💰 Phishing & Other Scams

Recognize how common scams work — and what to do in the moment.

This hub organizes the biggest scam types into simple guides so you can go straight to the one you need. Open a guide below to see specific red flags, examples, and what to do next.

✉️ Email & 📱 Text Phishing (Smishing)

Fake “account alerts,” password resets, delivery notices, or payment requests designed to make you click a link or enter credentials.

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📞 Phone Scams (Vishing)

Live callers or robocalls spoofing banks, government agencies, or companies to pressure you into payments or divulging codes.

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💸 Payment-App Scams (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App)

“Me-to-me” transfers, buyer/seller tricks, impostor support reps, and urgent requests that turn instant payments into instant losses.

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📦 Delivery Notices & Missed Package Texts

Texts or emails claiming you missed a delivery or must “update shipping” — links lead to credential theft or malware.

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🛡️ Impersonators: IRS, SSA, Banks, Tech Support

Scammers copy official language and logos to demand payment, threaten arrest, or “verify” your identity.

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🖥️ Remote-Access & Tech Support Scams

Pop-ups or calls claiming your computer is infected; they push you to install software so they can take control and drain accounts.

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❤️ Romance & Relationship Scams

Trust-building over weeks or months followed by urgent financial requests, crypto/gift cards, or “investment opportunities.”

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🔐 Account Takeovers

Attackers capture your password or code to access email, bank, or social accounts — then lock you out and pivot to new targets.

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🛍️ Fake Shopping Sites & Marketplaces

Professional-looking stores or buyer/seller lures on marketplaces; products never arrive, or you receive counterfeits.

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🏠 Deed Fraud & Title Theft

Criminals sometimes forge property transfer documents and file them with county recorders to falsely claim ownership of your home. They may try to sell it, borrow against it, or extort money from you — all without you knowing until it’s too late. Learn how to protect yourself with free, proven steps instead of paying for questionable “title lock” services.

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🧠 Sam’s Takes (Quick Reminders)

Don’t tap — type. If a message asks you to click a link, open a new tab and type the company’s website yourself, or use the official app.

Call them directly. Use the number on your card, statement, or the company’s website — never the number that contacted you.

Codes are private. Never share one-time passcodes or 2FA codes with anyone. Real companies won’t ask.

Payments = final. If you’re being pushed to pay by Zelle/Venmo, gift cards, crypto, or wire, it’s almost certainly a scam.

No remote access. Hang up if someone asks you to install software or give remote control to “fix” a problem.

Missed-delivery texts. Don’t click tracking links in texts. Check status in the carrier’s official app or website.

Slow is safe. Scammers create urgency. Take five minutes, verify independently, then act.