Scam Directory
Most Common Scams in America
Updated April 2026 — based on FTC and FBI fraud reports
HIGH RISK
IRS & Tax Scams
Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via text, email, or phone to steal money or personal information. The IRS never contacts you by text or email — only by mail.
Fake refund texts
Threatening phone calls
Fake IRS emails
Check an IRS message →
HIGH RISK
Bank & Credit Card Fraud
Fake alerts claiming your account is suspended or compromised. They create urgency to trick you into giving up your login credentials or card details.
Fake Chase alerts
Suspended account texts
Fake fraud alerts
Check a bank message →
HIGH RISK
USPS & Delivery Scams
Fake delivery failure texts asking you to pay a small fee to redeliver your package. The link steals your card details. USPS never asks for payment via text.
Fake USPS texts
FedEx phishing
Amazon delivery scams
Check a delivery message →
HIGH RISK
Medicare & Social Security Scams
Callers claim your Medicare or Social Security benefits will be cancelled unless you verify your information immediately. Targets adults 65+ specifically.
Medicare verification calls
SS number suspended
Benefits cancellation
Check a Medicare message →
HIGH RISK
Romance Scams
Fraudsters build fake romantic relationships online then ask for money for emergencies, travel, or investments. Causes devastating financial and emotional harm.
Online dating fraud
Military romance scams
Emergency money requests
Check a suspicious message →
MEDIUM RISK
Lottery & Prize Scams
You've "won" a prize but need to pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it. If you didn't enter a contest, you can't win it. Legitimate lotteries never ask for payment.
Fake lottery wins
Publisher's Clearing House
Prize claim fees
Check a prize message →
HIGH RISK
Job & Employment Scams
Fake job offers that ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks. Often targets job seekers with "work from home" opportunities that don't exist.
Fake job offers
Reshipping scams
Work from home fraud
Check a job offer →
HIGH RISK
Tech Support Scams
Fake alerts claiming your computer is infected with a virus. Scammers ask for remote access to your computer or payment for fake repairs.
Microsoft support calls
Virus alert popups
Remote access requests
Check a tech support message →
MEDIUM RISK
Real Estate & Rental Scams
Fake rental listings, landlord impersonation, or contractor fraud. Often asks for deposits or payments before you've seen the property in person.
Fake rental listings
Contractor fraud
Utility company scams
Check a rental message →
Not sure if something is a scam?
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Protect Yourself
Golden Rules to Avoid Scams
These 8 rules will protect you from 95% of all scams
01
Never pay with gift cards
No legitimate government agency, bank, or company will ever ask you to pay with gift cards. Ever.
02
The IRS contacts you by mail only
The IRS never calls, texts, or emails first. If you get a call claiming to be the IRS — hang up.
03
Don't click links in texts
Go directly to the official website instead. Type the address yourself — don't trust links in messages.
04
Urgency is a red flag
"Act now or lose your account" is a manipulation tactic. Legitimate organizations give you time to verify.
05
Never give remote access
No tech support company needs remote access to your computer to fix a problem you didn't report.
06
Verify before you pay
Call the company directly using a number from their official website — not a number from the message.
07
You can't win what you didn't enter
If you didn't enter a contest or lottery, you can't win it. Prize claims out of nowhere are always scams.
08
When in doubt — check it
Paste any suspicious message into ScamGuard Pro. Takes 10 seconds and could save you thousands.
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