It began with a voicemail that sounded exactly like her grandson: panicked, rambling, desperate for help. Sarah didn’t question it — until she called his actual number and heard it ring at home. That’s how close modern scams are to reality.
Scammers aren’t just clumsy criminals anymore. They’re organized, tech-savvy, and increasingly use AI, deepfake voices, cloned videos, and emotional manipulation to build trust before ripping people off. In recent years, scams have cost billions of dollars, and experts predict this will only grow in 2026.
Understanding scams today means learning the psychology behind them and what red flags don’t change, even as technology evolves. The FBI’s fraud red flag checklist remains applicable: scammers create urgency, demand secrecy, use unusual payment methods, or ask you to bypass normal procedures.
Here are the 10 most prevalent scams right now — how they work, why they’re convincing, and how to defend yourself.
How Modern Scams Work: The Psychology Behind Fraud
Before diving into specific scams, it helps to understand how scammers manipulate decision-making. Fraud protection boils down to your ability to pause and discern before acting.
Nearly every successful scam triggers at least one of four psychological pressure points:
Urgency – “Act now or lose everything.”
Authority – “This is your bank, government, or employer.”
Fear – Arrest, frozen accounts, stolen identity, emergencies.
Trust & familiarity – Impersonating loved ones or known brands.
When emotions spike, critical thinking shuts down. That’s why modern scams focus less on technical trickery — and more on emotional engineering.
The 10 Scams Happening Right Now
1. AI Deepfake Voice Scams
“Your loved one is in trouble — send money now!”
What’s happening:
The “grandparent 2.0” scheme uses convincing fake voices and videos from social media clips. They can impersonate friends, family, or company executives to manipulate victims into transferring money. These scams are part of an emerging trend of AI-enabled fraud.
Why it’s convincing:
Our brains trust voices and faces instantly — we’re social creatures. Scammers exploit this emotional trust, pairing urgency with a believable voice.
Red flags:
Urgent requests (bail, medical bills)
“Don’t tell anyone” instructions
Requests for untraceable payment (crypto, gift cards)
Voice sounds real, but story doesn’t align
Discern: Pause and ask: Would this person ask this of me directly? Can I independently verify they’re okay? Even small inconsistencies — a different way of speaking, a wrong detail — can indicate a fake.
How to avoid this scam: Hang up and call a known contact number. Use verification phrases or “safe words” agreed upon with family. Never act on urgency alone.
2. Cryptocurrency Investment Scams (Crypto Scams)
“Double your crypto in weeks — guaranteed!”
What’s happening:
Scammers build long, seemingly friendly online relationships (through social media or dating platforms). After gaining trust, they nudge victims toward “exclusive” crypto investments that turn out to be fake. This scheme — known as pig butchering — often combines romance and investment fraud.
Why it’s convincing:
Longer interaction builds psychological trust. Combined with shiny dashboards and fake “returns,” victims feel confident and rational — even when it’s engineered deception.
Red flags:
Guaranteed high returns
Doctoring or cloning of investment platforms
Requests to transfer funds to unknown wallets
No withdrawal or limited access
Discern: If you can’t verify the platform on reputable crypto exchanges or financial authority lists, treat it with skepticism. Always cross-check with trusted sources to avoid crypto scams.
How to avoid this scam: Only use regulated exchanges. Never invest based on unsolicited messages or ads. Crypto recovery scams often follow initial scams, pretending to help — and charging fees to do so.
3. Social Media & Marketplace Scams
“Too good to be true deals”
What’s happening:
Scammers hack accounts or create fake listings on marketplace platforms (like Facebook Marketplace) offering items at unrealistically low prices. Once paid, the item never arrives. Fake payment confirmations and phishing links can steal credentials or money.
Why it’s convincing:
It’s social: the offer appears to come from someone you “know” or a legitimate listing.
Red flags:
Requests to pay outside the platform
Suspicious payment links
Refusal to meet in person
Discern: Ask yourself, is this deal realistic? If the price is way below market value and the seller avoids standard platform procedures, take a step back.
How to avoid this scam: Pay through official platform methods with built-in protections. Meet in public places, and verify the item before paying. Never click unknown links or provide banking info just because a listing looks “official.”
4. Loan & Advance Fee Scams
“You’re pre-approved — just pay this fee.”
What’s happening:
Emails promise guaranteed loans or credit regardless of your financial history — but require an upfront “processing,” “insurance,” or “verification” fee. Once paid, the scammer disappears.
Why it’s convincing:
It targets financial stress. When someone is struggling with credit, the promise of easy money feels validating and urgent.
Red flags:
Fees requested before approval
Guaranteed acceptance
Requests via gift cards or wire transfers
Discern: Legitimate lenders do not ask you to pay before you receive funds.
How to avoid this scam: Verify lenders independently through transparent reviews and never pay before approval.
5. Bank & Service Impersonation Scams
“Your account is compromised — verify now.”
What’s happening:
Scammers spoof phone numbers so they appear as if they’re calling from your bank, government agencies, or tech companies. These calls/texts look official but direct you to phishing sites or trick you into revealing codes. These messages or calls may include particle account details or Caller IDs that look official.
Why it’s convincing:
Seeing your bank’s name or the real company in the caller ID lowers skepticism.
Red flags:
Unsolicited account alerts
Pressure to act immediately
Requests for passwords or codes
Discern: Ask, Did I initiate contact? Legitimate institutions will never ask for your password or OTP over unsolicited contact.
How to avoid this scam: Hang up and contact the institution via official channels. Enable SMS/email authentication directly through your account settings.
6. Romance & Relationship Scams
“We’re meant to be…” — until money is needed.
What’s happening:
Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and forge emotional bonds before asking for money, often for medical emergencies or travel issues.
Why it’s convincing:
Emotional manipulation clouds judgment; people let their guard down after several weeks of loving and regular messages.
Red flags:
Avoids video chats or in-person meetings
Repeated financial emergencies
Stories that don’t add up
Discern: Ask: Would someone I just met need help with large financial burdens? If not, it’s likely a scam.
How to avoid this scam: Do not send money based on emotional stories. Use trusted platforms and report suspicious profiles.
7. Job & Employment Scams
“No experience needed — high pay!”
What’s happening:
Fake job offers arrive with promises of easy money. They may ask you to deposit a check and “advance” part of the money, or reship packages.
Why it’s convincing:
It targets people eager for income — especially remote work.
Red flags:
No real interview
Requests for banking details or deposits
Pay before work
Think to discern: Ask: Would a real employer ask me to send money to start?
How to avoid this scam: Verify companies via LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or official websites. Legitimate jobs do not require upfront fees.
8. Government Impersonation Scams
“You owe taxes — pay now or face arrest.”
What’s happening:
Fraudsters call or email posing as government agencies, threatening legal action if you don’t pay immediately.
Why it’s convincing:
Fear makes people act fast without verifying legitimacy. Using threats and urgency, scammers employ fear tactics.
Red flags:
Threats of immediate arrest
Requests for wire transfers or gift cards
Think to discern: Government agencies do not demand payment via untraceable methods or threaten arrest without verified documentation.
How to avoid this scam: Hang up. Call the government agency using the official number from their website.
9. Tech Support Scams
“We detected a virus — call now.”
What’s happening:
Fake warnings claim your computer has critical security issues. If you call, scammers gain access and steal personal or financial information.
Why it’s convincing:
Scary pop-ups and threats make people react before thinking.
Red flags:
Unsolicited pop-up warnings
Requests for remote access
Payment demands for “fixes”
Think to discern: Notifications from your Operating System (OS) or apps never include a phone number to call.
How to avoid this scam: Close your browser. Restart the device. Use official antivirus software only. If needed, go to the official website, Microsoft, Apple, etc. and find the contact number of the company directly from a verified site.
10. Package Delivery Scams
“Your package was delayed — pay this fee.”
What’s happening:
Texts or emails about failed deliveries include links to fake sites that steal card info. Scammers know many of us order online frequently, so timing is perfect.
Why it’s convincing:
It’s common to receive delivery updates — but delivery services will never ask for fees directly through unsolicited links.
Red flags:
Unexpected package alerts
Requests for payment to release delivery
Suspicious links
Think to discern: Ask: Am I expecting a package? If not, it’s likely a scam.
How to avoid this scam: Check tracking directly on the retailer’s official site or app.
Universal Protection Strategies
Trust your instincts: If something feels off, pause. Scammers rely on emotional reactions. Giving yourself even a few minutes to verify can prevent costly mistakes.
Create friction between urgency and action: Legitimate companies and institutions do not pressure you to act instantly. Urgency is a major red flag — slow things down and confirm before responding.
Verify through a different channel: If you receive a text, make a phone call. If you get an email, visit the official website directly. Never click links or reply to unexpected messages.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere possible: This adds an extra security layer that can stop scammers even if they obtain your password.
Monitor your accounts and credit regularly: Check bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports monthly so you can spot suspicious activity early and limit potential damage.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Contact your bank immediately
Report to CAFC (Canada): https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
Report to FTC (USA): https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
File a police report if significant loss
Final Thoughts
Scammers exploit human psychology, urgency, trust, and emotion. The goal isn’t paranoia — it’s pause and verification. When you slow down, ask critical questions, and independently verify, nearly every scam collapses.
Your best defense isn’t fear. It’s thinking clearly under pressure.
What scam have you encountered? Share your story to help others stay safe!
