Yes, you are seeing more scams these days.

We’re all getting targeted. And we can all learn how to protect ourselves.

Know your scams

AI is making it more challenging than ever to identify scams. Here are some common techniques scammers use:

Learn more about scams

Don’t panic! Learning a few key tactics can help you identify scams.

Pause

Scammers like to create a false sense of urgency and take advantage of moments when we’re distracted or rushed. If you get an unexpected message, pause and take a moment to research what you’re being asked to do before taking action.

A scammer stopped in the sand of an hour glass

Verify

Scammers often initiate outreach by impersonating people you know or organizations that you're familiar with (like your local police department). If the outreach seems suspicious, don't engage until you can verify the authenticity of the person or organization.

A scammer spotted in a magnifying glass

Report

Block and report any scam activity that you're seeing within the product or site where you encountered the scam. If you've been scammed, find out where to report it at fightcybercrime.org

A frustrated scammer stopped underneath a flag with three exclamation points

Tips to keep yourself safe

I got a text message telling me I had unpaid tolls and they were going to send law enforcement after me to repossess my vehicle if I didn't click the link and send money asap.
Jeff R.
A person examining a website address with a magnifying glass to discover a scammer

The website you’re on seems suspicious

When visiting a new site, verify that the URL matches the business name (scammers often try to mimic official domains) and check that the payment page starts with https.

I bought a graphic t-shirt on sale, but I never got a confirmation email. A few days later, I saw charges on my account for things I didn’t buy.
Sarah J.

Verify a site’s identity before making a purchase for the first time.

Scams by the numbers

The world of scams is always evolving. Here's a snapshot of their 2024 reach in the US according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Report a scam

Did you get scammed?