Plain-language guides to the scams that reach people by phone, text, email, pop-up and social media, with simple steps to protect yourself and the older adults in your life. Each guide explains how the scam works, the warning signs, and what to do if you have already paid or shared information.
If you think you have been targeted, call your bank or card company first, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For identity theft, use IdentityTheft.gov. Our Get Help Now page lists who to call for each situation.
Not sure if it’s a scam?
- Is This a Scam? A two-minute self-check for a call, text or email that has you worried.
- Spot the Fake: a ten-question quiz to practice on as a family.
- Scam A to Z: look up any scam we cover by name.
By how the scam reaches you
- Texts: phishing text messages, fake delivery texts, QR code scams.
- Phone calls: grandparent and family emergency scams, AI voice-clone calls, IRS and Social Security imposters, how to stop scam calls on a parent’s phone.
- Computer pop-ups: tech support scams and how to spot a fake pop-up.
- Online shopping and listings: fake online stores, ticket scams, rental listing scams, pet scams, fake government and bill-pay sites.
- Payment apps: Zelle, Venmo and Cash App scams, including fake “bank fraud department” calls.
- Relationships: romance scams and crypto investment scams that start with a wrong-number text.
Money, jobs and benefits
- Financial fraud: types and warning signs, imposter scams, payment app scams, gift card scams, fake check scams.
- Job scams, fake coaching, sweepstakes and prize scams.
- Debt relief scams, credit repair scams, student scams and student loan scam signs.
- Medicare fraud, health insurance enrollment scams, life insurance scams.
- Home repair scams, travel and timeshare scams, disaster and charity scams, hidden fees, car dealership pricing.
If you already paid or shared information
- Identity theft recovery: what to do first, next and later.
- Refund and recovery scams that target people who already lost money.
- SIM swap scams and hacked social media accounts.
- Protecting a loved one’s identity after they die.
- Free printable checklists to keep by the phone.
Newest scam guides
Payment App Scams: How to Use Zelle, Venmo and Cash App Safely
Sending money through a payment app is like handing over cash: once it’s gone, it’s hard to get back. Here are the most common payment app scams, the settings that help, and what to do if you already sent money.
Phishing Text Messages: Examples, Red Flags and What to Do
Learn how to spot phishing text messages, see real examples like fake delivery and toll texts, and know exactly what to do if you replied or tapped a link.
Student Loan Scam Signs: 9 Red Flags to Spot Fast
Learn the student loan scam signs that matter: upfront fees, forgiveness promises, password requests and fake official names. Plus what to do if you already paid.
Life Insurance Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do
Learn how life insurance scams work, the warning signs, how to verify an agent or policy, and what to do if you already paid or shared personal details.
Package Delivery Scams: Fake USPS, UPS and FedEx Texts and Emails
A text says your package can’t be delivered and asks you to tap a link. Here’s how fake delivery messages work, how real carriers contact you, and what to do if you tapped the link.
Disaster and Charity Scams: How to Give Safely
After a disaster, scammers set up fake charities and fundraisers. Here’s how to spot a charity scam, check a charity in minutes, and make sure your donation reaches people who need it.
Travel and Timeshare Scams: Free Trips, Fake Rentals and Resale Offers
Free vacation prizes, fake rental listings, copycat booking sites and timeshare resale offers that want money upfront. Here’s how to spot travel scams and book safely.
Student Scams: Loan Forgiveness, Scholarships and Fake Tuition Bills
Students and families are targeted with fake loan relief, paid scholarship services and fake tuition bills. Here’s how to spot them and where to get the same help for free.
Pet Scams: How to Buy or Adopt a Puppy or Kitten Safely
Fake pet sellers advertise cheap puppies and kittens online, take a deposit, then invent shipping and vet fees. Here’s how pet scams work and how to find a pet safely.
Sweepstakes, Lottery and Prize Scams: Real Prizes Are Free
You’ve won! But first, pay the taxes, shipping or a fee. That’s the sign of a prize scam. Here’s how sweepstakes and lottery scams work and what to do if you paid.