Tag: Phishing Scams

You never know where your big Hollywood break will come from. But it probably won’t start with an unexpected text message about a virtual casting call. That’s likely a scam. Learn the cues to avoid this type of phishing scam.

Scammers are pretending to be Amazon again. This time, they’re sending texts claiming there’s a problem with something you bought. They offer a refund if you click a link — but it’s a scam. Here’s how the scam works so you can avoid it.

Chances are, you’ve gotten a scam text about unpaid toll charges or know someone who has. Now scammers are going even further and pretending to be the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from states all over the country. They insist that you pay for an “overdue traffic ticket” and threaten to suspend your driving privileges (among other things) if you don’t. Here’s how the scam works.

You might get an email or text that seems to come from Apple, Microsoft, or Google, saying you’re out of storage. The message looks legit, and you might think there’s a chance you need more cloud space, but your scam-radar is going off. How can you be sure the link to upgrade isn’t a scam?

Military servicemembers, veterans, and their families sacrifice a lot to keep our country safe. In the spirit of protecting those who’ve served, the Federal Trade Commission invites you to talk about scams with your battle buddies. Looking for ways to share what you know and protect someone else from a scam? The FTC’s got your six.

Hoping to take a trip in the warmer weather? Before you start planning, know that some scammers set up websites advertising free or cheap travel deals. Learn to spot these scammy sites and other schemes designed to steal your money and personal information.

If you want to use your driver’s license to fly, you’ll need a REAL ID. If you don’t have one yet, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the place to go, and they’re only taking in-person appointments. But people are telling the FTC that scammers are pretending to be the DMV or another government agency. Reports say these “officials” are sending messages saying you can skip the line if you pay or give them information. Here’s how that scam works so you can avoid it.

Have you ever gotten a text message about a package coming via the United States Postal Service? Maybe it confirmed your order, said a package is out for delivery, or said there’s a problem like unpaid postage, a missed delivery, or you need to update your shipping preferences. That text message will say to click a link to learn more or fix the problem. But there’s a good chance that text message that says it’s from USPS (or FedEx…or DHL…) is really from a scammer.

Did you know that people almost always open text messages? In a new Data Spotlight about the big jump in reported fraud losses involving text scams, the FTC notes a study finding open rates can be as high as 98%. Those are really good odds for a scammer. And when scammers get you to respond to their messages, they’re cashing in. Here’s how you can increase your chances of keeping your money safe.

Do you feel like you’re getting more emails from strangers than messages from people you actually know? These unexpected messages are often phishing scams trying to steal your money and personal information. FTC data shows that email was the top method scammers used to contact people in 2024. To help you avoid these scams, here’s what to know.