Trending Scams
Scamming in 2025: The Advanced Tactics You Need to Know
Stay informed and learn how to protect yourself. Knowledge is your best defense.
10 Most Popular Scams Right Now
Grandkid in Trouble
Voice-cloned + spoofed caller ID
What it is:
A caller or text claims to be your grandchild/child, says they've been arrested/in an accident, and needs money now. Scammers can spoof phone numbers and use AI voice cloning from social media clips.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Urgent secrecy ("don't tell mom")
- •Requests for wire, gift cards, crypto, or Zelle
- •Caller won't video chat
- •Number looks familiar but is slightly off
✅ What to do:
Hang up and call the real person (or their parent) using a saved/contact-book number. Never send funds to a pressure request.
Bank/Zelle "Fraud Dept." Impostor
Fake bank security calls
What it is:
A "bank" texts/calls about suspicious activity, then walks you through "reversing charges" that actually sends money to them. Caller ID may show the bank's name.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Asked to read a one-time code
- •Move money between your accounts
- •"Verify" username/password
✅ What to do:
Stop. Call the number on the back of your card or in your banking app. Banks don't ask you to transfer money to "safe" accounts.
Delivery/Package-Failed Text
Fake delivery notifications
What it is:
Text/email with a tracking link to reschedule delivery; link steals login/credit card.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Misspellings
- •Odd URLs
- •Fees to "release" a package
- •Request for full DOB/SSN
✅ What to do:
Go directly to the carrier's official site/app and enter the tracking number there. Don't click the message link.
Social-Media "Friend Needs Help"
Hacked friend accounts
What it is:
Hacked friend account asks for quick loan or gift-card codes.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Unusual urgency
- •Requests to keep it private
- •Gift card photos
✅ What to do:
Voice/video verify with the friend via a different channel. Report the account.
Job/Side-Gig Overpayment
Fake job offers with checks
What it is:
"Employer" sends a check, asks you to buy equipment or send part back; the check later bounces and you owe the bank.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Job without interview
- •Pay that's too high
- •Moving to chat apps
- •Requests to front money or buy gift cards
✅ What to do:
Don't deposit unknown checks. Verify company on LinkedIn/official site and apply only through official portals.
Rental/Marketplace Deposit Scam
Fake property listings
What it is:
Fake listing; they demand a deposit to "hold" before viewing.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Can't tour in person
- •Price too low
- •Pressure to pay via wire/Zelle/crypto
✅ What to do:
See the place in person or live video, check address ownership, pay only through secure methods after a signed lease.
Student-Loan "Forgiveness Now"
Fake debt relief services
What it is:
A service charges upfront fees for relief you can apply for free.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Upfront payment
- •"Guaranteed" forgiveness
- •Pressure to act today
- •Requests for FSA ID password
✅ What to do:
Use official government resources only; never share your FSA ID.
Romance → Crypto "Investment"
Romance scams leading to crypto fraud
What it is:
A new online "partner" nurtures trust, then pushes you onto a trading site they control. Early fake "profits" lure bigger deposits.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Won't meet
- •Pushes you off-platform
- •Asks you to keep it secret
- •Wants you to fund a wallet/site they provide
✅ What to do:
Don't send money or crypto. Talk to a trusted friend; reverse-image search profile pics; stop contact.
QR-Code Bill or Parking Scam
Tampered QR codes
What it is:
A sticker QR covers the real code and sends your payment to the scammer.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Crooked/peeling code stickers
- •Requests for card details after scanning
✅ What to do:
Use official apps or type URLs; check the physical code for tampering.
IRS/Police/Warrant Threat
Fake government threats
What it is:
Caller claims unpaid taxes or a warrant; demands immediate payment.
🚩 Red Flags:
- •Threats of arrest/deportation
- •Gift card/crypto payments
- •Demands for SSN over the phone
✅ What to do:
Hang up. The IRS and police don't collect by phone. Contact agencies via official numbers.
Romance Scams
Scammers create fake romantic relationships to gain trust and steal money
Phishing Emails
Fake emails designed to steal personal information or install malware
Investment Scams
Fake investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns
Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as tech support to gain access to your computer
Social Media Scams
Scams targeting users through social media platforms
Job Scams
Fake job offers designed to steal personal information or money
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FTC Scam Alerts: consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
AARP Fraud Watch: aarp.org/money/scams-fraud