatically add events from email invitations.
Office workers
U.S.
unsubscribe link trap scam
Phishing emails include a malicious unsubscribe link that, when clicked, confirms your email address is active and leads to credential theft or malware installation.
Do not click unsubscribe in emails from unknown senders — mark the email as spam instead.
Office workers
U.S.
reply-chain hijacking scam
Attackers compromise an email account and insert malicious messages into existing email threads, exploiting the trust established in ongoing conversations.
Be cautious of unexpected attachments or links even in existing email threads.
Office workers
U.S.
subscription vitamin trap scam
A personalized vitamin quiz funnels consumers into an expensive monthly subscription that is nearly impossible to cancel, with auto-ship charges that escalate over time.
Read the full subscription terms before providing payment information, especially the renewal price and cancellation policy.
Health-conscious consumers
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
Airline luggage fee link scam
A message says your bag will not board unless you settle an outstanding luggage or customs fee through a link.
Check baggage status in the airline app instead of using the message.
Air travelers
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
Hotel loyalty account takeover scam
A loyalty member receives a fake points-expiry notice that leads to account takeover and stolen reward balances.
Sign in from the hotel's app or website directly to verify your points.
Frequent travelers
Global
Airline rebooking fee scam
A fake airline support flow says your flight changed and a fast rebooking payment is required to keep your seat.
Open the airline app or booking portal directly and review your itinerary there.
Travelers
Global
Airline loyalty password reset scam
A frequent flyer gets an urgent password reset notice and loses loyalty miles after entering credentials into a fake airline security page.
Open the airline app or site directly and review security events there.
Frequent travelers
Global
airline ticket phishing scam
Phishing emails and fake websites impersonate major airlines offering flash sales or notification of itinerary changes, stealing credit card details and frequent flyer credentials.
Access airline deals and booking changes only through the airline's official app or by typing the airline URL directly.
Travelers
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.
travel insurance scam
Fraudulent companies sell fake travel insurance policies that provide no actual coverage, leaving travelers without protection when they need to file claims for cancellations or emergencies.
Purchase travel insurance only from providers rated by AM Best or listed on your state's insurance department website.
Travelers
U.S.
Business license renewal scam
A small business gets a renewal notice or call demanding immediate payment to keep permits or registrations active.
Confirm renewal requirements with the actual registry or city office.
Small businesses
U.S.
fake supplier scam
A fraudulent supplier offers products at below-market prices, collects payment, and either delivers counterfeit goods, inferior products, or nothing at all.
Verify the supplier's business registration, physical address, and trade references before placing orders.
Small business owners
U.S.
SEO guarantee scam
An SEO company guarantees first-page Google rankings for a fixed fee, collects payment, and delivers either nothing, black-hat tactics that get the site penalized, or fabricated reports.
Be skeptical of any SEO company that guarantees specific rankings — legitimate agencies discuss strategy, not guaranteed outcomes.
Small business owners
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.
vanity award scam
A company informs a business they have won a prestigious award, then charges fees for a trophy, plaque, or event attendance — the award has no real selection criteria.
Research the awarding organization independently — check for reviews, Better Business Bureau complaints, and verifiable past winners.
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.
domain name renewal scam
A company sends a deceptive notice urging a business to renew or transfer its domain name at an inflated price, designed to look like an official renewal from the current registrar.
Always renew domains directly through your current registrar's website — never through unsolicited notices.
Small business owners
U.S.
advertising insertion order fraud
A scammer sends a business an insertion order or invoice for advertising in a publication, directory, or event program that the business never agreed to.
Require all advertising commitments to be in writing with authorized signatures before any work begins.
Small business owners
U.S.
Cloud storage password reset scam
A fake cloud-storage notice says files were shared suspiciously and captures the victim's account credentials or approval codes.
Use the storage provider app or website directly to review security alerts.
Remote workers
Global
Healthcare portal credential theft scam
A fake healthcare portal update captures login details, insurance numbers, and sensitive medical identifiers.
Log into the patient portal through the provider site directly.
Patients
U.S.
School parent portal identity phishing scam
A fake school portal update captures guardian credentials, contact details, and sometimes payment information.
Open the school portal from your saved bookmark or app only.
Parents
U.S.
fake court summons email scam
An email claims you have been issued a court summons and must click a link to view the details, leading to malware installation or credential theft.
Remember that real courts serve legal notices by mail or in person — never by email.
Citizens
U.S.
fake visa application website scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate official government visa portals, collecting application fees and personal data from travelers without processing any actual visa application.
Apply for visas and travel authorizations only through official government immigration websites.
Travelers
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.
fake app notification then email scam
A push notification from a malicious app warns of a security issue, followed by a phishing email with instructions to resolve it, creating a convincing multi-channel attack.
Open the official app directly from your home screen rather than clicking links in emails referencing notifications.
Online users
U.S.
fake refund overpayment shopping scam
Scammers posing as sellers or customer support claim they accidentally refunded too much and ask victims to return the difference, but the original refund was fake.
Never send money to anyone claiming an accidental overpayment without verifying through your bank directly
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake coupon and discount code phishing scam
Scammers distribute fake coupons or discount codes through email, social media, and websites to harvest personal information or install malware.
Verify coupons directly on the retailer's official website or app before using them
Bargain hunters
Global
influencer sponsorship scam
Scammers impersonate brands and offer content creators fake sponsorship deals, then request upfront fees for shipping, samples, or contracts that never materialize.
Verify the offer by contacting the brand directly through their official website.
Content creators
U.S.
review-for-refund scheme scam
An Amazon seller contacts buyers after purchase and offers a full refund in exchange for a 5-star review, artificially inflating their product ratings.
Decline the offer and report the seller to Amazon for review manipulation.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake Yelp review extortion scam
Scammers threaten small businesses with a flood of fake 1-star Yelp reviews unless the business pays them to stop.
Do not pay — extortion payments almost always lead to repeated demands.
Small business owners
U.S.
Tax refund verification phishing scam
A fake refund or filing problem message pressures the victim to verify tax identity through a counterfeit government portal.
Go directly to the tax authority website instead of using message links.
Tax filers
U.S.
Reshipping assistant work-from-home scam
A new hire is told to receive packages at home and forward them using labels provided by the employer.
Do not handle goods or forward packages for an employer you cannot verify.
Job seekers
Global
Customs seized package scam
A message claims a package was seized by customs and needs payment, identity verification, or legal response to avoid charges.
Verify any customs issue through the courier or customs agency directly.
Online shoppers
Global
Student loan forgiveness phishing scam
A service promises immediate loan forgiveness if the borrower logs into an account or pays a processing fee.
Go directly to your loan servicer or official relief site.
Borrowers
U.S.
Customs duty release scam
A shipment or parcel is said to be held by customs, and the victim must clear it with a duty payment and identity upload through a fake portal.
Check the shipment directly with the courier or customs office using a trusted channel.
Online shoppers
Global
student loan forgiveness scam
Scammers pose as government or loan servicer representatives, charging upfront fees for student loan forgiveness applications that are actually free.
Apply for forgiveness programs directly at studentaid.gov at no cost.
Students
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 consolidation scam
Fraudulent companies offer to consolidate your student loans for a fee, performing a service that the federal government provides for free, and may worsen your repayment terms.
Apply for federal Direct Consolidation Loans for free at StudentAid.gov
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.
fake student loan servicer scam
Scammers impersonate well-known loan servicers like Nelnet or MOHELA, sending official-looking correspondence to steal payments or personal information.
Always log in to your loan servicer account by typing the URL directly into your browser, not by clicking email links
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.
FSA ID phishing scam
Phishing emails and texts impersonate Federal Student Aid, tricking borrowers into entering their FSA ID credentials on fake login pages, giving scammers full control of their loan accounts.
Never enter your FSA ID credentials through a link in an email — always navigate directly to StudentAid.gov
Students
U.S.
UPS tracking phishing email scam
A phishing email impersonates UPS with a fake tracking update or delivery failure notice, directing victims to a spoofed website to steal login credentials or financial information.
Track packages only through the official ups.com website or UPS mobile app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Amazon package confirmation scam
A message claims you have an Amazon package arriving and asks you to confirm your address or payment method through a fake Amazon page, stealing your account credentials.
Check your orders by logging in directly at amazon.com — never through email links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
DHL customs payment scam
A message posing as DHL claims your international package is held at customs and requires a fee to be released, directing you to a fraudulent payment portal.
Verify customs charges directly through the official DHL website using your tracking number.
Online shoppers
U.S.
package held at customs scam
Scammers send messages claiming your international package is stuck at customs and you must pay a fee or provide identification to release it, leading to financial theft or identity fraud.
Verify any customs charges by contacting the shipping carrier or customs broker directly.
Online shoppers
U.S.
delivery preference update scam
A phishing email or text asks you to update your delivery preferences or notification settings through a fake carrier portal, capturing your login credentials.
Manage delivery preferences only by logging in directly through the carrier's official website or app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
shipping label phishing scam
An email with an attachment labeled as a shipping label, invoice, or receipt contains malware that infects your device when opened.
Never open email attachments from unknown senders or unexpected shipping notifications.
Online shoppers
U.S.
USPS customs fee payment scam
Phishing messages claim a USPS international package is held at customs and a fee must be paid online to release it, directing victims to fraudulent payment pages.
USPS collects customs duties at the time of delivery or through an official notice mailed to your address — never through email or text links.
Online shoppers
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.
travel voucher scam
Victims receive travel vouchers promising free or deeply discounted trips, but the vouchers come with hidden fees, blackout dates, and unusable restrictions.
Read all terms and conditions of any travel voucher before paying any activation or processing fees.
Vacationers
U.S.
timeshare points exchange scam
A company offers to convert timeshare points into airline miles, hotel points, or cash but charges fees and delivers nothing of value.
Never share your timeshare account login credentials with any third-party company.
Timeshare owners
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.
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.
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.
Biometric ID update scam
A fake public-service message says your national ID, passport, or residence record needs a biometric refresh and asks for payment or identity uploads.
Check document-renewal requirements from the official government website, not the message.
Immigrants
Global
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.
fake pharmacy discount card scam
Scammers offer seniors free or low-cost pharmacy discount cards that either do not work, charge hidden membership fees, or are used to harvest personal health and financial information.
Use only verified discount programs like Medicare Extra Help or GoodRx, and verify any card with your pharmacist before providing personal information.
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.
webcam blackmail email scam
A mass-sent email claims the sender hacked your webcam and recorded you during intimate activity, demanding cryptocurrency payment to prevent release of the footage.
Do not reply or send any payment — these are mass-sent with no actual footage.
Adults
U.S.
password reveal sextortion email scam
An email includes one of your real passwords in the subject line and claims a hacker used it to access your device and record compromising footage.
Do not pay — the scammer has only your leaked password, not access to your device.
Adults
U.S.
compromised photos sextortion threat scam
A scammer claims to have obtained intimate photos from your phone or cloud storage and threatens to distribute them unless you pay.
Do not pay or engage — most of these threats are bluffs with no actual photos.
Adults
U.S.
workplace affair sextortion threat scam
An email or message threatens to reveal an alleged extramarital affair or inappropriate workplace relationship to the victim's employer and spouse unless a payment is made.
Do not respond or pay — these are untargeted mass emails with no actual evidence.
Professionals
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.
email lottery winner notification scam
Victims receive an official-looking email claiming they won a lottery they never entered, then are asked to pay taxes or processing fees to claim the prize.
Legitimate lotteries never require upfront payment to claim winnings
Older adults
Global
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.
foreign lottery advance fee scam
Victims are told they won a foreign lottery, often claiming to be from Spain, the Netherlands, or the UK, and must pay customs, taxes, or legal fees to collect.
It is illegal for US residents to participate in foreign lotteries, so any notification is fraudulent by definition
Older adults
Global
sweepstakes processing fee scam
Victims receive official-looking letters or emails claiming they won a sweepstakes but must pay a processing fee to receive their prize check.
Never pay any fee to claim a sweepstakes prize as legitimate sweepstakes cover all costs
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.
inheritance from unknown relative scam
Scammers pose as attorneys or bank officials claiming the victim has inherited money from a distant or unknown relative, requiring fees to release the funds.
Verify any inheritance claim through an independent attorney, not through contacts provided in the email
Older adults
Global
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.
boss gift card request scam
An email or text impersonating your boss or company executive urgently asks you to buy gift cards for clients or employees and send the card numbers — a business email compromise variant.
Verify any unusual request from a supervisor by calling or speaking to them in person — not by replying to the email.
Employees
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.
Amazon gift card payment scam
Scammers impersonate authority figures — government agents, employers, or Amazon itself — and demand victims purchase Amazon gift cards and share the redemption codes as a form of payment.
No legitimate organization or government agency will ever demand payment in gift cards — hang up immediately.
Older adults
U.S.
Apple gift card payment demand scam
Scammers posing as government agencies, utilities, or law enforcement demand payment via Apple gift cards, claiming it is the only way to resolve a fine, debt, or legal issue.
No legitimate organization ever demands payment in gift cards — hang up immediately.
Older adults
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.
Refund specialist recovery scam
A victim of bank transfer fraud is told a refund specialist can reverse the payment for a consultancy fee.
Work with your bank and official complaint channels, not unsolicited specialists.
Fraud victims
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
genetic health report upsell scam
After a legitimate or fake DNA test, scammers contact consumers offering expensive genetic health reports that provide generic or medically meaningless advice.
Consult a licensed genetic counselor or your doctor before paying for genetic health interpretations.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
fake heritage discovery scam
Scammers contact people claiming their DNA results reveal a connection to royalty, a wealthy family, or an unclaimed inheritance, then charge fees to pursue the claim.
Treat any unsolicited claim of wealthy or royal ancestry as a scam — legitimate genealogists do not cold-contact people.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
relative matching phishing scam
Scammers send emails posing as DNA testing services claiming a new relative match has been found, directing victims to fake login pages that steal their credentials.
Never click login links in emails — go directly to the testing company's website by typing the URL in your browser.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
remote job equipment purchase scam
New remote hires are told to purchase equipment from a specific vendor using a company check that later bounces, leaving the employee out of pocket for the full amount.
Legitimate employers provide equipment directly or reimburse after verified purchase — they never send checks to buy from unknown vendors.
Remote workers
U.S.
VPN phishing scam targeting remote workers
Phishing emails impersonate corporate IT departments and direct remote workers to fake VPN login pages that capture their corporate credentials.
Never click VPN login links in emails — always access your corporate VPN through the official application or bookmark.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake HR onboarding scam for remote workers
Scammers impersonate HR departments of companies and send fake onboarding documents to new remote hires, collecting tax forms, identification, and bank details for identity theft.
Verify the onboarding process by calling the company's main number and asking to speak with the HR contact who sent the documents.
Remote workers
U.S.
payroll redirect scam targeting remote workers
Scammers compromise or impersonate an employee's email and send payroll or HR a request to change direct deposit information, diverting paychecks to the scammer's account.
Always verify direct deposit change requests through a phone call to the employee using a known number, not the one in the email.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake home office stipend scam
Scammers posing as employers offer remote workers a home office stipend via check that is fraudulent, asking the worker to purchase items and return the excess funds.
Legitimate home office stipends are reimbursed after purchase or provided through corporate purchasing — never through personal check overpayment.
Remote workers
U.S.
Gold mining club investment scam
An investment club says pooled money is being used in gold or commodity extraction projects with fast fixed returns.
Check licenses and filings before sending funds to private clubs.
Retirees
Global
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.
identity theft protection scam
A company sells an identity theft protection plan that provides little or no actual monitoring, while collecting sensitive personal data that increases the customer's risk.
Use the free credit monitoring offered by breached companies or annualcreditreport.com.
Data breach victims
U.S.
pet shipping fee scam
After a puppy or kitten purchase, the buyer is told the pet requires a special climate-controlled crate, insurance, or customs fees that escalate indefinitely.
Legitimate pet shipping companies provide all-inclusive quotes upfront.
Pet seekers
U.S.
online vet bill scam
A scammer contacts a pet buyer claiming the animal needs emergency veterinary care during transit and demands immediate payment to save the pet's life.
Ask for the specific vet clinic name, address, and phone number — then call directly.
Pet seekers
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.
military PCS move scam
Scammers target military families during permanent change of station relocations with fraudulent moving companies that exploit tight PCS timelines.
Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office.
Military families
U.S.
tariff relief application scam
Scammers exploit confusion around tariff changes by impersonating government agencies offering fake tariff relief applications that collect Social Security numbers and financial information.
Verify any government relief program through official .gov websites or by calling the agency directly.
Small business owners
U.S.
student loan pause extension scam
Scammers impersonate the Department of Education or loan servicers, offering fake extensions to student loan repayment pauses in exchange for personal information or upfront fees.
Manage your student loans exclusively through studentaid.gov and your official loan servicer.
Student loan borrowers
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.
small business disaster loan scam
Scammers impersonate the SBA or state agencies, offering fake disaster relief loans to small business owners and collecting application fees and sensitive business financial data.
Apply for SBA disaster loans only through sba.gov or by calling the SBA directly at their published number.
Small business owners
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.
fake unemployment benefits extension scam
Scammers contact unemployed individuals claiming they qualify for a benefits extension and need to verify their identity through a fake state workforce portal that steals their personal information.
Access your unemployment account only through your state workforce agency's official website.
Unemployed workers
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.
fake streaming service subscription scam
Scammers impersonate popular streaming platforms and collect payment for subscriptions that never grant access to any content.
Always navigate to streaming services directly by typing the URL — never click email links.
Online subscribers
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.
cloud storage upsell scam
A pop-up or email warns that cloud storage is full and directs the user to a fake upgrade page that charges for storage never delivered.
Check storage usage directly in your device settings — not through email links.
App users
U.S.
vehicle export scam
A buyer claims to purchase a vehicle for export, sends a fake payment, and arranges for a shipper to pick up the car before the fraud is detected.
Be suspicious of any buyer who agrees to the full asking price without seeing the vehicle.
Car buyers
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.
fake HOA fee notice scam
Homeowners receive official-looking letters or emails demanding immediate HOA dues payment to a fraudulent account, often mimicking their real association's branding.
Always verify payment changes by calling your HOA management company directly using the number on your original contract.
Homeowners
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.
amenity access fee scam
Scammers contact residents claiming they must pay a separate fee to access community amenities like pools, gyms, or clubhouses, collecting payments for access that is already included in HOA dues.
Check your HOA governing documents to confirm what amenities are included in your dues.
Homeowners
U.S.
fake HOA election scam
Scammers send fraudulent proxy ballots or online voting links to HOA members, harvesting personal information or manipulating board election outcomes.
Verify election communications by contacting your HOA board or management company directly.
HOA members
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.
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.
rental deposit wire fraud scam
A supposed landlord insists that the security deposit and first month's rent be wired before move-in, then disappears after receiving the funds.
Never wire money to a landlord you have not met — wire transfers cannot be reversed.
Relocating workers
U.S.
sight-unseen rental scam
A scammer targets people relocating to a new city by offering a rental that cannot be viewed in person, then collecting payment for a property that is not available.
Ask a trusted local contact to visit the property on your behalf or arrange a live video walkthrough.
Relocating workers
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.
health insurance marketplace phishing scam
Phishing emails and fake websites impersonate Healthcare.gov or state marketplace sites to steal personal information and financial data during enrollment periods.
Always navigate directly to Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace — never click enrollment links in emails
Patients
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.
fake internship offer scam targeting students
Students receive unsolicited emails offering prestigious internships that require upfront fees for training materials, background checks, or equipment, but the internship does not exist.
Verify any internship offer by contacting the company's HR department directly through their official website.
College students
U.S.
fake study abroad program scam
Fraudulent companies advertise study abroad programs that collect thousands in fees for housing, tuition, and visa assistance but provide no actual program or support upon arrival.
Only use study abroad programs vetted by your university's international programs office.
College students
U.S.
fake university email phishing scam
Phishing emails disguised as official university communications trick students into entering their login credentials on fake portals, giving attackers access to student accounts, financial aid, and personal data.
Never click login links in emails — navigate directly to your university's portal by typing the URL in your browser.
College students
U.S.
fake research assistant job scam
Students receive emails offering paid research assistant positions at their university that require purchasing supplies or software upfront with a fraudulent check that later bounces.
Verify any job offer by contacting the professor or department directly through your university's directory.
College students
U.S.
pandemic relief grant scam
Scammers exploit public awareness of pandemic relief programs by offering fake COVID-19 recovery grants, collecting personal information and fees from applicants.
Verify any relief program through official government websites — usa.gov, sba.gov, or your country's equivalent.
Low-income households
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.
research grant impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate research funding agencies like the NSF or NIH, sending fake award notifications that require fees or personal information to claim.
Verify any grant notification directly through the funding agency's official website and your institution's grants office.
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.
state grant phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate state government agencies, directing recipients to fake portals that harvest credentials and personal information under the guise of a grant application.
Access state grant programs only through official .gov websites — never through links in unsolicited emails.
Low-income households
U.S.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
closing wire instruction hijack scam
Hackers intercept or spoof emails between homebuyers and title companies, sending fraudulent wire instructions that redirect the closing funds to a criminal's account.
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company at a phone number from their official website — never from the email itself.
Homebuyers
U.S.
title company impersonation scam
Scammers create fake email addresses and websites that closely mimic a real title company, sending buyers fraudulent closing documents and wire instructions.
Verify the sender's exact email domain character by character before acting on any wire instructions.
Homebuyers
U.S.
down payment redirect scam
A fraudulent email intercepted during a real estate transaction redirects the buyer's down payment to a criminal's account by providing altered wiring details.
Never wire money based solely on email instructions — always confirm by phone using a known, verified number.
Homebuyers
U.S.
earnest money theft scam
Scammers intercept real estate communications and send fake instructions for the earnest money deposit early in the transaction, stealing funds before closing even begins.
Verify earnest money instructions directly with your real estate agent and the escrow company by phone.
Homebuyers
U.S.
real estate agent email compromise scam
Hackers breach a real estate agent's email account and use it to send fraudulent wire instructions to the agent's active clients, leveraging the trusted relationship.
Always verify financial instructions through a separate communication channel — call your agent on their known phone number.
Homebuyers
U.S.
escrow account phishing scam
Scammers send phishing emails disguised as escrow account login pages, capturing credentials that allow them to redirect funds or steal transaction information.
Never click login links in emails — navigate directly to the escrow company's website by typing the URL.
Homebuyers
U.S.
mortgage payoff redirect scam
Scammers intercept mortgage payoff communications and redirect the final payment to a fraudulent account, stealing the homeowner's entire remaining mortgage balance.
Verify mortgage payoff wire instructions by calling the lender directly at the number on your mortgage statement.
Homebuyers
U.S.
property tax payment redirect scam
Scammers send fake property tax notices directing homeowners to pay overdue or delinquent taxes to a fraudulent account, often threatening liens or penalties for non-payment.
Verify any tax notice by contacting your county tax assessor's office directly using the number from their official website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
HOA fee redirect scam
Scammers impersonate a homeowners association and send emails with updated payment instructions, redirecting HOA dues to a criminal's account.
Verify any payment change by contacting your HOA management company or board president directly by phone.
Homebuyers
U.S.
real estate attorney impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate the buyer's or seller's real estate attorney, sending fraudulent wire instructions for closing funds from an email that closely resembles the attorney's real address.
Verify all wire instructions by calling your attorney at the number on their business card or official website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
student loan disbursement phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate financial aid offices or loan servicers, claiming there is an issue with the student's loan disbursement that requires immediate action to resolve.
Log in to your school's financial aid portal directly by typing the URL — never through links in emails.
College students
U.S.
fake campus job scam
Fraudulent job offers sent to student email addresses promise easy on-campus or remote work with high pay, then trick students into depositing fake checks or sharing personal data.
Verify campus job offers through your university's official career center or human resources office.
College students
U.S.
laptop deal phishing scam
Phishing ads and emails target students with fake back-to-school laptop deals from major brands, leading to credential theft or purchase of nonexistent products.
Purchase electronics only from authorized retailers or your school's official technology store with education pricing.
College students
U.S.
fake scholarship deadline scam
Scammers contact students claiming they have won or been selected for a scholarship but must pay processing fees or provide personal information by an urgent deadline to claim it.
Legitimate scholarships never require application or processing fees — any request for payment is a scam.
High school seniors
U.S.
Visa sponsorship placement fee scam
An overseas role promises fast visa sponsorship but asks for processing, embassy, or medical coordination fees upfront.
Check the employer and visa process through official immigration channels before paying.
Migrant job seekers
Global
Fake ETA visa application site scam
A traveler pays inflated fees and shares passport data on a site posing as an official visa or travel authorization service.
Start visa or ETA applications from the official government site only.
International travelers
Global
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.
Visa processing agent scam
A traveler or student is told a visa application can be accelerated if they pay a private agent through chat or an unofficial portal.
Use only official government visa channels or verified legal advisers for application steps.
International students
Global
Student visa deadline penalty scam
A student is told there is a deadline or filing defect in their visa record and must pay a penalty or share documents immediately.
Verify any visa or study permit notice from the official immigration portal only.
International students
Canada
fake immigration lawyer scam
Individuals posing as immigration attorneys charge fees for legal services they are not licensed to provide, filing incorrect paperwork that jeopardizes victims' immigration cases.
Verify any immigration attorney's license on your state bar association's website before paying for services.
Immigrants
U.S.
visa lottery scam targeting immigrants
Scammers send emails or create websites claiming victims have won the Diversity Visa Lottery and must pay processing fees, when the real DV Lottery is free and does not notify winners by email.
The official DV Lottery is free to enter and results are only available at dvprogram.state.gov — never pay for lottery processing.
Immigrants
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.
fake green card processing service scam
Fraudulent companies promise to expedite green card applications for a fee, submitting incorrect or no paperwork at all while charging thousands of dollars.
File immigration forms directly through uscis.gov or with the help of a licensed immigration attorney verified through your state bar.
Immigrants
U.S.
translation service overcharge scam targeting immigrants
Scammers operating near immigration offices charge immigrants grossly inflated prices for simple document translations, sometimes producing inaccurate or unusable translations.
Get translation quotes from multiple ATA-certified translators before committing — compare prices online.
Immigrants
U.S.
fake USCIS website scam
Scammers create websites that closely mimic the official USCIS site to collect personal information and payment from immigrants who believe they are filing legitimate immigration forms.
Always navigate directly to uscis.gov — the only official USCIS website will have a .gov domain.
Immigrants
U.S.
work permit advance fee scam
Scammers posing as employment agencies or sponsors demand upfront fees from immigrants to secure work permits or employer sponsorship that they cannot deliver.
Legitimate employers pay for sponsorship — you should never have to pay for your own work visa sponsorship.
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.
fake notario immigration scam
Individuals calling themselves notarios offer immigration legal services they are not qualified to provide, exploiting the fact that in many Latin American countries a notario is a licensed legal professional, while in the US a notary public has no such authority.
Only seek immigration legal advice from licensed attorneys verified through your state bar association or DOJ-accredited representatives.
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.
Mystery shopper training check scam
A mystery shopper role sends a large check and instructs the new hire to buy gift cards or evaluate money transfer services.
Void the check and stop communicating if a job asks you to purchase gift cards.
Part-time workers
U.S.
fake check overpayment scam
A buyer sends a check for more than the agreed price and asks the seller to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the selling price.
Sellers
U.S.
payroll check scam
Scammers posing as employers send fake payroll checks to new hires, then request the employee return a portion for equipment or supplies.
Research any new employer through your state's business registration database before accepting payment.
Job seekers
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.
rental deposit check scam
A fake landlord sends a check for more than the deposit, then asks the prospective tenant to wire back the excess before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount in any rental transaction.
Renters
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.
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.
electronics warranty phishing scam
Scammers send phishing emails disguised as warranty registration confirmations for recently purchased electronics, directing victims to fake sites that steal personal and financial data.
Register warranties only through the manufacturer official website by navigating directly rather than clicking email links
Consumers
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.
warranty expiration phishing email scam
Phishing emails claiming your product warranty is about to expire direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials and payment information.
Never click links in unsolicited warranty expiration emails and instead log in to your account directly on the manufacturer website
Consumers
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.
warranty renewal auto-charge scam
Companies enroll consumers in recurring warranty plans with hidden auto-renewal clauses, making it extremely difficult to cancel and continuing to charge credit cards after the coverage period.
Read all warranty contract terms for auto-renewal clauses before providing payment information
Car owners
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 baby product recall scam
Scammers send emails or social media messages about fake baby product recalls, directing parents to phishing websites that collect personal and financial information under the pretense of processing a refund.
Verify any product recall at cpsc.gov before clicking any links or providing information.
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.
MLM schemes targeting immigrant communities
MLM companies target immigrant communities through cultural trust networks, church groups, and diaspora gatherings, exploiting language barriers and the desire for financial independence.
Research the company name in English — many MLM warning sites and FTC actions are only available in English.
Immigrants
U.S.
CEO wire transfer fraud
Scammers impersonate a company's CEO or executive via email, urgently requesting a large wire transfer to an account they control.
Verify any unusual wire transfer request by calling the executive directly using a known phone number
Finance teams
Global
vendor invoice payment redirect scam
Scammers impersonate a trusted vendor and send a fake notice that banking details have changed, diverting legitimate invoice payments to a fraudulent account.
Always verify bank account change requests by calling the vendor at a number from your existing records
Accounts payable teams
Global
payroll direct deposit redirect scam
Scammers impersonate an employee via email and request that their direct deposit payroll information be changed to a fraudulent bank account.
Require in-person or phone verification for any direct deposit changes using a known employee phone number
HR departments
U.S.
W-2 tax form data harvest scam
Scammers impersonate executives or HR leaders via email to request bulk W-2 or tax information for all employees, enabling identity theft at scale.
Never email W-2 data or bulk employee information based on an email request alone
HR departments
U.S.
attorney impersonation BEC scam
Scammers pose as a company's legal counsel or an external attorney, claiming a confidential legal matter requires an urgent wire transfer.
Verify any attorney-initiated payment requests by calling the law firm using independently sourced contact information
Finance teams
U.S.
real estate closing wire fraud
Scammers intercept real estate transaction emails and send fake closing instructions with fraudulent wire transfer details, stealing down payments and closing funds.
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company at a number from their official website, never from the email
Homebuyers
U.S.
supplier impersonation payment fraud
Scammers create fake supplier identities or compromise real supplier email accounts to submit fraudulent invoices for goods or services never provided.
Verify all new suppliers through independent research and phone confirmation before making any payments
Procurement teams
Global
executive gift card request scam
Scammers impersonate a company executive and ask employees to urgently purchase gift cards for clients, employees, or events, then request the card numbers and PINs.
Always verify gift card requests by speaking directly with the executive who supposedly sent the email
Administrative assistants
U.S.
employee data theft BEC phishing
Scammers impersonate executives or IT staff to request sensitive employee data including Social Security numbers, addresses, and financial information.
Never send bulk employee personal data via email regardless of who requests it
HR departments
U.S.
merger and acquisition confidential BEC scam
Scammers impersonate executives or advisors involved in a pending deal, using the secrecy inherent in M&A transactions to authorize urgent, fraudulent wire transfers.
Verify all M&A-related payment requests through pre-established secure communication channels
CFOs
U.S.
Fake LinkedIn recruiter crypto role scam
A recruiter claims to fill an exclusive crypto role, then pushes the candidate into downloading a wallet, trading app, or identity kit.
Verify the recruiter from the company's actual careers page before engaging.
Tech workers
Global
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.
Tax account identity lock scam
A fake identity-protection service says your tax profile is frozen and needs reactivation, while real fraud may also be underway.
Check with the tax authority or credit bureaus directly instead of the message.
Tax filers
U.S.
W-2 identity theft scam
A fake executive or HR request leads staff to send employee tax forms or identity records to an attacker.
Verify executive data requests through a second channel before sending records.
HR teams
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.
vendor invoice spoofing scam
Scammers impersonate a company's existing vendor and send a fake invoice with updated banking details, diverting legitimate payments to a fraudulent account.
Always verify banking detail changes by calling the vendor directly using a phone number from your records — not from the email.
Small business owners
U.S.
SEO services invoice scam
An unsolicited invoice for SEO or website listing services is sent to businesses that never ordered them, hoping the accounts payable team will pay without questioning it.
Verify every invoice against purchase orders and approved vendor lists before authorizing payment.
Small business owners
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.
subscription service invoice scam
A fake invoice for a software subscription or SaaS product is sent to businesses, mimicking real services like cloud storage, CRM tools, or collaboration platforms.
Maintain a central registry of all software subscriptions and cross-reference every invoice against it.
Small business owners
U.S.
cloud hosting invoice scam
A fake invoice claiming to be from AWS, Google Cloud, or another hosting provider demands payment for services, targeting companies that use multiple cloud vendors.
Verify all cloud invoices by logging directly into your provider's billing console — AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure all have online billing dashboards.
Small business owners
U.S.
government compliance invoice scam
A fake invoice demands payment for mandatory government compliance services such as labor law poster updates, OSHA certifications, or ADA compliance reviews that were never ordered.
Verify any compliance requirements directly with the relevant government agency — OSHA, DOL, or your state's labor department.
Small business owners
U.S.
cyber monday phishing email scam
Phishing emails disguised as Cyber Monday deal alerts from major retailers contain malicious links that steal login credentials and payment information.
Navigate directly to the retailer's official website or app instead of clicking email links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake holiday travel deal scam
Scammers advertise deeply discounted holiday travel packages via social media and email, collecting full payment for flights and hotels that are never booked.
Book travel through established platforms and verify any deal by calling the airline or hotel directly with the confirmation number.
Travelers
U.S.
Related professions