Scam Library
Explore common and emerging scams and learn the warning signs.
Scams are grouped into categories, phone & text, money & banking, technology, government & benefits, online & social media, and home & community, so you can jump straight to what is relevant to you.
Phone & Text Scams
These scams use phone calls or text messages to create fake emergencies, deliveries, or threats.
Phone & Text
Grandparent Emergency Scam
A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble and urgently asks for money, often begging you to keep it secret.
Phone & Text
AI Voice-Cloning Scam
A caller may use artificial intelligence to imitate a loved one's voice and invent a fake emergency to get money fast.
Phone & Text
Fake Kidnapping Call
A caller claims a family member has been kidnapped and demands immediate payment before you can verify what's true.
Phone & Text
Package Delivery Text Scam
A text claims a delivery failed or needs a fee, with a link designed to steal personal or payment information.
Phone & Text
Fake Toll Text Scam
A text claims you owe an unpaid toll and pressures you to pay through a suspicious link.
Phone & Text
Wrong-Number Text Scam
A friendly "wrong number" text starts a conversation meant to build trust before asking for money or personal details.
Money & Banking Scams
These scams target your money directly, through fake bank alerts, investment promises, or phony checks.
Money & Banking
Bank Impersonation Scam
A caller or text pretends to be your bank, warning of suspicious activity to trick you into sharing account details.
Money & Banking
Investment Scam
Promises of guaranteed high returns lure victims into sending money to a fake or nonexistent investment.
Money & Banking
Cryptocurrency Scam
Scammers convince victims to send digital currency for a fake opportunity that cannot be reversed once sent.
Money & Banking
Sweepstakes & Lottery Scam
You're told you've won a prize, but must pay a "fee" or "taxes" first to receive winnings that don't exist.
Money & Banking
Fake Check Scam
A scammer sends a real-looking check and asks you to deposit it and send part of the money back before the check bounces.
Technology Scams
These scams use computers, pop-ups, or remote access tools to gain your trust or take control of your device.
Technology
Tech Support Scam
A pop-up or call claims your computer is infected and pressures you to pay for fake "repair" services or grant remote access.
Technology
Fake Virus Pop-Up
A pop-up warning claims your device is infected and urges you to call a number or download software immediately.
Technology
Fake Subscription Renewal
An email or pop-up claims a subscription is about to renew at a high cost, pressuring you to click a link or call to "cancel."
Technology
Remote Computer Access Scam
A caller convinces you to install software that gives them control of your computer, often to "fix" a problem that never existed.
Technology
QR-Code Scam
A fake QR code on a flyer, sign, or email leads to a scam website designed to steal information or payment details.
Government & Benefits Scams
These scams pretend to be from a government agency to create fear and pressure you into paying or sharing personal information.
Government & Benefits
Social Security Scam
A caller claims your Social Security number has been suspended or compromised and demands personal information to "fix" it.
Government & Benefits
Medicare Scam
A caller or mailer offers a free device or service in exchange for your Medicare number, then uses it for fraudulent billing.
Government & Benefits
IRS Impersonation Scam
A caller claims you owe back taxes and threatens arrest unless you pay immediately, often by gift card or wire transfer.
Government & Benefits
Police/FBI Impersonation Scam
A caller claims to be law enforcement and threatens arrest or legal action unless you pay a fine right away.
Online & Social Media Scams
These scams often start with a message, profile, or website that looks real but is designed to gain your trust or your money.
Online & Social Media
Romance Scam
A person on a dating site or social media builds an online relationship, then asks for money for an emergency or travel.
Online & Social Media
Fake Social Media Profile
A scammer copies a real person's photos and posts to build a fake profile that seems trustworthy.
Online & Social Media
Fake Online Store
A website advertises deep discounts on popular products but never ships anything after you pay.
Online & Social Media
Celebrity Impersonation Scam
A fake account pretending to be a celebrity offers a giveaway or personal relationship in exchange for money.
Online & Social Media
Fake Charity Scam
A message or caller asks for a donation to a charity that doesn't actually exist or doesn't use funds as promised.
Home & Community Scams
These scams often happen in person or after a local event, using urgency or a friendly appearance to gain trust.
Home & Community
Home Repair Scam
A contractor offers a deal that sounds too good, takes payment upfront, and never finishes or even starts the work.
Home & Community
Storm Repair Scam
After a storm, someone offers urgent roof or tree repair, collects payment, and disappears without doing the job.
Home & Community
Utility Shutoff Scam
A caller claims your power or water will be shut off today unless you pay immediately, often demanding gift cards.
Home & Community
Door-to-Door Scam
A person selling products or services door-to-door pressures you into paying on the spot for something overpriced or fake.
Home & Community
Disaster Charity Scam
After a disaster, a caller or flyer asks for donations to a relief effort that doesn't actually deliver help to victims.
No matter the setting, the same three steps can help: Pause. Verify. Protect.