Scam Library: Identify & Report Fraud
Quick Summary
American consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the FTC. In 2026, AI-powered scams have exploded, with deepfake technology making it easier than ever for criminals to impersonate trusted individuals and organizations. This library provides detailed information on the most common scams, red flags to watch for, and step-by-step reporting instructions.
Scams by Financial Loss (2024-2025 Data)
AI Impersonation Scams
$14.2 billion lost in 2025
Deepfake videos and AI-cloned voices impersonate CEOs, government officials, family members, and celebrities to steal money and data. Fastest growing scam category.
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Cryptocurrency Scams
$5.7 billion lost in 2024
Fake exchanges, "pig butchering" romance schemes, fraudulent ICOs, and investment platforms targeting crypto investors. Average loss: $14,500 per victim.
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Romance Scams
$2.95 billion lost in 2024
Scammers build fake relationships on dating apps and social media, then request money for emergencies, travel, or investments. Median loss: $8,000.
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Investment & Business Scams
$4.6 billion lost in 2024
Ponzi schemes, fake real estate opportunities, fraudulent business ventures, and guaranteed-return investment scams targeting retirees and investors.
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Government Impersonation
$1.8 billion lost in 2024
Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, law enforcement, or immigration officials threatening arrest or benefit loss.
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Tech Support Scams
$924 million lost in 2024
Fake pop-ups claiming computer viruses, fraudulent calls from "Microsoft" or "Apple," remote access takeovers, and fake antivirus software.
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Rental & Real Estate Scams
$465 million lost in 2024
Fake rental listings on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, wire fraud, properties scammers don't own, and bait-and-switch tactics.
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Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams
$387 million lost in 2024
Claims you've won a prize you never entered, requests for fees or taxes before receiving winnings, and fake Publishers Clearing House notifications.
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Employment & Work-From-Home Scams
$312 million lost in 2024
Fake job postings requiring upfront fees, check-cashing schemes, reshipping scams, and pyramid schemes disguised as legitimate businesses.
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Charity & Disaster Relief Scams
$189 million lost in 2024
Fake charities after natural disasters, crowdfunding fraud, impersonation of legitimate organizations, and high-pressure donation requests.
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Scams by Target Demographics
Seniors (60+)
Most Common Scams:
- Government impersonation (Social Security, Medicare)
- Tech support scams
- Romance scams (widows/widowers targeted)
- Grandparent scams ("Grandma, I need bail money")
- Lottery scams
Average loss: $18,000 per victim (highest of any age group)
Young Adults (18-29)
Most Common Scams:
- Cryptocurrency investment scams
- Employment scams
- Online shopping fraud
- Romance scams on dating apps
- Fake rental listings
Average loss: $2,500 per victim
Small Business Owners
Most Common Scams:
- AI deepfake CEO fraud (wire transfer requests)
- Fake invoice scams
- Business email compromise
- Vendor impersonation
- Fake directory listings
Average loss: $35,000 per incident
Universal Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Scam
If you see ANY of these red flags, proceed with extreme caution:
- 🚩 Requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment apps
- 🚩 High-pressure tactics creating false urgency ("Act now or lose this opportunity!")
- 🚩 Requests for personal information like Social Security number or account passwords
- 🚩 Claims you've won a prize you never entered
- 🚩 Too-good-to-be-true investment returns or guaranteed profits
- 🚩 Unsolicited contact claiming to be from government or tech support
- 🚩 Requests to keep the transaction secret from family, friends, or authorities
- 🚩 Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional communications
- 🚩 Refusal to provide verifiable business information or credentials
- 🚩 Pressure to act before you can research or consult others
- 🚩 Requests to move communication off official platforms to personal email/messaging
- 🚩 Claims of government threats (arrest, deportation, benefit suspension)
How to Protect Yourself
Verify Before You Trust
- Look up phone numbers and addresses independently (don't use info provided by caller)
- Check URLs carefully for misspellings or extra characters
- Call back using official numbers from verified websites
- Search for the business name plus "scam" or "complaint"
- Verify identities through separate communication channels
Protect Your Information
- Never share Social Security numbers unless absolutely necessary
- Use unique, strong passwords for every account
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
- Don't click links in unsolicited emails or texts
- Shred documents with personal information
Be Skeptical of Payment Requests
- Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to unknown parties
- Use credit cards (not debit) for better fraud protection
- Be wary of payment method changes from established vendors
- Question urgent payment demands
- Get everything in writing before paying
Slow Down and Consult Others
- Ignore artificial urgency and high-pressure tactics
- Discuss major financial decisions with trusted family/friends
- Research investments independently before committing
- Take time to verify identities and claims
- Trust your instincts - if it feels wrong, it probably is
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours)
- Stop all contact with the scammer immediately
- If you paid:
- Credit card: Contact your card company to dispute charges
- Bank transfer: Contact your bank immediately to attempt reversal
- Gift cards: Contact the company to report fraud (rarely successful)
- Cryptocurrency: Contact the exchange (recovery very difficult)
- Payment apps: Report to the app and your bank
- If you shared personal information:
- Change passwords on all accounts
- Place fraud alerts with credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Consider freezing your credit
- Monitor bank and credit card statements closely
- Report to IdentityTheft.gov
Report the Scam (Within 1 Week)
Report to all relevant agencies:
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- State Attorney General: Find your state AG
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov (for internet/cyber scams)
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service: If mail was involved
- SEC: For investment scams
- Your local police: File a police report for documentation
Document Everything
- Save all emails, texts, and messages
- Take screenshots of websites, ads, or social media profiles
- Record dates, times, amounts, and names
- Keep receipts and transaction records
- Document all contact attempts and responses
- Save voicemails and caller ID information
2026 Emerging Scam Trends
AI-Generated Fake Identities
Scammers create entirely fake personas with AI-generated photos, voices, and social media histories. These "people" don't exist but appear completely real, making romance and investment scams more convincing.
Quantum-Resistant Crypto Scams
Fraudsters exploit fears about quantum computing breaking current encryption, selling fake "quantum-proof" cryptocurrency investments or wallets with zero legitimate technology.
Climate Emergency Scams
Fake carbon credit schemes, fraudulent green energy investments, and disaster relief scams following climate-related emergencies like hurricanes and wildfires.
Medical AI Scams
Bogus AI health diagnostics, fake medical research participation fees, and fraudulent healthcare providers claiming to use "advanced AI technology" for miracle cures.