When the 'Bank' Calls About Fraud — and Is the Fraud
A caller says they're from your bank's fraud department and need to act fast to protect your account. It's a scam. Here's how it works and how to verify safely.
Scam Spotter Articles
Scams that target adults over fifty share common patterns: a scammer impersonates a trusted authority, creates urgency through threats or appeals, and pressures the target to act before they can think. Once you know the pattern, you can spot it wearing different costumes.
These articles take a closer look at the most common variants — how each one works, the red flags that identify it, and what to do if you've been targeted (or have already been caught).
Articles in this category
The Medicare Card Scam: Why No One Should Call You About It
Scammers pose as Medicare to steal your number and your identity. Here is how the Medicare scam works, why Medicare won't call you, and how to protect your card.
The Fake Delivery Text: A Small Scam With a Big Hook
A text says your package can't be delivered and you must click a link. It's one of today's most common scams. Here's how it works and the simple rule that stops it.
When the Voice on the Phone Isn't Real: AI Voice Scams
Scammers can now copy a loved one's voice from a few seconds of audio. Here is how voice-cloning scams work and the family habits that defeat them.
The Grandparent Scam: When Someone Calls Claiming a Family Member Is in Trouble
A caller says your grandchild is in jail or stranded and needs money now. Here's how the grandparent scam works, what to watch for, and what to do.
The IRS Phone Scam and Why the Real IRS Never Calls First
A caller claims to be the IRS and threatens arrest over unpaid taxes. Here's how the IRS phone scam works, what to watch for, and what to do.
Romance Scams and the People Who Target Lonely Adults
Someone you met online builds a relationship, then asks for money. Here's how romance scams work, what to watch for, and what to do.
The Social Security Number Suspension Scam
A scam call says your Social Security number has been suspended. Here's how the scam works, what to watch for, and what to do.
Tech Support Scams: When a Pop-Up Says Your Computer Is Infected
A pop-up warns your computer is infected and tells you to call a number. Here's how tech support scams work, what to watch for, and what to do.
Test your Scam Spotter knowledge
These articles pair with the Scam Spotter trivia category on the main site, where you can earn tokens for spotting scams in real-world scenarios.