Unearth The Voyage
Your phone rings and the caller ID looks official. Maybe it’s a text about your bank account or a voicemail from someone claiming to be your grandchild in trouble.
These scenarios happen millions of times every day across America, and they’re all part of carefully designed scams meant to steal your money or personal information. Phone cons have become so sophisticated that even tech-savvy people fall victim, losing billions of dollars annually to criminals who know exactly which buttons to push to make you panic and act without thinking.
1. Imposter Government Agency Scams
Fraudsters call pretending to represent the IRS, Social Security Administration, or even local police departments. They use official-sounding language and may even spoof legitimate phone numbers to appear credible on your caller ID.
The caller typically claims you owe back taxes, your Social Security number has been suspended, or there’s a warrant for your arrest. They create urgency by threatening immediate legal action unless you pay right away using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Real government agencies never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten arrest for unpaid taxes. They always send official letters first and accept standard payment methods, never gift cards.
2. Bank Fraud Alert Scams
A text or call arrives claiming suspicious activity was detected on your bank account. The message looks authentic, complete with your bank’s name and sometimes even partial account numbers to build trust.
Scammers pressure you to verify transactions you didn’t make or ask you to confirm your identity by providing login credentials, one-time security codes, or account numbers. Some even direct you to call a fake customer service number.
Banks never ask for passwords, PINs, or verification codes via text or unsolicited calls. If you receive such alerts, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card or official website.
3. Tech Support Scams
Your computer suddenly displays a scary warning about viruses, or you receive a call from someone claiming to work for Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider. The caller insists your device is infected and needs immediate attention.
These scammers convince victims to grant remote access to their computers, then pretend to fix problems while actually installing malware or stealing personal information. They often charge hundreds of dollars for unnecessary services.
Legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited calls about virus infections. If you see pop-up warnings with phone numbers, close your browser completely rather than calling the number displayed on screen.
4. Grandparent or Family Emergency Scams
Someone calls claiming to be your grandchild or another relative in desperate trouble. They might say they’ve been arrested, had a car accident, or are stranded abroad and need money immediately for bail, medical bills, or travel expenses.
The caller often begs you not to tell other family members because they’re embarrassed. Scammers research victims on social media to use real names and personal details that make the story believable.
Before sending money, hang up and call your relative directly at their known number. Ask questions only the real person would know.
Real emergencies can wait for verification, despite what the caller claims.
5. Amazon or Delivery Problem Scams
You get a call or text about a suspicious Amazon order you never placed, often for an expensive item like an iPhone or laptop. The message includes a phone number to call if you didn’t authorize the purchase.
When you call back concerned, the scammer poses as Amazon customer service and asks you to verify your account by providing login credentials, credit card information, or one-time security codes sent to your phone.
Amazon never asks customers to confirm orders by phone or requests sensitive account information. Check your actual Amazon account directly through the official app or website rather than responding to unsolicited messages about orders.
6. Medicare or Health Insurance Scams
Callers claim they’re from Medicare or your health insurance company offering free medical equipment, updated insurance cards, or special coverage benefits. They sound professional and use healthcare terminology to establish credibility.
These fraudsters ask for your Medicare number, Social Security number, or bank account information supposedly to process your benefits or send equipment. Some even offer free back braces, genetic testing kits, or diabetic supplies.
Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for personal information or offer free equipment. Your Medicare number is as valuable as a credit card number to scammers who bill Medicare fraudulently using stolen information.
7. Lottery or Prize Winner Scams
Congratulations! You’ve won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize you never entered.
The caller explains you’ve been randomly selected to receive a large cash prize, luxury vacation, or valuable merchandise worth thousands of dollars.
Before releasing your winnings, they say you must first pay processing fees, taxes, or customs charges. They pressure you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to claim your prize.
Legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to collect winnings. If you didn’t enter a contest, you can’t win it.
Real prizes come with paperwork, not demands for upfront cash.
8. Utility Shutoff Scams
Your electricity, gas, or water will be shut off within hours unless you pay an overdue bill immediately. The caller sounds urgent and official, citing specific account numbers or addresses to seem legitimate.
They demand payment through unconventional methods like prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or payment apps, claiming the utility company’s regular payment system is temporarily down. Some threaten to send a technician to disconnect service right away.
Utility companies send multiple written notices before disconnection and never demand immediate payment via gift cards. If threatened with shutoff, hang up and call your utility provider directly using the number on your actual bill.
9. Investment and Crypto Scams
Smooth-talking callers pitch incredible investment opportunities promising guaranteed high returns with little to no risk. These often involve cryptocurrency, foreign exchange trading, or exclusive investment clubs that sound too good to miss.
Scammers create fake websites showing your investment growing rapidly, encouraging you to invest more money. When you try to withdraw funds, they demand additional fees or taxes before releasing your money, which never actually exists.
All investments carry risk, and guaranteed high returns are always fraudulent. Research any investment thoroughly through independent sources and never invest based solely on unsolicited phone calls, regardless of how professional they sound.
10. Debt Relief or Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Callers promise to eliminate your credit card debt, erase student loans, or dramatically reduce what you owe through special government programs. They claim to have insider access to forgiveness programs most people don’t know about.
After paying upfront fees ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, victims discover the promised debt relief never materializes. Some scammers steal personal information that leads to identity theft rather than debt reduction.
Legitimate debt consolidation companies don’t guarantee specific results or require large upfront payments. Federal student loan forgiveness programs are free to apply for directly through official government websites without paying intermediaries.
11. One-Ring Wangiri Scam Calls
Your phone rings exactly once from an unknown international number, then stops before you can answer. The missed call notification makes you curious about who tried to reach you from overseas.
Calling back connects you to a premium-rate phone line that racks up expensive per-minute charges on your phone bill. Some variations play recorded messages designed to keep you on the line longer, increasing costs substantially.
Don’t return calls to unfamiliar international numbers, especially if they rang only once. Legitimate callers leave voicemails or try again.
Check your phone carrier’s website for lists of known scam number ranges.
12. Robocall Extended Car Warranty Scams
Automated messages inform you that your vehicle’s extended warranty is about to expire, even if your car is brand new, very old, or you never purchased extended coverage. These persistent robocalls have become infamous nationwide.
Pressing buttons to speak with a representative connects you to high-pressure salespeople pushing overpriced, limited coverage plans from companies unaffiliated with your actual vehicle manufacturer. Some steal credit card information without providing any real coverage.
Legitimate warranty companies don’t use robocalls to solicit business. Your actual car manufacturer or dealer sends warranty information by mail.
Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce these annoying calls.
13. Employment / Job Offer Scams
Employment scams have surged in recent years, especially with the rise of remote work. Scammers pose as recruiters from legitimate companies, often copying real company logos and HR names.
Victims may receive texts, emails, or calls offering high-paying remote jobs with minimal interviews. Once engaged, the scammer may request personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank details under the guise of setting up payroll.
In many cases, victims are sent a fake check to “purchase work equipment” and instructed to wire part of the money back – the check later bounces. According to FBI IC3 reports, job scams cost victims hundreds of millions annually.
These scams heavily target young adults and recent graduates.
14. SIM Swap Scams
SIM swap scams are a sophisticated form of identity theft. Criminals contact your mobile carrier pretending to be you and convince the company to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control.
Once the number is reassigned, your phone loses service – and the scammer begins intercepting text messages, including two-factor authentication codes from banks, email accounts, and cryptocurrency exchanges. This allows them to reset passwords and drain financial accounts quickly.
The FBI has repeatedly warned about SIM swap schemes, particularly because they are commonly used to steal cryptocurrency. Victims often don’t realize what’s happening until accounts are compromised.
Protecting your mobile account with a PIN or port-out protection is strongly recommended.
15. Jury Duty / Court Impersonation Scams
In this scam, criminals impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, or jury coordinators. The caller claims you missed jury duty or failed to respond to a court notice and now face arrest or fines.
To avoid legal consequences, you’re instructed to make immediate payment – often via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers. Scammers frequently spoof real courthouse or police department phone numbers to appear legitimate.
The FTC and FBI warn that government agencies never demand payment over the phone using gift cards or cryptocurrency. These scams rely on fear and urgency, pressuring victims to act before verifying the claim.
Many victims comply because the threat of arrest feels immediate and serious.
