People told the Federal Trade Commission they lost $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025, up from more than $12 billion the year before. Imposter scams — someone pretending to be a bank, a government agency, a company, or even a loved one — were the most-reported type, with more than 1 million reports (FTC).

Scams have gotten more convincing. Messages can look like they came from your bank, and voices on the phone can be faked. The good news: almost every scam still follows the same playbook. Once you know it, you can spot it.

The five red flags

1. They contact you first, out of the blue. A call, text, email, or social media message you weren't expecting.
2. There's a problem or a prize. Your account is locked, a package is stuck, you owe a fine, or you've won something.
3. They want you to act right now. Scammers create panic so you don't stop to think or check with someone.
4. They want an unusual payment. Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, a payment app, or cash sent by courier.
5. They ask for codes or passwords. A real company will never ask you to read back a one-time code it sent you.

If you see even one of these, stop. If you see two or more, assume it's a scam until you've proven otherwise.

Common scams to watch for right now

• Bank "fraud alert" texts. A text asks if you made a purchase and tells you to reply or call. The person who answers walks you through "protecting" your money — by moving it to them.
• Package delivery texts. A message says your delivery needs a small fee or address update. The link steals your card information.
• Government imposters. Someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, or law enforcement and says you'll be arrested unless you pay. Government agencies don't call to demand immediate payment by gift card or crypto.
• Family emergency calls. A caller pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble and begs you not to tell anyone. Scammers can clone voices from short clips online.
• Romance and investment scams. A new online friend slowly builds trust, then introduces a "can't-lose" investment or asks for help with a crisis. Investment scams caused the largest losses in 2025 — $7.9 billion.
• Fake debt collectors. Someone demands payment for a debt you don't recognize, or threatens jail. See our guide, Is That Debt Collector Real?

Simple habits that protect you

• Hang up and call back. Use a number you find yourself — on your card, statement, or the official website — never the one in the message.
• Agree on a family code word. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in trouble, ask for it.
• Turn on two-step verification for your email, bank, and payment apps.
• Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It's free, and you can lift it when you need to apply for credit.
• Slow down. Any real problem will still be there in 10 minutes. Talk to someone you trust before you send money.

Already sent money? Do this in the first hour

1. Call your bank or credit union right away. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment. The faster you call, the better the chance.
2. Contact the payment company — the gift card company, payment app, or wire service — and report the fraud.
3. Change your passwords if you shared any, starting with your email and bank.
4. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your identity was stolen, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
5. Watch out for "recovery" scams. Anyone who promises to get your money back for a fee is likely a second scammer.

Getting scammed isn't a sign that you're careless. Scammers are professionals, and they target everyone. What matters most is acting fast and asking for help.