Turn everyday people into scam‑spotting experts.

Common phone scams:

• “Grandparent emergency” (“Grandma, I’m in jail, don’t tell mom”).
• Fake IRS / Social Security / Medicare calls.
• “Your bank account is compromised” calls.
• Tech support calls claiming your computer is infected.
• AI‑cloned voices pretending to be your loved one.

Phone red flags:

• They demand secrecy or say “don’t tell anyone”.
• They ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
• They refuse to let you hang up and call back on the official number.
• They threaten arrest, jail, or losing benefits if you don’t pay immediately.

Common text scams:

• “Your package is on hold, click here to reschedule.”
• “Unusual bank activity, verify now.”
• Remote-work “task” scams that ask you to text, complete fake jobs, then send crypto to “unlock payouts.”
• Fake unpaid speeding-ticket or toll texts with urgent payment links.
• “Oops, wrong number” messages that turn into romance or investment talk.

Text red flags:

• Links that look shortened (bit.ly, tinyurl, etc.).
• Spelling mistakes or strange wording.
• Unknown numbers asking for personal information.
• Messages claiming “account balance” growth if you keep sending money.
• Messages that say you must act “right now”.

Common email scams:

• Fake PayPal, Amazon, or Apple receipts you never made.
• “Your account will be closed, click here to keep it.”
• Attachments claiming to be invoices or shipping labels.
• Emails pretending to be from your boss or family asking for money.

Email red flags:

• The sender address is slightly wrong (like “amaz0n.com”).
• They ask you to “verify your password” or enter card details.
• Unexpected attachments, especially .zip or .exe files.
• Threats or countdown timers in the message.

Common shopping scams:

• Websites with very low prices and no real contact information.
• Buyers who “accidentally” overpay and ask you to refund the difference.
• Sellers who insist on unusual payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire).
• Fake shipping or courier services arranged by the scammer.

Shopping red flags:

• No physical address or phone number on the website.
• Only one way to pay, and it’s not a major card or trusted service.
• Reviews that look copied, repeated, or too perfect.

Common social media scams:

• Fake giveaways asking you to pay a “small fee” to claim a prize.
• Accounts pretending to be your friend or relative asking for money.
• Telegram groups or channels promising insider crypto/job profits with fake dashboards.
• Posts claiming “I made a fortune with this crypto/investment, message me.”
• Fake charity fundraisers after disasters.

Social red flags:

• New accounts with few posts or followers.
• Messages that move quickly to money or investments.
• They avoid phone or video calls and keep everything in chat.

Common banking scams:

• Fake bank texts or calls about “suspicious activity”.
• People asking you to move money “to keep it safe”.
• Investment offers with guaranteed high returns.
• Crypto platforms that only allow deposits, not withdrawals.

Money red flags:

• “Guaranteed” profits or “no risk” investments.
• Pressure to invest quickly before you can think or talk to family.
• Requests to install remote‑access software to “help” you move money.

Common tech scams:

• Pop‑ups saying “Your computer is infected, call this number now.”
• People asking you to install remote‑control software.
• Fake antivirus renewal emails or calls.
• QR codes that lead to fake login pages.

Tech red flags:

• Any pop‑up that includes a phone number to call.
• Anyone who wants to control your device remotely.
• Requests for your passwords or banking details “to fix the problem”.

Common romance scams:

• People who quickly say they are “in love” but never meet in person.
• “Military” or “overseas workers” who always have an excuse not to visit.
• Relationships that slowly turn into investment or money requests.

Romance red flags:

• They avoid video calls or always have camera problems.
• They ask you to keep the relationship secret from family.
• They ask for money for emergencies, tickets, or investments.

Common in‑person scams:

• Door‑to‑door “inspectors” or “contractors” who appear without an appointment.
• People claiming to be from the utility company without proper ID.
• High‑pressure home repair offers after storms.
• Charity collectors who cannot provide proof of the organization.

In‑person red flags:

• They refuse to show ID or rush you to sign papers.
• They want to come inside your home when it is not necessary.
• They demand cash up front.

Key protections:

• Use strong, unique passwords or a password manager.
• Turn on two‑factor authentication (codes sent to your phone).
• Freeze your credit if you are not applying for new loans.
• Shred documents with your Social Security number or account numbers.

If you think you’re being scammed:

• Stop all contact immediately.
• Do not send more money, even to “fix” the situation.
• Save screenshots, emails, and messages as evidence.

If you already sent money or information:

• Contact your bank or card company right away.
• Change passwords for any affected accounts.
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.

Official places to report and recover:

• FTC ReportFraud for scam reports.
• FBI IC3 for internet crime complaints.
• IdentityTheft.gov for identity theft recovery plans.