10 Most Common Scams Right Now
Stay Alert to Today's Top Threats - The most prevalent scams being reported right now, along with emerging tactics you should know about.
Essential Protection Guide
This comprehensive list provides detailed insights into recognizing and protecting yourself from current threats related scams. Each item includes specific warning signs, protection strategies, and actionable advice.
AI Voice Cloning / Grandparent Scam 2.0
Scammers use AI to clone voices from social media videos or voicemails, then call family members pretending to be in urgent trouble. The voice sounds exactly like your loved one, making this devastatingly convincing.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Urgent requests for money from family member
- •Voice sounds right but something feels off
- •Refuses video call or asks you not to tell other family
- •Demands specific payment method (gift cards, wire transfer)
- •Creates time pressure ("I only have a few minutes to call")
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Establish a family code word that only real family would know
- ✓Always verify by calling the person directly on their known number
- ✓Ask specific questions only the real person would know
- ✓Limit voice content you share on social media
- ✓If someone refuses verification, it's likely a scam
Fake Tech Support Pop-ups and Calls
Convincing pop-ups claiming computer infection, followed by calls from fake tech support to steal money and install malware.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Pop-up claiming computer is infected
- •Provides phone number to call for help
- •Requests remote access to computer
- •Demands immediate payment for fake repairs
- •Claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or other major companies
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Never call numbers from pop-ups
- ✓Close browser and restart computer if you see these
- ✓Real companies don't call about computer problems
- ✓Never give remote access to unknown callers
- ✓Use legitimate antivirus software for real protection
Cryptocurrency Investment Scams
Fake platforms promising guaranteed crypto returns with celebrity endorsements and fake success stories.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Guarantees of high returns
- •Celebrity endorsements (often deepfakes)
- •Pressure to invest quickly
- •Asks for upfront fees or deposits
- •Platform looks professional but is newly created
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓No legitimate investment guarantees returns
- ✓Research platforms thoroughly before investing
- ✓Use only established cryptocurrency exchanges
- ✓Be suspicious of celebrity endorsements
- ✓Never invest money you can't afford to lose
Fake Package Delivery Notifications
Text messages and emails claiming failed package deliveries that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal information.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Unexpected delivery notification texts
- •Links to suspicious websites
- •Requests personal information to reschedule
- •Poor grammar or spelling in messages
- •Urgent deadlines for package pickup
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Check tracking on official carrier websites
- ✓Don't click links in unsolicited messages
- ✓Verify with the sender if you ordered something
- ✓Look for official communication channels
- ✓When in doubt, contact the carrier directly
Social Media Marketplace Scams
Fake items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and other platforms with no intention of delivering goods.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Prices too good to be true
- •Seller has limited profile information
- •Refuses to meet in person
- •Only accepts certain payment methods
- •Urgent sale due to moving or other reason
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Meet in person for local purchases
- ✓Use platform's payment protection systems
- ✓Research seller's profile and reviews
- ✓Trust your instincts about suspicious deals
- ✓Avoid wire transfers and gift card payments
Remote Work Job Scams
Fake remote job listings designed to steal personal information or collect fake onboarding fees.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Job offers without interviews
- •Requests for upfront payments or fees
- •Vague job descriptions
- •Asks for personal financial information early
- •Company has no verifiable online presence
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Research companies thoroughly
- ✓Never pay upfront fees for jobs
- ✓Verify job postings on company websites
- ✓Be cautious of work-from-home opportunities
- ✓Trust legitimate job search platforms
Bank/Credit Card Fraud Alerts
Fake fraud alerts claiming unauthorized transactions designed to steal your actual account information.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Unexpected fraud alert messages
- •Requests to verify account information
- •Links to fake banking websites
- •Urgent action required messages
- •Phone numbers that don't match your bank
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Contact your bank directly using official numbers
- ✓Never click links in suspicious messages
- ✓Log into your account through official channels
- ✓Banks won't ask for passwords via email or text
- ✓Monitor your accounts regularly
Fake Charity Scams (Disaster Relief)
Scammers exploit recent disasters or tragedies with fake charity campaigns, using emotional manipulation to steal donations.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Pressure to donate immediately
- •Vague description of how funds will be used
- •Cannot provide proof of charity registration
- •Only accepts cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- •Refuses to provide written information
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Research charity on sites like Charity Navigator
- ✓Verify charity registration with state authorities
- ✓Donate directly through official charity websites
- ✓Be wary of door-to-door charity solicitors
- ✓Take time to research before donating
Romance Scams (Dating Apps)
Fake romantic interests on dating apps and social media who build emotional connections before asking for money or personal information.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Professes love very quickly
- •Always has excuses to avoid meeting in person
- •Photos look too professional or stock-like
- •Eventually asks for money for emergencies
- •Stories about their life don't add up
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓Video chat before developing feelings
- ✓Never send money to someone you haven't met
- ✓Do reverse image searches on their photos
- ✓Be suspicious of perfect profiles
- ✓Trust friends and family if they express concerns
Fake IRS/Tax Authority Scams
Scammers impersonate tax authorities claiming you owe money and threatening immediate arrest or legal action.
🚩 Warning Signs
- •Threatens immediate arrest for tax issues
- •Demands payment via gift cards or wire transfer
- •Calls claiming to be from IRS or tax authority
- •Refuses to provide written documentation
- •Creates extreme urgency and pressure
✅ Protection Tips
- ✓The IRS never calls about tax issues initially
- ✓Tax authorities communicate primarily by mail
- ✓Never pay taxes with gift cards or cryptocurrency
- ✓Hang up and contact the real tax authority
- ✓Real tax issues allow time to respond
📧 Stay Protected
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