New alerts as sources are verified
The latest scams, and what to do about them
Each one is a short read: how to recognize the scam, one calm next step, and the official source the alert came from.
Browse by how it arrives, or by topic
These groups collect the same alerts under a heading someone might search for. Every alert is still on this page.
Scam alertNew
Mail ·
Mystery Shopper Job Sent You a Check? Do Not Buy the Gift Cards
A mystery shopping job that sends you a check, tells you to deposit it, keep some as your pay, and use the rest to buy gift cards or send money is a scam.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Phone call · Updated
A Caller Says You Won a Car but Must Pay First? There Is No Car
A caller or letter that says you have won a car or a prize, then wants money, gift cards or personal information before you can collect, is running a scam.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Email · Updated
Building Permit Email Asks You to Wire Money? Call the Permit Office
Do not wire money because of an email about a building permit, even if it names your real address, a docket number, or a planning staff member you recognize.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Phone call · Updated
A Call Says You Missed Jury Duty and Must Pay? Hang Up.
A caller who says you missed jury duty or have a warrant, then wants a bond or fine paid at a store kiosk, by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire, is not law enforcement, even if the voice sounds like a real officer.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Text message ·
Celebrity Messages You and Wants Meet-and-Greet Fees? It's an Impostor
A celebrity who writes to you privately from an account that is not their verified one, asks you to keep it secret, and later wants money for a meet and greet, a "security check," or their management is an impostor.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Text message ·
Text Says Your Package Can't Be Delivered? Check the Tracking Yourself
A text you did not ask for that says a package cannot be delivered, has an address problem, or needs a fee, and gives you a link, is a scam.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Search result ·
Store Site Says Your Card Was Declined? Don't Enter Another One
A store website that says your card was declined and asks for a different card, or whose web address has an extra letter or another small difference from the real store's, is a reason to stop.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
FEMA Inspector Asking for Money or Bank Details? It Isn't FEMA
A FEMA inspector or disaster worker who asks you for money, a fee, or your bank details is not working for FEMA.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
Fire Department Asking for Payment Up Front? Check With It First
Someone who says they are with the fire department and wants payment up front for a fire inspection, a smoke detector installation, or another service is not the fire department.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
Caller Says Your Property Taxes Are Overdue? Call the Tax Office
A caller who says your property taxes are overdue and that you must pay right now, over the phone, is a reason to hang up.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Phone call · Updated
Told to Pay to Get a Relative Out of Jail? Call the Jail Yourself
A caller who says you must pay now to get a relative out of jail is running a scam.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
Caller Raising Money for Your Police? Call the Department First
A caller who says they represent your police department or sheriff's office, or says they are a deputy, and asks for money for a calendar sponsorship, an ad or a donation may have nothing to do with that agency.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
Licensing Agency Caller Says Your License Is at Risk? Hang Up
A caller who says your professional license is at risk and asks for your Social Security number, financial details or an immediate payment is a scammer, even if caller ID shows the licensing agency's number.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
Caller Ties Your Account to Child Abuse Material? It's a Scam
A caller who says you are under investigation for child sexual abuse material, then wants money, gift cards, card details or access to your phone or computer to clear it, is a scammer.
Read this alertScam alertNew
In person ·
A Paving Crew Knocks With a Low Price for Today? Say No Thanks
An unexpected crew at your door offering to pave your driveway for a low price is the sign to say no thanks.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
Health Department Caller Says a Prescription Is in Your Name? Hang Up
A caller who says they are from the health department, says a prescription was filled in your name, and pushes you to verify personal details to clear your record is a scammer.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Phone call · Updated
Call or Text Asks for Your EBT Card Number and PIN? It's a Scam
A call or text that asks for your EBT card number or PIN, or says an EBT purchase was declined and gives you a number to call or a reply to send, is a scam.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Phone call · Updated
A 'Federal Agent' Wants Your Savings Converted to Gold? Hang Up
No government agency will tell you to buy gold, or turn savings into cash, and hand it to a courier or "agent" to keep it safe.
Read this alertScam alertUpdated
Phone call · Updated
Caller Says They're From the FTC and Says to Move Money? Hang Up
A caller who says they are from the FTC and threatens to shut off your phone number, demands secrecy, or tells you to move money, withdraw cash for a handoff, or buy Bitcoin is not the FTC.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Phone call ·
A Speed Camera Line Offers a $100 Rebate for Your Details? Hang Up
A recorded message about a $100 rebate from a speed camera company that then asks for your personal information is the sign to hang up.
Read this alertScam alertNew
In person ·
A Notario Who Isn't a Lawyer Offers Immigration Help for a Fee
Someone who is not an attorney or an accredited representative offering to fill out your immigration forms or give legal advice for a fee is the sign to stop.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Email ·
An Email From a State Agency Wants a $400 Deposit? Call the Agency
An email that says it is from a state agency and asks your business for a deposit, or for business details on a form you were not expecting, is the sign to stop.
Read this alertScam alertNew
Email ·
A State Business Office Email Has a Locked File and a Code? Skip It
An email from a state business filing office saying a secure document was shared with you, with an attachment to download and an access code to unlock it, is the sign to stop.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Cheap Health Plan Says It Is Not Insurance? Walk Away
A health plan with a very low price whose fine print says it is not insurance, or a caller who wants your bank or Social Security number before sending any plan documents, is a reason to walk away.
Read this alertScam alert
Mail ·
A Free Dinner Turns Into a Stem Cell Pitch? Don't Sign Up There
A free dinner invitation that turns into a sales pitch for stem cell or tissue injections, with promises to ease pain or treat illnesses like Parkinson's, diabetes or dementia, is a reason not to sign up.
Read this alertScam alert
Mail ·
A For Sale Sign on Property You Own? Someone Is Posing as You
A "for sale" sign, a listing, or a recorded document for property you own that you never arranged means someone is posing as the owner.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Funeral Home Calls for Your Medicare Number or a Payment? Hang Up
A call that shows a funeral home's name and asks for your Medicare number, or tells a family that just lost someone that money is owed right away, is a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
In person ·
A Stranger Hugs You or Offers a Necklace? Your Jewelry Is the Target
A stranger who asks for directions, then hugs you or puts a "gift" necklace around your neck, can take your real jewelry while they are close and leave a fake in its place.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Says Fax a Police Report or They'll Call the ATF? Hang Up
A caller who says your identity was used to buy guns or ammunition, then tells you to file a police report and fax it to them by a deadline or be referred to the ATF, is running a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Bank Caller Says to Cut Up Your Card and Mail the Chip? Hang Up
A caller from your bank's "fraud department" who tells you to cut up your card and mail the pieces or the chip, or to hand it to someone at your door, is a scammer.
Read this alertScam alert
Email ·
Meeting on Your Calendar You Never Made? Don't Click Its Link
A calendar entry you never made, such as a meeting, a renewal, a voicemail notice, or a payment receipt, with a link or phone number in it, is a phishing lure.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Claims to Be Chinese Police or a Prosecutor? Hang Up
A caller who says they are Chinese police or a Chinese prosecutor, tells you that you are under investigation in China, and demands money to avoid arrest or extradition is running a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Text From a Church Leader Asking for Gift Cards? Call the Church
A text that seems to come from a leader at your church and asks you to buy gift cards or prepaid cards is a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Vendor Fee Calls for San Juan's Noche de Paz Aren't From the City
A call offering you a vendor spot at a city event in exchange for a payment over the phone is the sign to stop.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Text Says Your Cloud Storage Is Full? Check the App, Not the Link
A message that says your cloud storage is full, says your photos and videos will be deleted, and pushes you to a link to upgrade is a phishing scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Text Says Your License Will Be Suspended Over a Ticket? It's a Scam
A text that says you owe a traffic ticket or fine and that your driver's license will be suspended unless you pay through a link is a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Stranger Texts a Marketplace Listing With Your Name? Don't Reply
A text from a stranger asking whether your item is still available, with a picture of a Facebook Marketplace listing showing your name as the seller, is a lure to get you to reply.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result ·
Landlord Won't Show the Home but Wants a Deposit? Walk Away
A landlord who won't show you the home in person but wants an application fee or deposit first is the sign of a fake rental listing.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Stranger Has Your Lost Pet but Wants Money First? Don't Pay
Someone who says they have your lost pet but wants money before returning it is the sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result ·
Service Charges Thousands to Stop Sextortion? Free Help Exists
A company that charges thousands of dollars to track down a sextortionist, and tells you not to block the person threatening you, is a red flag.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Real Government Number on Caller ID Proves Nothing
A call that shows a real government office's phone number on caller ID can still be a scam, because scammers can make a call display an agency's real number.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Says Gift Cards Will Fix Your Apple or Google Account? Hang Up
A caller who says your Apple or Google account has a problem and that buying gift cards will fix it is a scammer, and so is anyone who then tells you to mail cash.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
"Bank" Caller Says to Send Money by Cash App? It's a Scam. Hang Up
Hang up if someone who says they are your bank or credit union asks you to send money through Cash App, Chime, or a temporary card while they "fix" a problem, or asks you to read back a code just sent to your phone.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
CenterPoint or Entergy Shutoff Call? Hang Up and Check
A call or text demanding payment right now to stop a shutoff is a sign of a scam, even when caller ID shows your utility's name or its real call-center number.
Read this alertScam alert
In person · Updated
Storm Repairs Offered at the Door? Check the License First
A crew that turns up after a storm and wants money before you have checked its license and permit is the sign to stop.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
Told to Give Cash to a Courier? No Real Agency Does That
If a caller arranges for someone to collect cash, gold, or anything else of value, at your home or through a rideshare car, it is a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
Told to Put Cash Into a Bitcoin (Crypto) Machine? Stop. It Is a Scam.
Treat any instruction to pay someone through a cryptocurrency ATM as a sign to stop, no matter who is asking or why.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Game Tickets Sent as a Screenshot or PDF? Real Ones Move in the App
Real tickets for major games transfer inside an official app, so treat a ticket sent as a PDF, a scanned printout, or a barcode screenshot as a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
Pay a Fee to Raise Your Social Security Check? Hang Up
A call, text, email, or letter that says you must pay a fee or give your Social Security number or bank details to get a bigger benefit, or to activate your 2027 increase, is a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Not Registered to Vote Text? It's a Scam. Don't Tap the Link
A text saying you're not registered to vote, with a link, is a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
In person · Updated
QR Code Sticker on a Parking Meter? Don't Scan It. Use the City's App
A sticker on a parking meter that says Scan to Park or Park AA, or any unfamiliar QR overlay on the real code, is not how Ann Arbor meters take payment.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Ransom Call Says Your Child Was Kidnapped? Hang Up and Call Them
A call from an unknown number saying your child or another loved one has been kidnapped and will be released only after you pay is a hoax designed to get money.
Read this alertScam alert
In person ·
A Utility Worker at the Door Offers a Water Test? Ask for ID
Someone at the door who says they work for the city or the utility, then offers a water test, pitches a water filter, or asks to see your bill, is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Email ·
Bill or Renewal You Don't Recognize? Don't Call the Number on It
A bill or renewal you don't recognize, with a number to call or a link to pay, is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Caller Says FedEx Will Fine You Unless You Wire Cash? Hang Up.
A caller pretending to be FedEx who threatens a fine and tells you to wire cash is a scammer.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Caller Knows Your Recent Order or Visit? It Can Still Be a Scam
Someone who knows your recent order or visit, then asks for a code, password, or money, is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Email ·
Norwegian Cruise Line Email Knows Your Booking? Check It in the App
A Norwegian Cruise Line email asking you to verify your card or check in through a link is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Sends a Barcode to Pay at a Store? It's a Scam. Hang Up
A caller who sends a barcode or QR code for you to pay at a store is running a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
A Caller Says They Are From Medicare? Hang Up, Call 1-800-MEDICARE
An unexpected call, text, letter, or home visit from someone who says they are from Medicare and wants your Medicare number, a payment, or says you must join a Part D drug plan is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Claims to Be the FDIC and Wants Your Cash or Screen? Hang Up
A call or email from an "FDIC investigator" who says your account is compromised, then tells you to withdraw cash for a "bank courier," put money in a car, or share your phone screen, is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Mail ·
A Mailer Demands Pay for Spotted Lanternfly Permits That Are Free
An unexpected letter or website that demands payment for a spotted-lanternfly "commission" permit or short online training, and threatens fines or criminal penalties, is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
In person ·
Generator Franchise Takes Deposits, Then Closes Without Refunds
Be wary of a home-generator seller that takes a large deposit up front and then stalls on delivery.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
Is the Prime Settlement Refund Site Real? What the FTC Says
A real refund program from the Federal Trade Commission's Amazon Prime settlement is expanding on October 1, 2026, which is exactly the kind of news that brings copycat calls.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result · Updated
Scammers Are Building Convincing Fake Car Dealership Websites
A dealership or auction site that looks real but has a slightly wrong web address, pressure to wire money, or no way to see the vehicle in person is a reason to stop.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message · Updated
Donation Requests After a Disaster: Giving Without Being Taken
An unsolicited ask to donate right after a named storm, especially through a crowdfunding link or someone claiming to be a relief agency, is a reason to pause.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call · Updated
Bank Caller Passes You to "the FBI"? Both Are Scammers. Hang Up
The FBI does not call private citizens to ask for personal or financial details, does not threaten arrest, and does not ask you to move a conversation onto an encrypted app.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result · Updated
Search Ads Can Fake a Bill-Pay Page or a Government Login
The top search result can be a paid ad, so type the company's or agency's address yourself or use the link printed on your bill.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result ·
Shopping for a Health Plan? Scammers Pay for the Top Search Result
A top search result that looks like Medicare.gov or HealthCare.gov but carries a small "Ad" or "Sponsored" label can belong to scammers or dishonest businesses.
Read this alertScam alert
Email ·
VA Message Asks for Your Social Security Number? It's a Scam
An unexpected email, call, text, or QR code that claims to be from VA and asks for your password, Social Security number, bank details, or VA file number is phishing.
Read this alertScam alert
In person ·
Door-to-Door Solar Pitch Promises Free Power Bills? Slow Down
Slow down if a door-to-door or online solar pitch promises free power bills or rushes you into a loan.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Unsolicited Student Loan Forgiveness Pitch Asks for a Fee? Hang Up
A student-loan forgiveness pitch that asks for an upfront fee or your FSA login is a sign of a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Someone Says They're FBI and Can Recover Your Lost Money? Hang Up
Hang up if someone who says they are the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center—or an FBI agent handling an IC3 report—contacts you about recovering money or updating a complaint.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
"Bank" Asks You to Dial *72? Hang Up. That Sends Your Calls to Them
Hang up if someone who says they are your bank asks you to dial *72, *21, or any star code followed by a number.
Read this alertScam alert
Email · Updated
"MyChart Medicare Kit" or Test Results Email? It's a Scam
There is no MyChart Medicare Kit.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
A Caller Offers a Medicare Grocery Card? Hang Up
Hang up on a caller who says Medicare will give you a grocery card or a monthly food allowance.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Stranger Paid You by Mistake on an App? Don't Refund Them Yourself
If money arrives in your Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or PayPal account from someone you do not know, and they then ask you to send it back, do not send a new payment yourself.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Federal Senior Property Tax Freeze or Form 1098-SR? Neither Exists
There is no federal law that freezes or cuts property taxes for older homeowners, and there is no IRS Form 1098-SR.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Demands Court Fees After a Protective Order? It's a Scam
No police officer, sheriff's deputy, or district attorney will call and ask you to pay money over the phone.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Fake Amazon Email or Text Asking for Gift Cards: Check and Report It
If a message says your shopping account has suspicious activity and then asks you to call, reply, or buy gift cards, treat that request as the part that matters.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result ·
Website "Are You Human?" Check Says to Press Keys? Close the Page
A real CAPTCHA asks you to pick pictures or type a few characters.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Text About an IRS Refund or Stimulus? It's a Scam. Don't Tap the Link
The Internal Revenue Service does not send unexpected texts or emails asking you to confirm a refund, claim a stimulus payment, or scan a QR code to reach its website.
Read this alertScam alert
Search result ·
A Tractor Priced Well Below the Rest? Check the Dealer First
A farm equipment listing priced well below comparable machines is worth checking before any money moves, however complete the paperwork looks.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
A Real Recall Tells You to Stop Using It, Not to Click a Link
A message saying something you bought has been recalled, with a link to claim a refund, is worth checking somewhere other than that message.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Text Says Your Service Gets Cut Off? Call the Company Yourself
A text saying a technician is preparing to disconnect your service is worth checking against your own account rather than through anything in the message.
Read this alertScam alert
Email ·
Wiring Money for a Home Closing? Verify the Instructions First
Closing wire instructions that arrive or change by email are worth checking before you send anything, even when a follow-up phone call seems to confirm them and the voice sounds familiar.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Someone You Met Online Urges a Crypto Investment? It's Likely a Scam
Someone you met online who steers you toward a crypto investment is likely running a scam.
Read this alertScam alert
Phone call ·
Caller Says They're a State Rep Offering Insurance? Hang Up and Check
Check before you agree to anything if a caller says they are a state representative offering insurance.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message ·
Link Opens a Screen Asking You to "Allow" an App? Don't Tap Allow
Do not tap Allow on a permission screen that arrived through a link someone sent you, even if the message looks like it comes from someone you know.
Read this alertScam alert
Delivery · Updated
A Package You Did Not Order? Here's Why It Was Sent and What to Do
You may keep an item you never ordered—the law does not require you to pay for it or send it back.
Read this alertScam alert
Text message · Updated
Text About an Unpaid Toll? It Is Almost Certainly a Scam
Do not open the link and do not reply.
Read this alertScam alert
Mail · Updated
Postcard About a Veterans Savings Program? No Such Program Exists
There is no federal Veterans Savings Program.
Read this alert
Where these come from
Alerts are written from published consumer-protection sources such as the Federal Trade Commission, and every alert links to the source it used. This page reports what agencies have described. It cannot tell you whether one particular message you received is genuine.
Guides explain, practice prepares
Alerts cover what is new. The scam guides answer the questions that do not change, and the four-story practice lets you rehearse the same decisions in a fictional scene where nothing you tap is real.
91 alerts published. Follow new alerts by RSS. This page provides general educational information and cannot investigate an incident or recover money.