Phone Scam Protection Center
Learn to identify and avoid the most common phone scams targeting Americans. Based on Federal Trade Commission data and law enforcement reports.
How it works: Scammers claim to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or other government agencies, demanding immediate payment or personal information to avoid legal consequences.
How it works: Callers claim your computer is infected with viruses or has been hacked, offering to fix the problem for a fee or requesting remote access to your device.
How it works: Scammers create fake online dating profiles, build emotional relationships, then request money for emergencies, travel, or other fabricated situations.
How it works: Scammers inform victims they've won a large prize or lottery but must pay taxes, fees, or shipping costs upfront to claim their winnings.
How it works: Scammers exploit natural disasters, holidays, or current events to solicit donations for fake charities or misrepresent how donated funds will be used.
Fake offers for medical devices, insurance verification, or prescription discounts targeting seniors.
Scammers claim you owe money on fake debts and threaten legal action if you don't pay immediately.
Callers claim your electricity, gas, or water will be shut off unless you pay immediately over the phone.
High-pressure sales tactics for fake investment opportunities, often involving cryptocurrency or foreign currency.
Automated calls claiming your car warranty is about to expire, leading to expensive and useless extended warranty sales.
New technology allows scammers to clone voices from social media posts to impersonate family members in distress.
Regardless of the specific scam type, these red flags should immediately raise your suspicion:
Seniors are disproportionately targeted and lose more money per incident. Special considerations:
College students and young professionals face unique scam risks:
Businesses face specialized phone scams:
Artificial intelligence is making phone scams more sophisticated and harder to detect:
AI voice cloning can be done with as little as 3 seconds of audio. Be extremely cautious of distress calls, even if the voice sounds familiar. Always verify through multiple channels.
Phone scams continue to evolve, but awareness and preparation are your best defenses. Remember that scammers rely on fear, urgency, and trust to succeed.