Spot the Scam
Here are common scams going around right now, explained simply. You don’t need to memorize them. Just remember: Stop. Hang Up. Call Back.
“Grandchild in trouble” and voice-clone calls
Someone calls pretending to be a grandchild or relative who needs money fast for bail, a hospital, or a car accident. Scammers can now copy a voice from short online video clips, so it may really sound like your loved one.
Red flags
- They ask you to keep it secret
- They need money right away
- They want cash, gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto
- A “lawyer” or “officer” takes over the call
What to do
Hang up and call your relative directly on the number you already have, or call another family member. Ask a question only they would know, or use your family safe word (see For Families).
Fake toll or package delivery texts
A text says you owe an unpaid toll or a package couldn’t be delivered, with a link to “pay” or “update your address.”
Red flags
- A link to a website you don’t recognize
- A small fee, plus pressure to pay today
- You weren’t expecting a package or didn’t drive on a toll road
What to do
Don’t tap the link. Check your toll account or tracking number by going to the company’s official website or app yourself. Delete the text and report it as junk.
Medicare and Social Security impostors
A caller says they’re from Medicare or Social Security. They say your benefits will stop, or offer a “free” new card or test, and ask for your Medicare or Social Security number.
Red flags
- They ask you to confirm your number
- They threaten arrest or cut-off benefits
- They ask for payment by gift card, wire, cash, or crypto
What to do
Hang up. Medicare and Social Security won’t call to threaten you or ask for payment by gift card. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security scams can be reported at oig.ssa.gov.
Tech-support pop-ups
A warning fills your screen saying your computer is infected and you must call a phone number. It may beep or seem frozen.
Red flags
- A phone number on a pop-up
- They ask to take control of your computer
- They ask for payment to “fix” it
What to do
Don’t call the number. Close the browser. If it won’t close, restart the computer. Real companies like Microsoft and Apple don’t put phone numbers in warning pop-ups. If you already let someone in, disconnect from the internet and get help from someone you trust.
Gift card demands
Anyone, whether a “government agent,” “utility company,” “boss,” or “tech support,” tells you to buy gift cards and read them the numbers.
Red flags
- Any request to pay with gift cards
- They ask you to stay on the phone while you shop
- They tell you not to tell the store clerk
What to do
Stop. Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. No real agency or business requires them. If you already paid, contact the gift card company right away and keep the receipt.
Romance scams
Someone you met online or on social media is warm and attentive but can never meet in person. Eventually they need money for travel, a medical bill, customs fees, or an “investment.”
Red flags
- They can’t video chat or meet
- They ask for money or crypto
- They want to move the chat off the dating site
- They suggest an investment opportunity
What to do
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Talk it over with a friend or family member you trust. Stop contact if they ask for money.
Report it, even if you didn’t lose money
Reporting helps protect others. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money, also call your bank right away. Being targeted is nothing to be embarrassed about. Scammers are professionals, and it happens to smart people every day.