Plain-language examples
These examples are educational. Real scams change their wording, but they often use the same pressure, secrecy, payment, and impersonation tactics.
Reviewed September 27, 2026
A message claims your bank, delivery account, email, or payment app has a problem.
“Fraud alert: Your account will be suspended today. Verify immediately at secure-account-review.example.”
Do not use the message link. Open the official app yourself or call the number printed on your card.
A caller claims to be from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, law enforcement, or a court.
“You owe an immediate penalty. Stay on the line and pay with gift cards to avoid arrest.”
Hang up. Contact the agency through its official .gov website or published phone number.
A pop-up or caller says your computer is infected and asks for remote access.
“Warning: Your device has 7 viruses. Call support now and install our remote repair tool.”
Close the browser or power down the device. Contact a trusted technician or the device maker directly.
Someone pretends to be a relative, lawyer, police officer, or hospital worker and demands secrecy.
“Grandma, I’m in trouble. Please don’t tell Mom. Send bail money right now.”
Hang up and call the relative on a number you already know. Ask a family question a stranger would not know.
An online contact builds trust, avoids meeting, and eventually asks for money or investments.
“I want to visit you, but my account is frozen. Could you send money for the ticket today?”
Do not send money. Tell a trusted person and reverse-image-search profile photos.
A fake employer offers easy remote work, sends a check, or asks you to pay before earning.
“You’re hired. Deposit this check, buy equipment from our vendor, and send the remaining funds back.”
Verify the company through its official website. Never send money from a check that has not fully cleared.
Examples are informed by FTC and CISA consumer guidance. Scam wording changes, so verify unexpected contact independently. FTC · CISA
