💡 Common Scams to Watch For
Scams are evolving fast — and in 2025, they’re targeting people of all ages, especially seniors and busy families. Here are the most common ones we see, plus what to do if you or a loved one is contacted.
🔒 Fake Tech Support
You get a call or popup saying “Your computer has a virus. Let us fix it remotely.”
- Never give remote access unless you initiated the support call.
- Hang up. Real tech support never calls unsolicited.
- Report it to your antivirus provider or FTC.
💸 Grandparent Emergency
“Grandma, I need bail money. Please don’t tell mom — I’m in trouble.”
- Pause. Call your grandchild directly.
- Scammers fake voices or text tone using AI.
- Never wire or send money without verifying.
🏦 Bank Impersonators
A “bank” says you must urgently transfer money to protect your account.
- Banks never ask for urgent wires or account logins over the phone.
- Call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card.
🛍️ Delivery & Shopping Scams
Texts or emails from “Amazon,” “USPS,” or “PayPal” asking for login or payment info.
- Never click on links you weren’t expecting.
- Check your real Amazon/PayPal account separately.
- Report phishing texts to 7726.
⚠️ Fake Government Calls
“This is the IRS/SSA. You’re under investigation — pay now or be arrested.”
- The IRS never calls demanding immediate payment.
- Scammers spoof real numbers — don’t trust caller ID.
- Hang up and call the agency directly if unsure.
🤖 AI Voice Cloning Scams
You hear a loved one’s voice asking for help — but it’s AI, not them.
- Scammers now use AI to mimic real voices with frightening accuracy.
- Always verify by calling the person back directly.
- Set family passwords or “safe phrases” ahead of time.
📢 What to Do If You’re Targeted
- Don’t panic or respond emotionally — pause and verify.
- Tell a trusted friend or relative what happened.
- Report the scam to reportfraud.ftc.gov
- You can also forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) for free.