Is This a Scam? Check These 5 Warning Signs
Check every box that applies to your situation right now.
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Top Scams Right Now
These are the scams that cost Americans the most money and are most commonly used against people 60 and older.
IRS / Social Security Impersonation
Callers claim you owe back taxes or that your Social Security number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity. They may threaten arrest to pressure you into acting immediately.
How to spot it
The IRS and Social Security Administration will never call you out of the blue, threaten you with arrest, or demand immediate payment. They always send official letters first.
Tech Support Scam
A frightening pop-up or phone call claims your computer is infected with a virus. They want you to call a number or let them "fix" your computer remotely — for a fee.
How to spot it
Microsoft, Apple, and Google never contact you about viruses. Legitimate security alerts never include a phone number to call. Close the window and do not call.
Romance Scam
Someone you meet online quickly develops a strong connection with you — but they can never meet in person or video call. Eventually, a financial crisis leads to a request for money.
How to spot it
If an online partner has never been able to meet you, video call, or involves any request for money — stop all contact. Reverse-image search their profile photo.
Gift Card Scam
Any legitimate business, government agency, or person asking you to pay with gift cards is running a scam — no exceptions. Scammers love gift cards because the money is nearly impossible to trace or recover.
How to spot it
Hang up or stop responding the moment anyone asks you to buy gift cards as payment. No real business or government office accepts gift cards as payment.
Grandparent Scam
A caller pretends to be your grandchild (or a lawyer or police officer "helping" them), says they're in serious trouble — arrested, in a hospital, or stranded — and begs you not to tell other family members.
How to spot it
Hang up immediately and call your grandchild directly on their real phone number. Verify with another family member before sending any money.
Lottery / Prize Scam
You receive exciting news — you've won a prize, lottery, or sweepstakes you never entered! But to claim your winnings, you'll need to pay a "processing fee" or "taxes" upfront first.
How to spot it
You cannot win a contest you never entered. Legitimate prizes never require upfront fees. Any request for money before receiving your "winnings" is always a scam.
Online Shopping Scam
Fake websites advertise products at unbelievably low prices and never deliver. Sellers on marketplace sites may send an overpayment check and ask you to wire back the difference.
How to spot it
If the price looks too good to be true, it is. Search the store name plus "scam" or "reviews" before buying. Never wire money or send gift cards to a seller.
Phishing Text / Email
A message that appears to come from your bank, Amazon, USPS, or another trusted company asks you to click a link and confirm your account details. The link goes to a fake website.
How to spot it
Never click links in unexpected texts or emails. Go directly to the company's website by typing their address yourself, or call the number on the back of your card.
Looking for the latest scam alerts? Our Scam Alerts page is updated regularly with new threats reported by the FTC and AARP — including AI voice clone scams, fake traffic ticket texts, and more.
Report a Scam
Reporting a scam — even if you lost no money — helps law enforcement catch criminals and warns other people. It only takes a few minutes.
FTC — ReportFraud.ftc.gov
The main place to report scams in America. Your report helps the FTC catch and stop scammers.
1-877-382-4357
Visit reportfraud.ftc.govAARP Fraud Watch Network
Free helpline staffed by trained fraud specialists. They understand what seniors face and offer compassionate, practical advice.
1-877-908-3360
Visit aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/Internet Crime Complaint Center
The FBI's dedicated center for reporting online scams, cybercrime, and internet fraud.
Visit ic3.govYour State Attorney General
For local consumer protection complaints. Every state has resources to help residents fight fraud.
Visit usa.gov/state-attorney-general"I Already Got Scammed" — Recovery Guide
Take a breath. You can get through this. Follow these steps in order.
Billions of dollars are lost to scams every year. Anyone can be targeted. What matters now is taking these steps.
AARP Fraud Watch Helpline
Free, confidential support from people who understand what you're going through. Available Monday–Friday, 8 AM–8 PM ET.
Protect Yourself — Tools & Guides
Knowledge is your best defense. These free TekSure resources take just a few minutes each.
Practice Spotting Scams
Try real-world examples in a safe environment. The more you practice, the easier it is to recognize a scam when it really happens.
Open Scam SimulatorFreeze Your Credit
A credit freeze is free and one of the most powerful tools against identity theft. This guide walks you through it step by step.
Read the GuideCreate Strong Passwords
Weak passwords make it easy for scammers to break into your accounts. Learn how to create strong ones you can actually remember.
Read the GuideWant a personalized safety score?
Our free Cyber Scorecard checks your passwords, accounts, and devices and tells you exactly where to focus — no technical knowledge required.