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Known Scams in the US

A plain-language guide to known scams based on the latest accessible FBI IC3 annual report for the current public guidance. Scam patterns change, so this is a practical watchlist, not a live ranking.

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A practical watchlist for everyone

Known Scams in the US

Evidence date and scope: Based on the latest accessible FBI IC3 annual report (2024); scam patterns change, and this is a practical watchlist rather than a live ranking. These patterns can affect anyone, including older adults and the people who support them.

1. Phishing and spoofing

What it is
A message, call, or website pretends to be a bank, government office, delivery company, or someone you know.
How it works
A familiar-looking name or number creates urgency and asks you to click, sign in, share a code, or move money.
What could happen
A criminal may take over an account, capture passwords or codes, or use your payment information.
How to protect yourself
Pause and contact the organization through a trusted website or the number on a card or statement. Do not use links or numbers in the unexpected message.
If you were contacted or responded
Stop replying, save the message, change any exposed password from a safe device, and call the real organization or bank.

2. Extortion

What it is
A person threatens harm, embarrassment, legal trouble, or loss unless you pay or keep communicating.
How it works
The caller may claim to be law enforcement, a loved one, tech support, or an online contact and demand gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
What could happen
Payments may be lost, threats may continue, and private information or images may be used to pressure you further.
How to protect yourself
Do not pay or negotiate. Tell a trusted person, verify a loved one through another channel, and remember that official agencies do not demand payment by gift card or cryptocurrency.
If you were contacted or responded
End contact, preserve threats and payment records, call your bank or payment provider, and report to the appropriate official service. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

3. Personal-data breach and identity theft

What it is
Someone obtains personal details—such as an account login, Social Security number, or medical or tax information—and uses them without permission.
How it works
Data may come from a breach, fake form, impersonation call, stolen mail, or reused password.
What could happen
Criminals may open accounts, access benefits, make purchases, impersonate you, or attempt to scam family members and contacts.
How to protect yourself
Use unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, review statements and credit reports, limit what you share, and contact the affected organization directly.
If you were contacted or responded
Change exposed passwords, ask the organization about securing the account, notify your bank, and consider an identity-theft report or credit freeze.

4. Non-payment and non-delivery

What it is
A buyer, seller, or fake delivery notice promises goods or payment, but the item or money never arrives. This includes online shopping and package scams.
How it works
A listing, invoice, package text, or customer-service message pushes payment outside a trusted platform or asks for a small fee through a link.
What could happen
You may pay for a product that does not exist, send card details to a fake site, or lose money through a false refund or delivery fee.
How to protect yourself
Type the retailer or carrier address yourself, check the order in your real account, avoid off-platform payments, and use a credit card when appropriate.
If you were contacted or responded
Contact the retailer, carrier, card issuer, or payment service through its official channel; dispute the transaction and save the listing, tracking details, and messages.

5. Investment and cryptocurrency fraud

What it is
An offer promises unusually fast, safe, or guaranteed profits through stocks, crypto, romance, trading, or a supposed expert.
How it works
Trust builds through a call, social media, dating site, or group chat, then a fake platform shows profits and demands more deposits, fees, or crypto.
What could happen
You may lose savings, be unable to withdraw funds, or be targeted by a second “recovery” scam.
How to protect yourself
Do not rush. Research independently, verify registration with a trusted regulator, discuss major decisions with someone you trust, and never send crypto to unlock a withdrawal.
If you were contacted or responded
Stop sending money, do not pay a recovery service, contact your bank or exchange immediately, preserve wallet and transaction details, and report the fraud.

Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2024 Annual Report (PDF)

If this is happening to you

Move from recognition to action

The watchlist explains patterns. These free response plans help you decide what to do next without requiring an account.

Suspicious message or call

Pause, save the message, and verify independently.

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Money already sent

Contact the payment provider and preserve transaction facts.

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Account or information exposed

Secure credentials and review connected accounts.

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