Fraud Cleanup

Common scams

First

  1. How to Spot an Investment Scam Before You Pay

    A pitch that promises big money with no risk is a scam. Learn the types, the red flags, and how to check any offer.

  2. How to Spot a Rental Scam Before You Pay Anything

    Fake rental listings come in two kinds. Learn the red flags and the checks the FTC names before you send money.

  3. Elder Fraud: What It Is and How to Report It

    If a scammer just took money from you or your parent, here is what elder fraud is, how to spot it, and how to report it to the FBI.

  4. How to Spot a Job Scam Before You Lose Money

    One rule gives away almost every job scam: honest employers pay you. Here are the common tricks and what to do if you already paid.

  5. Scam Tax Calls: How to Spot One and What to Do

    A call says you owe back taxes and must pay now or be arrested. Here is how to tell it from the real IRS, and what to do next.

Then

  1. That jury duty scam call is not a real court

    A call saying you missed jury duty and must pay right now is a scam the FTC has named outright. Here is how it works and what to do.

  2. That USPS Text About Your Package Is Probably a Scam

    A text about a USPS delivery with a strange link is smishing. Here is how to spot it, what to do if you clicked, and where to report it.

  3. The Social Security Scam Call, and What to Do Next

    The caller says your number is suspended. Here is how the real SSA behaves, and what to do if you paid.

  4. How to Spot a Fake IRS Letter in the Mail

    You are holding a letter that looks like it came from the IRS. Here is how to tell if it is real, and what to do next.

  5. How to Spot an IRS Scam Call, Email or Letter

    Neither the IRS nor its debt collectors will threaten to arrest you. Here is how to tell a real contact from a fake one, and where to report it.

Later

  1. You Bought an Amazon Gift Card for a Scammer. Now What

    Only scammers tell you to pay with a gift card. Here is what that call was, what to do now, and who to tell.

  2. Someone Asking You to Pay With a Gift Card Is a Scam

    No real bill, fine or fee is ever paid this way. The request itself is the tell. Here is what to do right now.

  3. Crypto Scams: How They Work and How to Spot One

    Crypto payments usually cannot be reversed. Learn how these scams work, the warning signs, and what to do after you pay.

  4. Is That Social Security Scam Email Real?

    A Social Security scam email threatens things the real SSA never does. Learn to spot the fake, report it, and lock down your number.

  5. How a Romance Scam Works and What to Do

    A romance scam is a professional operation that steals trust first, then money. Here is the script, the signs, and what the FBI and FTC say to do.