A List of Common and Uncommon Scams

On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Money Safety

Spoofing Scams

Caller ID Spoofing: Fake caller IDs make it appear a trusted number is calling.

Email Spoofing: Fake "from" addresses on emails. Don’t trust links or attachments.

SMS Spoofing: Messages that seem to come from trusted sources but aren't.

Fake Check Scams

A fraudulent check is sent (often in job offers, sales, or mystery shopping scams).
Bank releases funds temporarily; scammers ask you to send money or gift cards.
When the check bounces, you owe the money back.

Fraudulent Fund Scams

Requests to accept and send money as part of a job or favor.
Payment methods include fake checks, PayPal, Venmo, or other services.

Phone Verification Scams

Scammers request verification codes for accounts like Google Voice or Craigslist.
They use your phone number for fraudulent purposes.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Scams

Bitcoin Job Scams: Fraudulent funds used to buy cryptocurrency.

Crypto Investment Scams: False promises of high returns; victims send money to fake wallets.

Forecasting Scams: Claim to predict market trends for a fee.

Email Flooding

Spam overwhelms your inbox to distract you while scammers access your accounts.
Check all linked accounts for suspicious activity.

Threat-Based Scams

Cartel Scam: Threats involving fake cartel affiliations and violent images.

Boss/CEO Scam: Fake requests from your "boss" for gift cards or errands.

Job and Payment Scams

Employment Certification Scams: Pay for certifications or courses to secure a fake job.

Parcel Mule Scam: Reship stolen goods unknowingly as part of a fake job.

Romance and Sextortion Scams

Skype Sex Scam: Scammers pretend to be romantic partners to blackmail victims.

Underage Girl Scam: Scammers pose as underage individuals, then demand money to avoid fake legal trouble.

Phishing Scams

Fake emails or messages designed to steal passwords or personal info.
Commonly impersonates banks, tech companies, or government agencies.

Craigslist Scams

Fake Payments: Fraudulent PayPal or check payments for items.

Vehicle History Scams: Sellers request fake VIN reports buyers must pay for.

Recovery Scams

Scammers target previous victims, offering to "recover" lost money for a fee.

Advanced Fee Scams

Promise of a large payout (e.g., "Nigerian prince" scams) for an upfront payment.

Social Media Scams

Facebook Impersonation: Fake friend requests offering free money or prizes.

Instagram Influencer Scam: Request payment for "collaboration" or "discounted products."

Online Shopping Scams

Dropshipping Scams: Overpriced or non-delivered items from social media ads.

Fake Amazon/Ebay Sellers: Suspiciously low prices and fake shipping info.

Door-to-Door Scams

Fake Energy Sales: Scammers use your utility bill to switch providers without consent.

Casing Homes: Posing as salespeople to assess valuables inside.

Street Scams

Three-Card Monte/Shell Game: Unbeatable "games" rigged to scam participants.

Gold Ring Scam: Fake jewelry sold as valuable items.

Tech Support Scams

Fake Virus Alerts: Urgent messages prompting you to call scammers posing as tech support.

Refund Scams: Scammers claim to "accidentally overpay" and demand the difference.

Rental and Housing Scams

Fake Rentals: Scammers list properties they don't own, asking for deposits.

Craigslist Car Scams: Fraudulent listings claiming to ship cars at a low price.

Banking and Utility Scams

Credit Card Debt Scam: Scammers "pay off" your debts with stolen funds, then demand repayment.

Utilities Cutoff: Fake calls threatening immediate service disconnection without payment.

How to Stay Safe

Verify Suspicious Requests: Call companies directly using official contact details.

Secure Accounts: Use two-factor authentication and strong, unique passwords.

Research Sellers and Jobs: Check reviews and company authenticity before committing.

Avoid Urgent Payment Requests: Legitimate entities don’t demand gift cards or wire transfers.

Report Scams: Use regional scam reporting services like Action Fraud (UK) or IC3 (US).

Do you want detailed insights into any specific scam?

Scams targeting older adults are sadly common, as scammers often perceive them as vulnerable due to their trustfulness, isolation, or unfamiliarity with technology. Below is a summary of the most common scams aimed at senior citizens, their red flags, and tips for protection:

1. Medicare/Health Insurance Scams

How it works:
Scammers pose as Medicare representatives or healthcare providers to collect personal information like Social Security numbers or Medicare ID numbers.
Red Flags:
Unsolicited calls or emails asking for Medicare details.
Promises of "free" medical equipment or services in exchange for personal information.
Prevention:
Only share Medicare details with trusted medical providers.
Verify calls directly with Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE).

2. Grandparent Scam

How it works:
The scammer pretends to be a grandchild in trouble (e.g., arrested or in an accident) and urgently needs money wired or gift cards to resolve the issue.
Red Flags:
Caller insists on secrecy and urgency.
Requests for payment via wire transfer or gift cards.
Prevention:
Confirm the story by calling family members.
Use a family code word to verify the identity of loved ones in emergencies.

3. Tech Support Scams

How it works:
Fraudsters pose as tech support (Microsoft, Apple, etc.) and claim the senior's computer has a virus. They demand remote access or payment for fake services.
Red Flags:
Unsolicited calls/emails about computer problems.
Requests to install software or provide remote access.
Prevention:
Hang up and never give remote access.
Contact your tech provider directly if in doubt.

4. Sweepstakes/Lottery Scams

How it works:
Victims are told they've won a prize but must pay taxes, fees, or customs charges upfront to claim it.
Red Flags:
Requests for upfront payment to claim a prize.
Pressure to act immediately.
Prevention:
Legitimate sweepstakes never ask for payment to collect winnings.
Avoid unsolicited calls/emails about winning contests you didn't enter.

5. Home Repair Scams

How it works:
Scammers show up uninvited, offering cheap repairs. They may demand upfront payment and perform shoddy work or disappear entirely.
Red Flags:
Unsolicited offers for home repairs.
No business license or references.
Prevention:
Research contractors thoroughly.
Never pay in full upfront.

6. Fake Charity Scams

How it works:
Scammers pretend to represent charities, often after natural disasters, asking for donations.
Red Flags:
High-pressure tactics to donate immediately.
Refusal to provide written information or proof of legitimacy.
Prevention:
Verify charities through trusted sites like Charity Navigator.
Avoid donations via wire transfer or gift cards.

7. Social Security Scams

How it works:
Fraudsters claim the victim's Social Security number is suspended due to suspicious activity, demanding verification or payment to "reactivate" it.
Red Flags:
Threats of legal action or arrest if you don’t comply.
Requests for payment via gift cards or bank transfers.
Prevention:
Hang up and contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Social Security will never suspend numbers or demand immediate payment.

8. Investment Scams

How it works:
Scammers push "can't-miss" investment opportunities, including fake real estate, gold, or cryptocurrency schemes.
Red Flags:
Promises of high returns with little or no risk.
Pressure to invest quickly without thorough explanation.
Prevention:
Consult a trusted financial advisor before making investments.
Research companies or opportunities thoroughly.

9. Funeral/Cemetery Scams

How it works:
Scammers overcharge for funeral services or claim the deceased owed a debt that must be settled.
Red Flags:
Aggressive sales tactics for overpriced or unnecessary services.
Sudden demands for repayment of debts.
Prevention:
Pre-plan and pre-pay for funeral services if possible.
Verify any claims of outstanding debts.

10. Reverse Mortgage Scams

How it works:
Fraudsters offer misleading information to persuade seniors to sign over their home equity or take loans they can’t afford.
Red Flags:
Pushy sales tactics about "easy cash."
Complicated terms with hidden fees.
Prevention:
Consult a housing counselor approved by HUD (1-800-569-4287).
Avoid unsolicited reverse mortgage offers.

General Tips for Seniors to Stay Safe

Verify Before Trusting: Always verify unsolicited calls, emails, or texts by contacting the company or person directly.

Avoid Sharing Personal Info: Never provide Social Security numbers, banking info, or passwords to strangers.

Beware of Pressure: Legitimate organizations won’t rush you into making decisions.

Use Trusted Sources: Stick to well-known organizations, charities, and businesses.

Involve Family: Discuss financial decisions or suspicious contacts with trusted family or friends.

Report Scams:
- FTC: https://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov

Stay informed and vigilant! If you'd like a deep dive into a specific scam or need personalized advice, let me know.