10/12/2026
20 SCAMS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
I’ve been sharing information recently about phishing scams and the different ways criminals are using technology to steal people’s money and personal information.
One thing I’ve learned over my years as District Attorney is that there is no shortage of ways dishonest people will try to take advantage of others. And with today’s technology, some of these scams have become incredibly convincing.
I also think it’s important to recognize that anyone can fall victim to a scam. It doesn’t matter how educated you are, how careful you think you are, or how familiar you are with technology. Sometimes all it takes is one convincing message at the wrong moment. Most individuals click or open an email or text after examining it for less than a second and a half. Examining these communications a little longer can often be the best preventative measure from being scammed.
I’ve put together a list of 20 scams that everyone should be aware of. Some have been around for years, while others have become much more sophisticated.
20 SCAMS TO WATCH FOR
1. Bank Fraud Alerts: You receive a text or call claiming suspicious activity on your bank account. You’re directed to a fake website or asked to provide account information.
2. E-ZPass and Unpaid Toll Scams: A text claims you owe a small toll balance and threatens additional penalties unless you pay immediately.
3. Package Delivery Scams: A message supposedly from USPS, UPS, or FedEx claims there’s a problem delivering your package and asks you to update your address or payment information.
4. Jury Duty Scams: Someone claiming to be from the courts or law enforcement says you missed jury duty and face arrest unless you pay a fine.
5. IRS and Tax Scams: Criminals impersonate the IRS, claiming you owe back taxes, are under investigation, or need to verify information to receive a refund.
6. Amazon and Online Shopping Scams: You receive a message about an expensive purchase you never made, with instructions to call a fraudulent customer service number.
7. Password Reset Scams: An unexpected email or text tells you that your account has been compromised and directs you to a fake login page.
8. Fake Employment Offers: Scammers advertise attractive work-from-home jobs, then ask applicants to pay fees, deposit fraudulent checks, or provide banking information.
9. Social Security and Medicare Scams: Someone claims your benefits are being suspended or your identification number has been compromised.
10. Computer and Tech Support Scams: A pop-up warning or phone call claims your computer has a virus and directs you to pay for unnecessary services or provide remote access.
11. Business Email Scams: Criminals impersonate company executives, employees, or vendors and request money transfers or changes to payment instructions. Businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies are frequent targets.
12. Facebook and Social Media Scams: A message claims your account will be suspended or deleted unless you click a link and verify your identity.
13. QR Code Scams: Fraudulent QR codes placed on parking meters, flyers, or in emails direct people to fake websites designed to steal payment information.
14. Romance Scams: Someone develops an online relationship over weeks or months before asking for money for an emergency, travel expenses, or an investment.
15. Fake Charity Scams: Criminals exploit natural disasters, tragedies, and community emergencies by pretending to collect donations for legitimate causes.
16. Grandparent and Family Emergency Scams: A caller claims to be a grandchild or family member who has been arrested, injured, or involved in an accident and urgently needs money. Some criminals now use AI-generated voices to make these calls more convincing.
17. Cryptocurrency and Investment Scams: Someone promises unusually high returns or guaranteed profits through cryptocurrency, online trading, or a supposedly exclusive investment opportunity.
18. Utility Shutoff Scams: A caller claiming to represent your electric, gas, or water company threatens immediate disconnection unless you make a payment.
19. Fake Police or Government Impersonation Scams: Someone claims to be a police officer, FBI agent, or government official and threatens arrest, prosecution, or other consequences unless you provide money or personal information.
20. AI Deepfake and Voice Cloning Scams: Criminals use artificial intelligence to imitate voices, create convincing videos, or impersonate people you know in an effort to obtain money or confidential information.
A FEW SIMPLE RULES THAT CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF TROUBLE
• Don’t click links in unexpected emails or text messages.
• Never give out passwords, banking information, or verification codes to someone who unexpectedly contacts you.
• If someone claims to represent your bank, a government agency, or a business, hang up and contact that organization directly using a number you independently verify.
• Be suspicious of anyone demanding immediate payment, particularly through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
• If a family member calls claiming to be in trouble and needs money, verify the situation by calling them back at a number you already know.
• Use multifactor authentication and keep your devices updated.
• Before sending money to a new vendor or changing payment instructions, independently verify the request.
AND PLEASE, TALK TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT THESE SCAMS.
I especially encourage people to have conversations with older parents, grandparents, and neighbors. But don’t assume younger people are immune. They aren’t.
I’ve seen firsthand how devastating financial crimes can be. Beyond the money that is stolen, victims often experience embarrassment, anxiety, and a loss of confidence. Some lose savings they spent a lifetime building.
If you believe you’ve been victimized, don’t be embarrassed and don’t remain silent. Contact your local police department and report internet-related crimes to the FBI at www.ic3.gov. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The more people who recognize these schemes, the harder we make it for criminals to succeed.
Please share this post with your family and friends. It might prevent someone you care about from becoming a victim.
If you or your organization would like additional information about these scams, or would like to arrange an educational presentation, please contact the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Community Affairs Unit. Our team is always happy to work with community groups, senior organizations, schools, businesses, and other local organizations to help residents recognize scams and protect themselves from becoming victims.
