At F3 Investigations, we understand that nothing is more important than your child’s safety and well-being. Our In 2024 alone, Americans lost over $9 billion to scams. From phishing texts and fake jobs to romance and impersonation fraud, today’s scams are smarter, faster, and more convincing than ever. And while anyone can be targeted, those who recognize the red flags early are far less likely to fall victim.
Below are the 10 most common scams happening across the U.S.—and the simple steps you can take to avoid them.
1. Phishing Emails & Texts
These scams disguise themselves as legitimate messages from banks, retailers, or service providers, prompting you to click a link or verify account info.
How to avoid it: Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders. Always navigate directly to the official website.
Quick Tip: Verify, Don’t Trust Blindly.
2. Romance Scams
Fraudsters build emotional relationships online and eventually request money—usually under the guise of an emergency, travel need, or medical issue.
How to avoid it: Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Be especially wary of requests for crypto, wire transfers, or gift cards.
Quick Tip: Love Shouldn’t Cost You.
3. IRS/Tax Scams
Scammers pose as IRS agents, claiming you owe taxes and threatening arrest if you don’t pay immediately.
How to avoid it: The IRS will never contact you by phone demanding payment, especially not via gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Quick Tip: Real Agencies Don’t Take Gift Cards.
4. Online Marketplace Fraud
Fake sellers post too-good-to-be-true deals and disappear after collecting your money. These scams often appear on resale apps or classified ad sites.
How to avoid it: Only use trusted platforms, and never pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
Quick Tip: No Tracking? No Deal.
5. Investment Scams
These often involve crypto or unregulated markets and promise high returns with little to no risk.
How to avoid it: Always research and verify before investing. If someone pressures you to act quickly, walk away.
Quick Tip: If It’s Too Good, It’s No Good.
✅ Scam-Proofing Quick Tips:
Here are six habits that reduce your scam risk:
- Verify before sending money
- Be skeptical of urgency
- Don’t share personal info with strangers
- Avoid gift cards, crypto, or wire payments
- Double-check URLs and email addresses
- Report suspicious activity immediately
6. Tech Support Scams
A popup or call claims your computer is infected and prompts you to call a number—where scammers request remote access or payment.
How to avoid it: Never allow strangers to access your device, and never pay for unsolicited “support.”
Quick Tip: Real Tech Doesn’t Cold-Call.
7. Grandparent/Impersonation Scams
Someone pretends to be a grandchild or family member in urgent trouble, requesting money quickly and discreetly.
How to avoid it: Always verify the story with another relative before sending money.
Quick Tip: Confirm Before You Send Cash.
8. Lottery & Prize Scams
You’re told you’ve won—but must pay a fee or tax before claiming your prize.
How to avoid it: If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win. Never pay to claim a prize.
Quick Tip: You Didn’t Enter? You Didn’t Win.
9. Rental Property Scams
Scammers advertise fake rental listings and collect deposits upfront, then vanish.
How to avoid it: Don’t send money without first seeing the property and verifying ownership.
Quick Tip: No Keys? No Cash.
10. Job Offer Scams
You receive a job offer without applying, but are asked to pay upfront for equipment, background checks, or training.
How to avoid it: Legitimate jobs never ask you to pay to get hired.
Quick Tip: Jobs Pay You—Not the Other Way Around.
Been Targeted by a Scam?
If you think you’ve been scammed—or someone tried—you can report it at FTC.gov or contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
