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Government Imposter Scams
| How it works: | The scammer pretends to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, law enforcement, a court, immigration office, or another government agency. They may claim you owe money, missed jury duty, have a warrant, committed fraud, or need to verify information. |
| The Hook: | Fear makes people react quickly. Words like warrant, arrest, frozen benefits, legal action, or tax debt can cause panic. Caller ID can also be spoofed to look official. |
| How to avoid it: | Government agencies do not demand immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, payment app, or cash pickup. Hang up and contact the agency directly through an official website or known phone number. |
Fake Toll Road / Unpaid Ticket Text Scams
| How it works: | You receive a text claiming you owe a small unpaid toll, parking ticket, traffic fine, or DMV fee. The link leads to a fake payment page designed to steal card or personal information. |
| The Hook: | The amount is usually small, so people pay quickly. The message may threaten late fees, collections, or suspended registration. |
| How to avoid it: | Do not click payment links in unexpected texts. Go directly to the official toll agency, DMV, or parking authority website. |
Text Message Scams / Smishing
| How it works: | A fake text pretends to be from a delivery company, bank, toll agency, employer, government office, or familiar business and includes a link. |
| The Hook: | Texts feel immediate and personal. People often tap links without checking when the message mentions money, packages, or a deadline. |
| How to avoid it: | Do not click unexpected text links, reply, or call the number in the message. Use the official website or app. |
Package Delivery Scams
| How it works: | A message claims UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon, or another delivery service could not deliver a package. It asks you to click a link to reschedule delivery or pay a small fee. |
| The Hook: | Many people are expecting packages, and the fee may look harmless. |
| How to avoid it: | Track packages only through the official carrier website or retailer app. Do not enter payment information through an unexpected text link. |
Grandparent / Family Emergency Scams
| How it works: | The scammer pretends to be a grandchild, child, relative, lawyer, police officer, or hospital worker and says a loved one needs money immediately. |
| The Hook: | Panic and love make people act fast. Victims may be told not to tell anyone. |
| How to avoid it: | Hang up and call the family member directly using a known number. Create a family code word for emergencies. |
Utility Shutoff Scams
| How it works: | A scammer pretends to be from the electric, water, gas, internet, or phone company and says service will be shut off unless you pay immediately. |
| The Hook: | Nobody wants utilities shut off, and the caller may sound professional. |
| How to avoid it: | Hang up and call the utility company using the number on your bill. Utilities do not demand payment by gift card, crypto, or payment app. |
Fake Legal Threat Scams
| How it works: | The scammer claims you are being sued, served, investigated, or charged with a crime. They may pretend to be a process server, attorney, court clerk, police officer, or debt collector. |
| The Hook: | Legal threats create fear and urgency. |
| How to avoid it: | Do not pay over the phone because of a threat. Ask for written documentation and verify through the court, attorney, or agency directly. |
AI Voice-Cloning Family Emergency Scams
| How it works: | Scammers use AI-generated or cloned voices to sound like a child, grandchild, spouse, boss, friend, or other trusted person. They may claim there has been an accident, kidnapping, arrest, or emergency and demand money immediately. |
| The Hook: | The voice can sound familiar, and the situation is emotional. People react quickly because they believe a loved one is in danger. |
| How to avoid it: | Hang up and call the person directly using a known number. Use a family code word. Do not send money because a voice on the phone scared you. |