Articles
Real scam calls, and how to stop them
Documented cases from the FTC, FBI, Justice Department and state officials: how the call went, the red flags, and what would have stopped it. RSS
Scam cases
AI Voice Clone Scam: A Mother Paid $15,000 “Bail” After Hearing Her Daughter Cry
A Florida mother heard what sounded like her daughter sobbing, then paid $15,000 in cash bail to a courier. How the AI voice scam worked and how to stop it.
Bitcoin ATM Scams and Seniors: Why a Caller Wants You at a Crypto Kiosk
No real business or agency asks for payment through a Bitcoin ATM. What the D.C. lawsuit and FBI data show about crypto kiosk scams targeting older adults.
Fake Bank Fraud Call: How a Scammer Sent Rideshare Drivers to Collect Victims’ Cash
A man posing as bank fraud investigators told victims to withdraw cash so it could be “safeguarded,” then sent rideshare drivers to collect it. He got 3 years.
Fake FTC Agent Scam: Gold Bars, Crypto and a 14-Year Prison Sentence
Callers posing as FTC agents told an older victim to buy crypto and gold to “protect their assets.” A Georgia man who picked up the gold got 168 months.
Fake Publishers Clearing House Call: How a $22 Million “Prize” Cost a Woman Her Home
A caller posing as Publishers Clearing House told a 73-year-old woman she won $22 million. She sent over $600,000 in “taxes and fees.” Here is how it worked.
Grandparent Scam With Cash Couriers: How a Bronx Man Was Charged for Collecting Fake Bail
Federal prosecutors charged a Bronx man with picking up cash from grandparents told their grandchild was in jail. How the scam works and the warning signs.
IRS Impersonation Scam: A Runner for an India-Based Call Center Gets 30 Months
Callers posing as IRS officials threatened arrest over “back taxes.” Over 2,700 victims paid more than $2.4 million. A Nevada runner was sentenced in 2024.
Phantom Hacker Scam: How Victims Lost Over $6 Million in Gold Bars
A pop-up, a fake Microsoft call, a fake bank and a fake government agent: how the phantom hacker scam took gold from victims aged 61 to 80.
Social Security Impersonation Scam: Two Convicted in a Call Center Scheme
Callers posing as Social Security employees said victims’ numbers were tied to crimes. A 70-year-old woman sent over $600,000. Two men were convicted in 2025.
Tech Support Refund Scam: The Fake Overpayment Behind $42 Million in Elder Fraud
Pop-ups sent people to fake Microsoft and McAfee support, then a fake refund “overpaid” them. How the tech support refund scam works and how to stop it.
How-to guides
Caller ID Spoofing: Why the Number on Your Screen Can Lie
Scammers can make any name or number show up on caller ID, including your bank, a government agency or a local number. Here’s how spoofing works and what to do.
How to Report a Phone Scam: Where to Go and What to Include
Report phone scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, online fraud and losses at ic3.gov, unwanted sales calls at DoNotCall.gov, and forward scam texts to 7726.
How to Tell if a Call Is Really From Your Bank
You can’t tell from caller ID. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card. Banks don’t call to have you move money to protect it or read back a code.
How to Protect Elderly Parents From Phone Scams: 8 Steps That Work
Agree on a family code word, hang up and call back, and never move money on a caller’s say-so. Practical steps to protect an older parent from phone scams.
Recovery Scams: When Someone Offers to Get Your Money Back
After a scam, fake “recovery” agents, law firms and even fake FBI staff call to promise a refund for a fee. Real agencies don’t charge to get your money back.
What to Do if Your Parent Was Scammed: Steps by Payment Type
Act fast and start with how the money was paid: bank, card, gift card, wire, crypto or mailed cash. Then report it and support your parent without blame.
Scam alerts
Fake FTC Call Says Your Phone Number Will Be Deactivated: It’s a Scam
A new FTC impostor script: your number is tied to crimes abroad, a fake police officer takes a report, then you’re told to pay a “security deposit.” It’s all fake.
Jury Duty Scam Calls: “You Missed Jury Duty and Will Be Arrested” Is a Scam
Callers posing as U.S. Marshals or police say you missed jury duty and must pay now to avoid arrest. Courts don’t collect fines by phone. Here’s what to do.
Medicare Open Enrollment Scam Calls: The “New Medicare Card” Call Is Fake
During Medicare Open Enrollment, scammers call claiming you need a new Medicare card and ask for your numbers. Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically.
Utility Shutoff Scam Calls: “Pay Now or We Cut Your Power” Is a Scam
Callers posing as the power, gas or water company threaten a shutoff unless you pay now. Utilities don’t take gift cards or crypto. Hang up and call the bill’s number.