Scam guides
The scam texts and emails going around right now, what their red flags look like, and what to do instead. Got one that is not listed? Check it free.
Unpaid toll text scam: how to spot it
Got a text saying you owe a few dollars in tolls? Here are the red flags in the fake E-ZPass and toll texts going around, and what to do.
USPS "package on hold" text scam
A text says your USPS package is on hold because of an incomplete address? Learn the warning signs of the fake redelivery texts and what to do.
"Hi Mom, this is my new number" scam
A text from your "kid" with a new number asking for money or gift cards? How the Hi Mom scam works and how to check it in one call.
Fake bank alert asking for your verification code
A text from your "bank" says your account will be locked and asks you to reply with a code? That code is how scammers break in. Here is what to do.
Marketplace overpayment scam: "I sent too much"
Selling online and a buyer overpaid and wants the difference back? How the overpayment scam works on Facebook Marketplace and how to avoid it.
Remote job scam: "buy equipment and we'll reimburse you"
A job offer with no interview that asks you to buy equipment first? The warning signs of remote job scams and how to check a real offer.
Rental scam: landlord overseas wants a deposit wired
A landlord who is out of the country and wants a deposit before you can see the place? How rental scams work and how to protect your deposit.
Fake "your subscription renewed for $399" email
An email says you were charged hundreds for a renewal and to call to cancel? That phone call is the scam. Here is how to check safely.
Past-due medical bill text scam
A text says you owe for an ER visit and it goes to collections in 48 hours? How to tell a fake medical bill from a real one.
Unpaid traffic ticket text scam
A text says you have an unpaid traffic violation and your license will be suspended? Real tickets do not come by text. Here is what to do.
Fake fraud alert text: "reply NO if this wasn't you"
A text about a big purchase on your account says reply NO and the fraud team will call you? That call is the scam. How to check safely.
"Online assessor" job text scam
A recruiter texts that your resume was recommended for a remote job paying hundreds a day? Why these job texts are scams.
"Wrong number" text that turns into a crypto pitch
A friendly wrong-number text that ends up talking about a crypto app with guaranteed profits? How this long con works and how to stop it.
Netflix "payment declined" text scam
A text says your Netflix payment was declined and your account will be suspended? How to spot the fake and check your account safely.
"Your Apple ID has been locked" text scam
A text says your Apple ID is locked and asks you to verify your identity? That link steals your password. Here is how to check.
Grandparent scam: "I'm in jail, I need bail money"
A grandchild texts or calls saying they are in jail and need bail, and not to tell their parents? How the grandparent scam works.
Cash App / Venmo "accidental payment" scam
Someone says they accidentally sent you money on Cash App or Venmo and asks you to send it back? Why you should not, and what to do instead.
Romance scam: online partner asks for gift cards
Someone you met online is always far away and now needs gift cards or money for a flight? The warning signs of romance scams.