Pause Before You Click. Verify Before You Trust.
Scams are becoming more sophisticated. ScamWise Guide helps you recognize warning signs, protect your information, and make safer decisions online—with clear explanations and practical steps you can use every day.
Why this matters
reported lost by Americans aged 60 and older to cyber-enabled fraud in 2025
FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report 2025Online Scams Are Real. Knowing the Warning Signs Makes a Difference.
Every year, millions of Americans are targeted by online scams. Understanding how these scams work is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and the people you care about.
in reported losses from cyber-enabled fraud affecting people aged 60 and older in 2025
complaints filed with the FBI IC3 by people aged 60 and older in 2025 — a 37% increase from 2024
reported lost to fraud by U.S. consumers in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, according to the FTC
Statistics reflect incidents and losses reported to government agencies, not every scam that occurred. Reporting systems use different definitions and may not capture all losses. Figures are attributed to their original sources and reporting periods.
Common scam types to know about
Fake Bank Security Alerts
Scammers send urgent messages claiming your bank account has been compromised. They pressure you to act immediately—calling a fake number or clicking a link that steals your login credentials.
Phishing Emails and Suspicious Texts
Fraudulent emails and text messages impersonate trusted companies or services. They often contain links to fake websites designed to capture your personal information or passwords.
Government Agency Impersonation
Callers or messages claim to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They may threaten arrest, benefit suspension, or fines to pressure you into sending money or sharing personal details.
Fake Technical Support Calls
Someone contacts you claiming your computer has a virus or security problem. They ask for remote access to your device—then steal data, install malware, or charge for fake repairs.
Online Shopping Scams
Fake online stores or marketplace listings offer products at unusually low prices. After payment, items never arrive, or counterfeit goods are sent instead.
Romance and Investment Scams
Scammers build trust over weeks or months through online relationships, then request money for emergencies or persuade victims to invest in fraudulent schemes.
Fake Delivery Notifications
Text messages or emails claim a package is held or needs a small fee to be delivered. Clicking the link leads to a fake site that captures your payment details.
Gift Card and Urgent Payment Requests
Scammers demand payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that are nearly impossible to trace or recover. Legitimate organizations never request these payment forms.
Scam type descriptions informed by FTC consumer.ftc.gov/scams and FBI IC3 ic3.gov.
Recent Scam Alerts: Know What to Watch For.
Government Impersonator Scams
Scammers impersonate officials from the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, or other government agencies. They claim your benefits are at risk, that you owe money, or that your identity has been stolen—and demand immediate payment or personal information.
Warning signs
- ⚠Caller claims to be from a government agency and demands immediate action
- ⚠Requests payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- ⚠Threatens arrest, benefit suspension, or legal consequences
Safety action
Hang up and call the agency directly using the number on their official website.
FBI Public Service Announcements on Internet Fraud
The FBI IC3 regularly issues public service announcements about emerging internet fraud schemes, including investment fraud, tech support scams, and elder fraud. These alerts provide detailed descriptions of current tactics used by criminals.
Warning signs
- ⚠Unsolicited contact offering investment opportunities with guaranteed returns
- ⚠Requests for remote access to your computer from an unexpected caller
- ⚠Pressure to act quickly before you can verify the request
Safety action
Visit ic3.gov to read current PSAs and report suspected internet crime.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Alerts
AARP's Fraud Watch Network tracks scams targeting older Americans and publishes detailed alerts about current fraud trends, including romance scams, grandparent scams, and Medicare fraud. Their helpline provides free support to fraud victims.
Warning signs
- ⚠Someone you met online asks for money, gift cards, or financial help
- ⚠A caller claims a family member is in trouble and needs immediate funds
- ⚠Unexpected contact about Medicare benefits or prescription drug plans
Safety action
Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 1-877-908-3360 (free, available to all Americans).
Would You Recognize These Warning Signs?
The examples below are fictional and created for educational purposes only. They illustrate common patterns used in real scams.
From: Fake Bank Alert
Warning signs in this message
- ✗Creates extreme urgency with a short countdown
- ✗Pressures you to click a link rather than call your bank directly
- ✗Uses fear of losing access to override careful thinking
Safer action
Do not click any link. Call the number on the back of your bank card or visit your bank's official website by typing the address yourself.
From: Prize Notification
Warning signs in this message
- ✗Requires you to pay money to receive a prize — legitimate prizes are free
- ✗Requests payment by gift card, which cannot be traced or recovered
- ✗Asks you to share gift card numbers, which transfers funds instantly to the scammer
Safer action
Ignore the message. Legitimate sweepstakes never require a fee to claim winnings. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
From: Fake Tech Support
Warning signs in this message
- ✗Microsoft, Apple, and other companies do not call you unsolicited about computer problems
- ✗Demands immediate remote access to your device
- ✗Uses fear of data loss to pressure quick compliance
Safer action
Hang up or close the message. Never give remote access to an unexpected caller. If concerned about your computer, contact a trusted local technician or the manufacturer's official support line.
Read this message carefully. What is the most important warning sign?
Fictional message — educational illustration only
"Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. To avoid arrest, call this number immediately: [number removed]. This is your final notice."
Five Simple Habits for Safer Days Online.
Pause When Something Creates Urgency or Fear
Scammers rely on panic to make you act before you think. When a message, call, or email creates a sense of emergency—stop. Take a breath. A legitimate organization will give you time to verify.
Verify Through an Independent, Trusted Source
Never use a phone number or link provided in a suspicious message. Instead, look up the organization's official contact information independently—through their official website or a number you already know and trust.
Never Share Passwords, Codes, or Remote Access
No legitimate bank, government agency, or technology company will ever ask for your password, a one-time verification code, or remote access to your device during an unexpected contact. If someone asks, it is a scam.
Use Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Step Verification
Using the same password across multiple accounts means one breach can expose all of them. Where available, enable multifactor authentication—a second step that makes it much harder for anyone else to access your accounts.
Report Suspected Fraud Promptly
If you believe you have encountered a scam or your financial information may be at risk, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. Prompt reporting can help protect others.
Make Online Safety Part of Your Everyday Routine.
ScamWise Everyday Safety Kit
The ScamWise Everyday Safety Kit is designed to make scam-prevention information easier to understand, remember, and use. It brings practical guidance together in one convenient resource you can revisit whenever something online doesn't feel right.
- An easy-to-read scam-prevention handbook
- A printable scam-checking checklist
- Examples of suspicious messages and common warning signs
- A personal account-safety checklist
- A quick-reference guide to official reporting resources
- Tips for safer online shopping and banking
The ScamWise Everyday Safety Kit is an independent educational resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, financial institution, or law enforcement body.
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ScamWise Guide: Our Mission
ScamWise Guide is an independent educational brand dedicated to helping American adults navigate the internet with greater confidence and safety. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.
Editorial standards
Every statistic is sourced from official government publications. Source links are provided for every figure. We do not invent, estimate, or extrapolate data.