Scammers threaten to share private or embarrassing content (from your phone, email, or social media) unless you pay. They may demand money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a mobile app. If confronted, stay calm, stop communicating, and save all messages as evidence. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

These take advantage of people’s generosity—especially after disasters or during holiday seasons. Fraudsters may pose as real charities or create convincing fake ones and ask for donations via social media live streams or even ask for cryptocurrency. Always verify the charity is real and legitimate before giving. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Scams Fraudsters impersonate legitimate debt collectors, threatening legal or criminal consequences if you don’t pay. Sometimes they demand payment for debts you don’t owe. Always ask for full details (name, address, proof of debt) and verify independently before paying. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Companies that promise to settle your debts or reduce your payments may charge hefty upfront fees and deliver little, leaving you worse off. Look for guarantees, large up-front costs, and unsolicited offers. Consider working with reputable nonprofit credit counselors instead. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Some scams falsely claim or display the FDIC logo to imply legitimacy or insurance—sometimes related to cryptocurrency or unregulated services. Always use official resources (such as FDIC’s BankFind) to confirm whether an institution is FDIC-insured. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

These target homeowners in financial distress. Scammers promise to stop foreclosure or modify mortgage terms—for a fee. They may ask you to sign over your title, pay upfront, or mislead you with confusing paperwork. Always seek advice from HUD-approved counselors and check credentials. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Someone calling claiming to be your grandchild (or other relative) urgently needs money, often due to an accident or legal trouble. They may insist on secrecy. With voice cloning or altered voices becoming more common, it’s wise to verify through another trusted family member before sending anything. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Scammers pretend to be people or organizations you trust—government agents, credit union staff, law enforcement, etc.—and try to trick you into giving money or personal info. Always verify by contacting the organization directly using a phone or email you know is real. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

If you’re told you’ve won something and asked to pay fees or taxes up front to claim the prize—that’s a red flag. Legitimate lotteries don’t require prepayment. Don’t share bank or Social Security numbers with someone who contacts you out of the blue. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Fraudulent mail— sweepstakes, vacations, “prize” notices—may ask for your money or personal details now in return for something later. These letters often look real. Be skeptical, especially of unsolicited mail demanding instant action. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

These involve intercepting or altering communications so a scammer can pretend to be someone else—or manipulate payment instructions. For example, fake WiFi networks or email address spoofing. Always doublecheck contact info and never rely solely on email for sensitive instructions. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Scammers recruit people to help move stolen money—sometimes unknowingly—via job offers or romance scams. Handling or transferring money for strangers can result in serious legal trouble. If something sounds too easy or suspicious, don’t participate. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Using wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps, or mobile payment services, scammers try to get you to send money—often urgently or as if they are someone you trust. Before sending any money, verify who is asking and why. If you suspect you’ve sent money to a scammer, contact your bank or service immediately. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Approaching closing on a home? Scammers may impersonate real estate or settlement agents, sending fake instructions to divert your closing or down payment. Use only verified contacts, and confirm payment instructions through known, trusted phone numbers—not just email. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Scammers establish emotional relationships online or via social media to gain trust, then ask for money, favors, or access to your bank or personal info. Be cautious with new relationships that quickly try to move to financial requests. Protect your personal info. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Scammers offering things like concert tickets, pets, rentals—or services— and taking your payment without delivering the item. Sometimes they pretend to send payment to you first, then cancel it. Never pay for goods or services from unverified sellers and use payment methods that offer protection when possible. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau