Common scams in the United States

How it works

Callers or robocalls claim you owe back taxes and face arrest, license suspension, or deportation unless you pay immediately—often by gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto.

Warning signs

• Threatening calls about unpaid taxes you were not expecting.
• Demands for payment by gift card, Zelle, wire, or crypto.
• Caller ID that looks official but cannot be verified.
• Requests for Social Security numbers by phone or text.

What to do

• ✓Hang up without sharing information.
• ✓Verify tax issues through irs.gov or your tax preparer.
• ✓Report impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General and FTC.
• ✓Contact your bank if payment was already made.

How it works

Pop-ups, emails, or cold calls warn of viruses or hacked accounts and push you to call a “support” number. Scammers request remote access, install malware, or charge for fake fixes.

Warning signs

• Browser pop-ups with alarm sounds and phone numbers.
• Unsolicited calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your ISP.
• Requests to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar tools.
• Demands for large upfront fees to remove nonexistent threats.

What to do

• ✓Close the browser tab; do not call the number on the pop-up.
• ✓Never grant remote access to unsolicited callers.
• ✓Run scans with trusted security software you installed yourself.
• ✓Report to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

How it works

Scammers invent emergencies—utility shutoffs, bail, prize fees, or boss requests—and instruct victims to buy gift cards and read the PINs over the phone or send photos of the cards.

Warning signs

• Any request to pay bills, taxes, or fines with gift cards.
• Urgent threats of service cutoff or legal action.
• Instructions to stay on the phone while buying cards.
• Boss or authority impersonation via email or text.

What to do

• ✓Stop purchasing cards and end the conversation.
• ✓Verify the story through a separate trusted channel.
• ✓Report to the gift card issuer and FTC if possible.
• ✓Contact local law enforcement if you lost money.

How it works

Fraudsters create convincing profiles on dating apps or social media, build trust over weeks or months, then ask for money for travel, medical costs, or investment opportunities.

Warning signs

• Reluctance to meet in person or video chat consistently.
• Stories that escalate to financial requests.
• Claims of military deployment or overseas work as excuses.
• Requests via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards.

What to do

• ✓Stop sending money and discuss with someone you trust.
• ✓Report profiles to the platform.
• ✓File a report at IC3.gov if money was sent.
• ✓Contact your bank to discuss recovery options.

How it works

Fake tracking texts, phishing emails, or marketplace listings trick buyers into paying off-platform or entering card details on clone sites. Sellers may also push “verification fee” links that steal credentials.

Warning signs

• Marketplace sellers who insist on wire transfer or Zelle only.
• Tracking links for items you did not order.
• URLs that mimic Amazon, USPS, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Requests to pay before viewing an item in person.

What to do

• ✓Complete marketplace purchases only through the platform’s protected checkout.
• ✓Verify site URLs with Fraudly before entering payment details.
• ✓Track shipments through the retailer’s official account.
• ✓Dispute charges with your card issuer and report to the FTC.