Scam Watch
Is this a scam?
Describe the call, text or email. See what official sources say about it.
Try: grandson in jail needs bail moneytext about an unpaid tolltold to buy gift cards to pay the IRScaller says my Social Security number is suspended
On the phone right now?
- Stop. Hang up or close the message. Don't tap anything.
- Check. Call a number you already have, like the one on your card or bill.
- Talk to someone you trust before you pay anyone.
If anyone is in danger right now, call 911.
If you already paid
- Call the company you paid through right away: your bank, card company, gift card company, or the wire or Zelle service. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
- Call the Justice Department's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it happened online, report it at IC3.gov too.
General information, not legal or financial advice. If you've lost money, contact your bank and report it.
How sure are we it's a scam?
Scam
Real organizations never do this. Stop. Hang up or delete it.
Likely scam
Almost always fake. Stop, then check by calling a number you already have.
Could be a scam
Sometimes real, often faked. Do not use their link or number. Look it up yourself.
Latest warnings
· Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Advice · Official source
A Veterans Day reminder on how to spot scams on social media
About: Fake government or police call Scam
· 12NewsNow (KBMT), syndicated on Yahoo News · News report
Hardin County officials warn residents about Bitcoin ATM scams
About: Fake government or police call Scam
· Seehafer News · News report
Plymouth Police Warn of Rise in Holiday-Themed Scams
About: Fake package delivery text Likely scam
· KFVS12 (Heartland News, Gray TV) · News report
Ameren Illinois warns of utility imposters targeting southern Illinois residents
About: Fake utility shut-off threat Likely scam
Common scams
Draft: we're still checking these pages. Every quote on them is word for word from its source.
Government and benefits
- Fake government or police callYes. Real police and government agencies do not demand gift cards, crypto, gold, wire transfers or secrecy, and fake badges do not prove anything. Hang up and call the agency using a number you look up yourself.Scam
- Fake IRS or tax messageYes, most of the time. The IRS usually writes first by mail and never threatens arrest or contacts you by social media message. Check your account at irs.gov.Likely scam
- Fake jury duty callYes. Courts and U.S. Marshals do not call to demand fines by gift card, crypto or wire. Hang up and call the court using a number you look up.Scam
- Fake Social Security callYes. Social Security will not threaten you, ask for gift cards, crypto or cash, or tell you to keep a secret. If you worry, hang up and call the real Social Security number from ssa.gov.Scam
- Fake Social Security statement emailYes. These emails are not from Social Security, and the link or attachment can steal your information or install harmful software. Do not click. Go to ssa.gov by typing it yourself.Scam
- Fake veterans benefit postcardYes. The program is fake and they want your Social Security or bank details. Do not call; contact the VA yourself.Scam
Health and Medicare
- Fake Medicare call or card scamYes, usually. Medicare does not call to sell you things or ask for your number. Call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself to check.Likely scam
- Free genetic test and medical fraudOften yes. They use your Medicare number to bill for things you do not need. Only accept care from your own doctor and check your Medicare statements.Likely scam
Family and love
- AI voice clone and deepfake scamYes. Scammers can copy voices, faces and famous people to rush you. Check by calling back on a known number and never send money or codes because of a call.Could be a scam
- Grandparent scamVery likely yes. Scammers fake names, texts and cloned voices, and may send someone to pick up cash. Hang up and call your relative on a number you know, or use a family code word.Likely scam
- Romance scamYes. If someone you never met in person asks for money, gift cards or crypto, it is a scam. Stop sending money and tell someone you trust.Scam
Money and investing
- Card member services interest rate callYes, it is a scam. Hang up, and never give your card number or pay a fee up front. If you want a lower rate, call the number on the back of your own card and ask.Scam
- Crypto investment scamYes, very likely. Fake sites show false profits, then demand fees to withdraw and may send couriers for cash. Do not send more money and report it.Scam
- Fake bank or account messageYes. Banks do not ask for passwords or one-time codes. Hang up and call the number on your card or statement.Likely scam
- Fake debt collector callYes. Real debt collectors can't threaten to have you arrested, and a call about a debt you don't recognize is a big warning sign. Hang up, then ask for the debt details in writing and check with the company you supposedly owe, using a phone number you look up yourself.Likely scam
- Fake fund recovery helpYes. Real agencies do not charge to recover your money, and fake FBI helpers steal more. Report through official sites you find yourself.Scam
- Investment group chat and ad scamUsually yes. Fake experts push apps with fake profits, then ask for fees. Check any firm on Investor.gov before sending money.Likely scam
- Move your money to be safe scamYes. Banks and agencies never tell you to move money, withdraw cash, buy gold or hand it to a courier. Stop, talk to family, and call your bank on the number on your card.Scam
- Pump-and-dump and pre-IPO scamsOften yes. Hyped stocks crash after the promoters sell, and pre-IPO shares may not exist. Do not buy from unsolicited offers.Likely scam
Computer and phone
- Fake invoice or renewal emailYes. These messages claim you were charged for a renewal or invoice and tell you to call a number to cancel or get a refund, but the charge is fake and the number leads to a scammer. Check your bank or card statement yourself, and contact the real company using a phone number you look up on your own.Scam
- Tech support scamYes. Real companies do not show pop-ups with phone numbers or ask to control your computer. Close it and never give remote access or pay.Scam
- Verification code scamYes. Anyone who asks you to read or text back a code sent to your phone is trying to break into an account or set up a Google Voice number in your name. To check a real problem, contact your bank or Google yourself, using a number from your statement, your app, or Google's own site.Scam
Bills, deliveries and parking
- Fake Amazon call, text or emailYes. Amazon does not ask you to call a number, click a link, or move money to fix a problem. To check, open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself and look at your orders and messages.Scam
- Fake package delivery textYes, most likely. USPS only sends tracking texts you asked for, and they have no link. Do not click; check tracking on the official site.Likely scam
- Fake QR code on parking meterIt can be. Scammers stick fake codes over real ones to steal your card details. Do not scan; use the parking app or website you already trust.Could be a scam
- Fake unpaid toll or ticket textYes, almost always. Toll agencies, DMVs and courts do not text you to pay. Do not click; check your toll account on the official website you type yourself.Likely scam
- Fake utility shut-off threatUsually yes. Utilities give notice and do not demand gift cards or crypto. Call the number on your real bill.Likely scam
Prizes, jobs and charity
- Fake charity or election donationIt can be. Scammers copy real charities and candidates and use odd payment methods. Check the charity yourself and donate on its official site.Could be a scam
- Fake prize or lotteryYes. Real prizes are free, and you never pay fees or taxes up front. Do not pay or share details.Scam
- Reshipping job and money mule scamYes. These jobs use stolen goods or money and you may face trouble. Do not accept, and never share bank details.Scam
Immigrant communities
- Fake Chinese police or consulate callYes. Real police and consulates do not threaten arrest by phone or video call or demand money. Hang up and talk to someone you trust.Scam
- Immigration help fraudOften yes. Fake notarios take money and can harm your case. Use only a licensed attorney or accredited representative you verify.Likely scam