Common Scam Types: 2025 Recognition Guide

1. Romance Scams 💔

Loss in 2024: $1.3 billion | Median loss per victim: $4,400

How It Works:

Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, build emotional relationships over weeks or months, then fabricate emergencies requiring money. They often claim to be military personnel overseas, oil rig workers, or doctors with international contracts.

Red Flags:

• Refuses to video chat or meet in person (always has excuses)
• Professes love very quickly (within days or weeks)
• Claims to be overseas or traveling for work
• Has a "crisis" requiring urgent money (medical emergency, customs fees, travel costs)
• Asks for money via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Photos look professional or model-like (often stolen from real people)

Protection:

• Reverse image search their photos (use Google Images or TinEye)
• Insist on video chat before developing feelings
• Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
• Be skeptical of anyone who claims to love you quickly

2. Tech Support Scams 💻

Loss in 2024: $924 million | Target: Primarily older adults (60+)

How It Works:

Scammers contact victims claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies, warning about viruses or security issues. They convince victims to give remote access to their computers, then either install malware, steal information, or charge for fake "repair services."

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited calls/pop-ups claiming your computer has a virus
• Claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider
• Urgent language ("Your computer is about to crash!")
• Requests remote access to your device
• Asks for payment via gift cards or wire transfer
• Pop-ups with fake virus warnings and phone numbers to call

Protection:

• Microsoft/Apple NEVER initiate unsolicited contact about viruses
• Never give remote access to unsolicited callers
• Close suspicious pop-ups (don't call numbers shown)
• Use legitimate antivirus software and keep it updated
• If concerned, contact tech companies using official numbers from their websites

3. Phishing & Smishing (Email/Text Scams) 📧📱

Volume: Billions sent daily | Success rate: 1-3% still click

How It Works:

Scammers send emails or texts impersonating legitimate companies (banks, Amazon, PayPal, government agencies) to trick you into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or revealing personal information.

Red Flags:

• Sender email address doesn't match official company domain
• Generic greetings ("Dear customer" instead of your name)
• Urgent action required (account suspension, package delivery issue)
• Spelling/grammar errors
• Suspicious links (hover to see real destination)
• Requests for personal information via email
• Unexpected attachments

Protection:

• Never click links in unexpected emails or texts
• Go directly to company websites (don't use links in messages)
• Verify sender email addresses carefully
• Enable email spam filters
• Use two-factor authentication on all accounts
• Forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org

4. IRS/Government Impersonation Scams 🏛️

Peak time: Tax season (Jan-Apr) | Median loss: $5,500

How It Works:

Scammers impersonate IRS agents, Social Security Administration, or other government agencies, threatening arrest, deportation, or legal action unless you pay immediately via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

Red Flags:

• Demands immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Threatens arrest, deportation, or driver's license suspension
• Caller ID shows "IRS" or government agency (easily spoofed)
• Aggressive, threatening tone
• Asks for personal information over the phone
• Claims you owe money you didn't know about

Protection:

• IRS NEVER initiates contact by phone, email, or text
• Government agencies don't threaten immediate arrest
• They never demand payment via gift cards
• Hang up immediately—don't engage
• Report to Treasury Inspector General: treasury.gov/tigta

5. Investment & Cryptocurrency Scams 💰

Loss in 2024: $4.6 billion | Fastest growing category

How It Works:

Scammers promise guaranteed high returns on investments, often in cryptocurrency, forex trading, or fake companies. They show fake dashboards with "profits," then disappear when you try to withdraw funds. Often involves social media ads and fake celebrity endorsements.

Red Flags:

• Guaranteed returns or "no risk" promises
• Pressure to invest quickly ("limited time opportunity")
• Unsolicited investment offers via social media or text
• Celebrity endorsements (almost always fake)
• Difficulty withdrawing your money
• Requests for additional fees to access your funds
• Unprofessional websites or apps

Protection:

• Research investments thoroughly (search company name + "scam")
• Verify registration with SEC or FINRA
• Be extremely skeptical of crypto investment offers
• Never invest based solely on social media ads
• If it sounds too good to be true, it is

6. Employment & Job Scams 💼

Target: Job seekers, especially work-from-home seekers | Median loss: $2,000

How It Works:

Fake employers post jobs on legitimate sites, then ask for money for training, equipment, background checks, or "accidentally" overpay and ask for money back. Some are money laundering schemes; others are pure theft.

Red Flags:

• Offers job without interview
• Requests money upfront (equipment, training, background check)
• Sends check and asks you to send money back
• Email from free domain (@gmail.com, not company.com)
• Job description is vague or too good to be true
• Requires purchases from specific vendors
• Asks for SSN or bank info before hiring

Protection:

• Research company independently (not just their provided info)
• Never pay for a job opportunity
• Verify company exists and has real employees
• Legitimate employers don't use Gmail for business
• Be wary of work-from-home offers that seem too easy

7. Grandparent/Family Emergency Scams 👵

Target: Elderly | Median loss: $9,000

How It Works:

Scammers call claiming to be a grandchild or relative in urgent trouble (arrested, in accident, stranded abroad), begging for money immediately. They use urgency and secrecy ("Don't tell Mom and Dad!") to prevent verification.

Red Flags:

• Claims to be family member in crisis
• Begs you not to tell other family members
• Demands immediate payment (bail, hospital, travel)
• Wants money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cash courier
• Voice sounds slightly different ("I have a cold")
• Story escalates if you agree to help

Protection:

• Ask questions only the real person would know
• Hang up and call family member directly at known number
• Verify with other family members
• Remember: Real emergencies can be verified

8. Fake Package Delivery Scams 📦

Volume: Explosive growth with online shopping | Method: Text messages (smishing)

How It Works:

Texts claiming to be from USPS, FedEx, UPS, or Amazon about package delivery issues. Links lead to fake websites that steal credit card info, install malware, or harvest personal data.

Red Flags:

• Text from unknown number about package
• Claims you need to pay small fee for delivery
• Shortened or suspicious links
• Urgent language ("final attempt," "returned to sender")
• When you're not expecting a package

Protection:

• Don't click links in unexpected delivery texts
• Check delivery status directly through official apps
• Legitimate carriers don't request payment via text
• Delete suspicious texts immediately

9. Rental & Real Estate Scams 🏠

Target: Apartment hunters in tight markets | Method: Fake listings

How It Works:

Scammers post fake rental listings with stolen photos, collect application fees or deposits, then disappear. Some don't own the property; others don't even have access to it.

Red Flags:

• Price significantly below market rate
• "Landlord" is overseas and can't show property
• Requests deposit before viewing
• Asks for wire transfer or gift cards
• Won't meet in person or use video chat
• Pressures you to act quickly
• Poor English in listings or communications

Protection:

• Always view property in person before paying
• Verify landlord ownership (public records)
• Research average rents in the area
• Never wire money or use gift cards
• Meet landlord in person and verify ID

10. Charity & Disaster Relief Scams 🤲

Peak time: After natural disasters, holidays | Method: Emotional manipulation

How It Works:

Fake charities exploit your generosity after disasters or during holidays. Money goes to scammers, not victims.

Red Flags:

• High-pressure donation requests
• Vague about how donations are used
• Requests cash, gift cards, or wire transfer
• Name similar to well-known charity
• Thanks you for previous donation you didn't make

Protection:

• Research charity at CharityNavigator.org or GiveWell.org
• Donate directly through official websites
• Never give to unsolicited requests
• Legitimate charities don't pressure immediate decisions

11. Prize & Lottery Scams 🎰

How It Works:

You've "won" a prize or lottery you never entered! But you need to pay taxes, fees, or shipping first. After payment, the prize never arrives.

Red Flags:

• Won a contest you didn't enter
• Must pay money to claim prize
• Urgency to claim quickly
• Payment via wire transfer or gift cards

Protection:

• You can't win contests you didn't enter
• Legitimate prizes never require payment
• Taxes are paid when filing, not upfront

12. Puppy & Pet Scams 🐕

How It Works:

Fake breeders advertise adorable puppies, collect deposits, then invent reasons you need to send more money (vet fees, special crate). The puppy doesn't exist.

Red Flags:

• Won't let you see puppy via video chat
• Prices significantly below market
• Uses stock photos or stolen images
• Requests wire transfer or gift cards
• Additional fees keep appearing

Protection:

• Visit breeder and puppy in person
• Reverse image search puppy photos
• Research breeder reviews thoroughly
• Never wire money for pets

13. Medical Alert/Extended Warranty Robocalls 📞

How It Works:

Automated calls about car warranty expiration, Medicare benefits, or free medical alert systems. Goal is to steal personal information or charge for worthless services.

Red Flags:

• Robocall about urgent matter
• Claims car warranty is expiring (it's not)
• Medicare benefits you're "eligible" for
• Free medical alert system

Protection:

• Hang up immediately on robocalls
• Don't press buttons to "be removed from list"
• Report to FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
• Register at DoNotCall.gov

14. Utility Company Impersonation 💡

How It Works:

Scammers call claiming to be from electric, gas, or water company, threatening immediate service disconnection unless you pay now via prepaid card.

Red Flags:

• Threat of immediate shutoff (within hours)
• Demands payment via prepaid cards or wire transfer
• Won't let you call back at official number
• Aggressive tone

Protection:

• Utilities send multiple warnings before disconnection
• They accept regular payment methods, not gift cards
• Hang up and call utility at number on your bill

15. Facebook/Social Media Marketplace Scams 🛒

How It Works:

Fake buyers/sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp. Overpayment scams, fake payment confirmations, or robbery setups.

Red Flags:

• Buyer offers more than asking price
• Sends "check" and asks you to send money back
• Won't meet in person (wants to ship)
• Wants payment via Venmo/Zelle before meeting
• Pushes to move conversation off platform

Protection:

• Meet in public place (police station parking lot ideal)
• Cash only for in-person transactions
• Don't ship items to buyers
• Trust your instincts