Scam and fraud warnings

Current consumer-fraud alerts from the Federal Trade Commission and other federal agencies, plus the moves that stop a scam before money leaves your account.

Slow down. Every scam script needs urgency — a warrant, a locked account, a package on hold. Real agencies give you time and put it in writing.

Hang up and call back on a number you look up yourself. Never use the number the caller gives you or the one in the text.

Nobody legitimate is paid in gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or cash couriers. That request alone is proof it's a scam.

Don't approve a login code you didn't request. If a code arrives out of the blue, someone has your password — change it.

Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov even if you lost nothing. Reports are what get numbers shut down and warn your neighbors.

Sourced from public guidance published by the FTC, CISA, FEMA/Ready.gov, the National Weather Service, NHTSA, CPSC, the U.S. Fire Administration and CDC. Federal works are in the public domain; summaries and checklists on this page are original.

• A way to spot scams: how someone asks you to pay — Let’s say someone contacts you unexpectedly and says you have to pay to fix a problem, get a prize, or something else. But then they say the only way to pay is by bank transfer, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, payment app, or gift card. Well, reports to the FTC show that’s a scam. FTC Consumer Advice
• Looking for a substance use disorder clinic? Scroll past paid ads — If you’re searching online for a substance use disorder clinic, the last thing you need is a scam. Unfortunately, some dishonest businesses have used paid search results to trick people into contacting their clinics instead of the ones people were searching for. Here’s how it happened in a recent FTC case: You’re look… FTC Consumer Advice
• Talk about scams during Military Consumer Month 2026 — At the FTC, we know talking about scams helps people avoid them. Military Consumer Month is a great time to talk about ways scammers target the military community to steal their money, benefits, and personal information. Here’s how you can encourage the servicemembers and veterans in your life to share their scam stor… FTC Consumer Advice
• Unclaimed life insurance money? It’s a scam — We’ve written about this scam before, but like a bad sequel, it’s back. People are telling the FTC they’ve gotten letters in the mail from law firms about unclaimed life insurance money. Have you gotten one of these? The “lawyer” says that one of their clients, with your same last name, died and you’re the heir to a l… FTC Consumer Advice
• Can you spot debt relief scams that target the military? — Scammers promise to solve your debt problems to trick you into paying them instead of your actual lender. If a caller offers to help you enroll in a special “military debt forgiveness” program, pause. That’s probably a scam. Learn how debt relief scammers might target the military and how to avoid the scam. FTC Consumer Advice
• How to spot a postcard scam targeting veterans — Veterans across the country have reported getting postcards in the mail saying they (or their spouse) might qualify for extra monthly veterans benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the mailer doesn’t actually exist. It’s just a scammer phishing for personal or financial information. Here’s how this… FTC Consumer Advice
• That unexpected package you got could be a brushing scam — Did you get a package you didn’t order? It could be a brushing scam where a scammer uses your name to leave a fake review for that package you didn’t order. It could also be a sign that someone has (or is looking to steal) your personal information. FTC Consumer Advice
• Searching Online: Bill Pay Impersonators — Planning to pay a bill online? Before you start searching for a company’s payment site, know that dishonest companies sometimes use paid search ads to trick you into paying them instead of the company or agency you’re looking for. Here’s how it happens. FTC Consumer Advice
• How to spot fake rental listings during a military move — Whether you’ve been planning a move for months or you’re dealing with last-minute orders, military moves can be both exciting and stressful. The last thing you need is a rental scam to raise that stress level, so here’s how to spot them. FTC Consumer Advice
• Struggling with tax debt? Here’s what to know — If you owe back taxes, there are ways to get real help. But dishonest companies will promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar,” before even looking into your tax situation. They’ll often charge service fees without actually doing anything for you, and leave you further in the hole with local, state,… FTC Consumer Advice
• Are ads on social media vetted or checked for scams? Here’s what to know — You’re browsing your social media feed when an ad grabs your attention mid-swipe: that designer bag you’ve been dreaming of is 50% off for a limited time only! You’re dying to get your hands on one, so you don’t think twice about clicking on the ad. Why would you? The ad is right there in your feed and it looks real,… FTC Consumer Advice
• How to spot investment training scams on social media — Learn to trade online! Get rich! Quit your job! Social media is flooded with people flashing fancy cars and exotic trips, claiming you can have the same lifestyle just by “learning to trade.” But they rarely mention the truth: trading is risky, there are no guaranteed returns, and you can lose a lot of money fast. FTC Consumer Advice
• How to talk to your teens about credit and identity theft — Getting ready for college or back-to-school is a good time to talk with your teens about financial wellness. To help guide the conversation, the FTC has free tools on managing money, building credit, and protecting against identity theft. Creating good habits takes time, but here are some ideas to get you started. FTC Consumer Advice
• Youville: Helping kids build online safety skills this summer and school year — These last days of summer can present opportunities to spend more time with your kids. If you’re talking with your 8-12 year-olds about making good decisions while they’re online, the FTC has a free tool called Youville to help. FTC Consumer Advice
• Have you lost money to a scam? Watch for scammers who say they can help — They’re the worst of the absolute worst: scams that target people who have already lost money to a scam. If you or someone you know paid a scammer, here’s what to know to avoid scammers who pretend to be helpers. FTC Consumer Advice
• Are you getting health insurance? — Looking for health insurance? Sometimes shady companies will try to make you think you’re buying health insurance when it’s really a medical discount plan. Watch this video to find out what to know to avoid the scams. FTC Consumer Advice
• Talk to your friends and family to fight fraud — One of the best ways to fight fraud is to talk about it. When you know scammers’ tactics, they’re easier to spot and avoid. The FTC has some facts about fraud to help you start the conversation. FTC Consumer Advice
• Veterans: Don’t pay to apply for VA benefits — Scammers know that applying for veterans benefits is at the top of the to-do list when you’re getting ready to leave the military. That’s why they pretend to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and offer to help you apply for benefits if you pay them — even though it’s free to apply with the VA. So if you’… FTC Consumer Advice
• Making a family plan for summer screen time — As summer approaches, your kids might be looking for downtime (and screen time). To keep them safe while they’re spending time online, start with a conversation about your family’s rules and expectations — then consider setting parental controls to help. FTC Consumer Advice
• Animal lovers: learn to spot and avoid this breed of pet scams — Scammers have been taking advantage of how much people love animals. They’ll steal and manipulate pet images, videos, and even use AI-generated deepfakes to help them trick you into giving them your money or personal information. Fortunately, there are ways to help you detect and avoid these kinds of scams: FTC Consumer Advice
• Veterans: Here’s help to protect your small business — As a veteran, you’ve worked hard to protect our country. And if you’re a veteran-run small business, you know how important it is to have protections against scammers and cybercriminals. Your best defense is an informed workforce, so here are some free resources to help you start the conversation with your team. FTC Consumer Advice
• Government agencies never demand gift cards — The FTC says any caller asking to be paid in gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency is a scammer — no exceptions. FTC
• Freeze your credit for free — A security freeze at all three bureaus blocks new accounts in your name and costs nothing to place or lift. FTC
• Report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov — The FTC's site builds a personalized recovery plan and generates the affidavits banks and creditors ask for. FTC