The scams targeting people right now
This is a small library of popular scams we are seeing gaining popularity among scammers. We've provided a description with some details on how to spot it, and what to do if you are targeted by one. Scams change often so we routinely add new entries here as their patterns and tactics shift.
Recently added
- ReadAddedPhishing
Bank-impersonation text (smishing)
A text message that looks like it's from your bank or credit union, warning about a suspicious charge or locked account and pushing you to tap a link or call a number right away.
- ReadAddedInvestment
Pig-butchering / crypto romance scam
A long-con where a stranger befriends or romances you online over weeks, then guides you to a fake investment platform that shows fake profits to keep you sending more money.
- ReadAddedAI-enabled
Deepfake / AI voice-clone call
A phone call using AI-generated audio that mimics a real person's voice — often a family member in an emergency or an executive — to pressure you into sending money or sharing information.
- ReadAddedPayment
Crypto-kiosk (Bitcoin ATM) coercion scam
A scammer on the phone convinces you your money is at risk or you owe a debt, then walks you to a crypto kiosk and has you feed in cash that converts to cryptocurrency they control.
- ReadAddedRomance
Romance scam
A scammer builds a romantic relationship on a dating app or social media, then invents emergencies — medical bills, travel costs, a stuck inheritance — to keep asking you for money.
- ReadAddedInvestment
Job / task scam
A fake remote job — often arriving by unexpected text or chat — that pays small amounts for repetitive "tasks," then requires you to put in your own money to keep earning, which you never get back.
- ReadAddedPayment
Gift-card payment demand
A caller or message claims you owe money — taxes, a utility bill, bail, a fee — and demands you buy gift cards and read the numbers on the back over the phone.
- ReadAddedImpersonation
Grandparent / emergency scam
A scammer poses as a grandchild, another relative, or a lawyer or bail agent, describing a sudden crisis to rush you into sending cash, gift cards, or a wire before you can check.
- ReadAddedPayment
Fake check / overpayment scam
A scammer sends you a check that looks real, then asks you to deposit it and wire or send back part of it — for taxes, fees, or an "accidental overpayment" — before the bank discovers the check is bad.
- ReadAddedPhishing
QR-code scam (quishing)
A malicious QR code that, when scanned, sends you to a fraudulent website designed to steal your login, card details, or payment — often stuck over a legitimate code or sent in a message.
- ReadAddedPhishing
Account takeover / one-time-code phishing
A scammer who already has your username or card tries to log in, which triggers a real one-time code to your phone — then calls you pretending to be your institution to trick you into reading it back.
- ReadAddedTech support
Tech-support scam
A scammer poses as Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider through a scary pop-up or call, then talks you into giving remote access to your device or paying for fake "repairs."
Got a message you’re not sure about?
Paste it into our free checker and we’ll point out the warning signs — no sign-up, and we don’t keep your message.