Scam A to Z: Every Scam We Cover, With Warning Signs

Use this index to look up a scam by name. Each entry gives the warning sign to watch for and links to our full guide. If you already lost money or shared information, go straight to Get Help Now. Index checked October 25, 2026.

Jump to: A to D · E to H · I to Q · R to S · T to Z

A to D

• AI voice-clone calls: a call that sounds exactly like a relative in trouble. Hang up and call them back on a number you know.
• Car dealership add-ons: extra fees and products added at signing. Ask for the out-the-door price in writing. See also the car add-ons video.
• Charity scams: pressure to donate fast, often after a disaster. Give through a charity’s own website. See also the charity scams video.
• Coaching scams: pricey programs that promise income or success. Real coaches don’t guarantee results.
• Credit repair scams: a company wants payment before doing any work. That’s illegal, and you can dispute errors yourself for free.
• Crypto investment scams: a friendly stranger, often from a wrong-number text, steers you to a trading app. You can’t withdraw the “profits”.
• Data breach follow-ups: scammers send fake breach notices. Go to the company’s site yourself.
• Debt relief scams: upfront fees to settle your debts. Most companies can’t charge before they settle a debt.
• Delivery text scams: a text says your package is on hold and needs a fee or new address. Track it in the carrier’s app instead.
• Disaster scams: fake relief charities and fundraisers after a storm or fire. Check the charity before you give.

E to H

• Family emergency (grandparent) scams: a “grandchild” or “lawyer” needs bail or hospital money, and asks you not to tell anyone. See also the video guide.
• Fake checks and overpayments: you get a check for too much and are asked to send the difference back. The check bounces later.
• Fake government and bill-pay sites: look-alike sites that charge for free services. Type the official address yourself.
• Fake online stores: prices too good to be true, often advertised on social media. Check the seller before you buy.
• Financial fraud overview: the main types, warning signs and what to do.
• Gift card scams: anyone who demands payment in gift cards is a scammer. See also how to report gift cards used in a scam.
• Hacked accounts: how to get back into a social media account and lock it down. For email, see Hacked Email.
• Health insurance and Medicare enrollment scams: callers pushing plan changes or asking for your Medicare number.
• Hidden fees: charges you never agreed to. Read the total before you pay.
• Home repair scams: a contractor shows up unasked, wants cash upfront or pushes you to decide today.

I to Q

• Identity theft: what to do first, next and later, and how to report it at IdentityTheft.gov. Protect yourself first with a credit freeze. See also the video guide.
• Imposter scams: someone pretends to be the government, your bank or a company you trust.
• Income and get-rich-quick scams: promises of easy money if you pay for a program first.
• IRS imposter scams: threats of arrest over back taxes. The IRS usually contacts you first by mail. See also the video guide.
• Job scams: an offer without a real interview, or a job that requires you to pay or deposit a check.
• Lottery and prize scams: you’ve “won,” but must pay a fee or taxes first. Real prizes are free.
• Medicare fraud: offers of free equipment or tests in exchange for your Medicare number. See also the video guide.
• Package delivery scams: fake USPS, UPS or FedEx texts with a link. Don’t tap it.
• Pet scams: a cheap puppy online, then surprise shipping fees. Meet the pet before you pay.
• Phishing, malware and ransomware: what each one is and how to protect your devices.
• QR code scams: fake codes stuck on parking meters or sent in mail and texts.

R to S

• Recovery and refund scams: someone offers to get back money you lost, for a fee. It’s a second scam.
• Rental listing scams: a great apartment you can’t see in person, and a deposit wanted now.
• Romance scams: an online match who can’t meet and soon needs money. See also the video guide.
• Scam texts: fake delivery, toll, bank or prize texts with a link. Don’t tap it.
• Scholarship and student loan scams: fees for loan forgiveness or guaranteed scholarships. The FAFSA and federal repayment help are free.
• SIM swaps: your phone suddenly has no service because someone moved your number. Call your carrier.
• Social Security scam calls: callers say your number is suspended. Hang up; that never happens. See also the video guide.
• Spoofed caller ID: a call that shows a real company or agency number but isn’t. See also Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone.
• Sweepstakes scams: pay to collect, or pay to improve your odds. Both are signs of a scam.

T to Z

• Tech support scams: a pop-up or call says your computer is infected. Real companies don’t do that. See also How to Spot a Fake Tech-Support Pop-Up.
• Ticket scams: event tickets sold through social media or resale posts that don’t exist.
• Timeshare resale and exit scams: a “buyer” or exit company wants fees upfront. Start with your timeshare company.
• Travel scams: free trips with fees, fake vacation rentals and copycat passport sites.
• Unwanted calls: how to block robocalls on a mobile phone or a home phone.
• Work-at-home scams: jobs that require you to buy a kit or pay for training first.

Talk about scams with your family

Scammers count on people being too embarrassed to ask. A quick conversation helps, especially with older relatives and teens. Our video guide Pass It On shows how to start, and Why Report Fraud? explains how a report helps others.