// Published Monday & Thursday  ·  Free & Public

Scams targeting real people,
right now.

Plain-language alerts on the phone calls, texts, emails, and in-person encounters being used to steal money from people like you — no jargon, no fear-mongering, just what to watch for and what to do next.

Manny Garcia, deepFalcon1313, in front of a wall of masks
Manny Garcia · deepFalcon1313
// Latest Alerts
Vigilance Spotlight  ·  October 29, 2026
Fake Taxi and Rideshare Drivers at Airport Arrivals
No new in-person findings this week (full sweep of all five sources) — Ongoing Alert: Fake drivers approach travelers in arrival halls, lead them to private cars, then inflate the fare or intimidate them. The U.S. Embassy in South Africa has warned about it at Cape Town airport, and an August investigation found it at Paris airports. With holiday travel coming, never accept a ride from someone who approaches you — use the official taxi rank or the rideshare app's pickup zone.
Ongoing Alert Airport / Social Engineering Fake Taxi/Rideshare
Sources: U.S. State Department (Mandatory) · The Local / Le Parisien · IOL View Full Spotlight →
Latest  ·  October 26, 2026
October 26, 2026 — Fake FTC Officials Threaten to Shut Off Your Phone, Then Demand a "Security Deposit"
One High-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed active nationwide: Callers posing as FTC officials say your phone number is being used for scams abroad and will be deactivated, pass you to a fake police officer, ask for your ID and secrecy, and finally demand a "security deposit" to avoid arrest. The FTC will never call to cut off your phone or ask for money — hang up and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
High Alert Government Impersonation
Sources: FTC Consumer Alerts Read Full Breakdown →
Latest  ·  October 26, 2026
October 26, 2026 — Midterm Election Scams: Fake Voter-Registration Texts, Fake PACs and Campaign "Investment Pools"
One High-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed active nationwide: Ahead of the November 3 election, the FBI warns of texts claiming you aren't registered that link to fake state sites, fake political committees that keep donations, "investment pools" promising payouts if a candidate wins, and merchandise that never ships, some using AI-made voices and images of candidates. Check your registration only at vote.gov or your state's official site — never through a link sent to you.
High Alert AI Impersonation Election 2026
Sources: FBI IC3 Read Full Breakdown →
Vigilance Spotlight  ·  October 19, 2026
QR Code Phishing at Airports — Fake Stickers Over Parking, Wi-Fi and Payment Codes
No new in-person findings this week (full sweep of all five sources) — Ongoing Alert: Scammers stick their own QR codes over the real ones on airport parking pay stations, Wi-Fi signs and service stands. Scanning opens a look-alike payment or login page that takes your card details, and the real operator is never paid. AAA lists it first among airport scams, and busy holiday-season terminals make it easier. If a QR code is on a sticker, don't scan it — type the web address yourself or pay at the machine.
Ongoing Alert Airport / Technical QR Code Phishing
Sources: AAA Travel (Mandatory) · Travelers United View Full Spotlight →
Latest  ·  October 12, 2026
October 12, 2026 — "Your Account Has Been Compromised": Fake Bank Fraud Alerts Are Talking People Into Moving Their Own Money — Often Through Crypto ATMs
One High-Alert Government Impersonation (bank impersonation) scam confirmed active nationwide: AARP's Fraud Watch Network says its helpline is hearing from more people about calls and texts posing as their bank's fraud department. The caller warns of suspicious activity, then tells the victim to move their money "to keep it safe" by wire, payment app, or withdrawing cash and feeding it into a cryptocurrency ATM. FBI complaint data shows about $388 million lost through crypto kiosks in 2025, more than $300 million of it from people over 50, and 34 states moved on October 8 to shut down about 6,000 Coinme kiosks. Your bank will never ask you to move money to keep it safe — hang up and call the number on the back of your card.
High Alert Government Impersonation Targets Older Adults
Sources: AARP Fraud Watch Network (October 2026), FBI IC3 complaint data View Full Breakdown →
Remote  ·  October 5, 2026
October 5, 2026 — Fake Medicare and HealthCare.gov Calls, Texts and Websites Are Surging Ahead of Open Enrollment
One Critical-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed active nationwide: The FTC warned on September 28 that health insurance scams surge around Open Enrollment, with scammers impersonating Medicare, HealthCare.gov and licensed brokers through calls, texts, emails and look-alike websites — some promoted with paid search ads. They sell fake plans that aren't real insurance or collect Medicare numbers for medical identity theft. AARP's Fraud Watch Network says some older adults are getting more than a dozen of these calls a day ahead of Medicare's October 15 enrollment period. Medicare will never call, text or email to confirm your Medicare number — hang up, and use only Medicare.gov (1-800-633-4227) or HealthCare.gov (1-800-318-2596), typed in yourself.
Critical Alert Government Impersonation Targets Older Adults
Sources: FTC Consumer Alert (September 28, 2026), AARP Fraud Watch Network View Full Breakdown →
In-Person Report  ·  September 24, 2026
September 24, 2026 — Fake Airline Phone Numbers at the Airport — When Your Flight Is Disrupted, Scammers Are Ready
Continued Vigilance Spotlight (no new findings this run): AAA's active advisory warns that scammers specifically target travelers at the airport during canceled or delayed flights. When you search for an airline's customer service number online, fake numbers may appear — paid for by scammers who know you're stressed and in a hurry. Callers are asked for their reservation and credit card to cover a fake "rebooking fee" of hundreds of dollars. No rebooking occurs. Defense: Download the airline's app before you travel and use it during disruptions. If you're at the airport, speak with the gate agent in person. Never search for an airline's phone number from a search engine at the airport — airlines do not charge for disruptions they cause.
Latest  ·  September 21, 2026
September 17, 2026 — FBI PSA: $1.6 Billion Lost to Government and Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams — AI Deepfakes Now Used to Fake Officials on Video Calls
One Critical-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed active nationwide and internationally: The FBI updated its public service announcement (PSA260917) on September 17, 2026 documenting that scammers impersonating US and foreign law enforcement or government officials collected more than $1.6 billion from nearly 61,000 victims between January 2025 and July 2026. The scammers use artificial intelligence to appear convincingly as police officers, federal agents, or foreign diplomatic officials on live video calls — sometimes wearing fake uniforms and using mock sets designed to look like official government offices. Victims are threatened with arrest, extradition, or cancellation of their passport unless they immediately pay. A separate variant specifically targets people associated with foreign nations, generating 1,809 complaints and $140 million in losses. The real FBI, IC3, or any government agency will never contact you out of the blue demanding payment by phone, video call, gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer. If you receive any such contact, hang up immediately — verify by calling the agency's published number directly, never a number provided by the caller.
Critical Alert AI Deepfakes Government Impersonation Targets Older Adults
Sources: FBI IC3 — PSA260917 (September 17, 2026) View Full Breakdown →
Latest  ·  September 21, 2026
September 15, 2026 — FTC Alert: Fake Farm Equipment Websites Steal Payments from Farmers — Empty-Handed After Paying Upfront
One High-Alert Marketplace scam confirmed targeting farmers nationwide: The FTC confirmed on September 15, 2026 that scammers are impersonating legitimate farm equipment businesses by setting up convincing fake websites and online listings, then collecting full or deposit payments from farmers for tractors, implements, and other equipment that never arrives. The scheme exploits the trust farmers place in established business names and the difficulty of verifying online sellers in the agriculture equipment market, where purchases are often large and buyers may not be able to inspect equipment in person before payment. Victims are left without their equipment and without recourse to recover funds once the fraudulent seller disappears. Before sending any payment for farm equipment, verify the seller's physical address and phone number independently, call them directly using a number you find yourself rather than one on the website, and use a payment method with fraud protection rather than wire transfer or check.
High Alert Marketplace Scams Fake Business Impersonation
Sources: FTC Consumer Alert (September 15, 2026) View Full Breakdown →
Vigilance Spotlight  ·  Sep 17, 2026  ·  In-Person / Airport Scams
ONGOING ALERT
Juice Jacking via Public USB Charging Stations
Juice Jacking Airport Scams Technical

No new qualifying findings this run. Continued Vigilance Spotlight: Juice jacking occurs when criminals install hidden hardware inside public USB charging ports at airports, hotels, or transit hubs. When a traveler plugs in, the compromised port simultaneously delivers power and installs malware or extracts data — silently, while the device charges normally. TSA's juice jacking advisory remains active. Cybersecurity Awareness Month begins October 1.

Defense: Carry a USB data blocker (<$15) or use AC wall outlets with your own power brick. Never tap "Trust This Computer" on a public USB port.

Sources: TSA Active Advisory (2025–2026) · BBB Scam Tracker · FCC Consumer Advisory View Full Breakdown →
Latest  ·  September 14, 2026
September 14, 2026 — Disaster Relief Impersonators Are Calling, Texting, and Knocking (Digitally) After Storms, Floods, and Wildfires
One High-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed active nationwide: Following a summer of violent storms, tornadoes, wildfires, heat waves, and widespread flooding, the FTC is warning that scammers are impersonating FEMA officials, charitable organizations, and home repair contractors to steal money and personal information from disaster-affected households. Victims receive unsolicited calls, texts, or emails with offers of relief payments or emergency services requiring upfront fees or personal details. Real FEMA assistance is always free, never requires advance payment, and is started by the victim — not an inbound call. If contacted about disaster relief, hang up and go directly to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the official FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362.
High Alert Government Impersonation Disaster Relief Fraud
Sources: FTC Consumer Alerts — September 9, 2026 View Full Breakdown →
Vigilance Spotlight  ·  September 10, 2026
Juice Jacking — Malware and Data Theft via Airport USB Charging Ports — TSA Advisory Still Active
Ongoing Alert — TSA Advisory — Fall Travel Season: Compromised public USB ports at airports install malware or steal credentials the moment a traveler plugs in their device. The USB connection carries both power and data — unlike wall outlets — giving an attacker a direct channel to your phone or tablet while it charges normally. The TSA has issued repeated warnings and the FBI has confirmed successful real-world attacks. Use your own charger with a wall outlet, a portable battery pack, or a USB data blocker — never plug into a public airport USB port.
Ongoing Alert Airport / Technical Juice Jacking
Sources: TSA Advisory (Mandatory) · FBI Warning View Full Spotlight →
Vigilance Spotlight  ·  September 7, 2026 (Labor Day)
Fake TSA PreCheck, Global Entry & NEXUS Enrollment Sites Are Stealing Money and Passport Data from Travelers
Ongoing Alert — Elder-Targeted — BBB Documented: Scammers build fake government-lookalike websites that appear in search results when travelers look up TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS enrollment. Victims pay the legitimate program fee plus an extra "service fee" and submit passport-level personal information — but the application is never filed and the money is gone. With Labor Day weekend bringing one of the highest-volume airport days of the year, this is the moment travelers are most likely to search for enrollment information on the spot. Official sites only: tsa.gov (PreCheck) and cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs (Global Entry/NEXUS). No legitimate third-party enrollment service charges extra fees.
Ongoing Alert Airport / Travel Programs Elder-Targeted
Sources: BBB Scam Tracker · TSA Official Advisory View Full Spotlight →
In-Person  ·  September 3, 2026
September 3, 2026 — In-Person Scam Watch: Sweep Conducted — No New Qualifying Findings This Week
A full sweep was conducted across all 5 mandatory sources (TSA, AAA Travel, U.S. State Department, IATA, BBB Scam Tracker). No new airport or in-person scam patterns were identified within this week's coverage window that met all inclusion criteria. Three candidates were assessed and excluded: a fake biometric boarding fee scam (secondary source only, same candidate from Aug 27 run), QR code quishing at airports (secondary source only), and a fake airline phone number scam (remote-delivered — belongs in the Monday report). No finding has been lowered in standard to fill the slot — a clean sweep with no new findings is the honest result this week.
No New Findings Full Sweep Conducted
Sources: TSA · AAA Travel · State Department · IATA · BBB Scam Tracker View Sweep Log →
Remote  ·  August 31, 2026
August 31, 2026 — Fake "Veterans Savings Program" Postcards Are Phishing for Your Personal and Financial Information
One High-Alert Government Impersonation Scam confirmed active nationwide (FTC alert August 24, 2026): Veterans and their spouses across the country are receiving official-looking postcards in the mail claiming they may qualify for extra monthly veterans benefits through a program called the "Veterans Savings Program." The program does not exist — it is a scammer's invention. The postcard is designed to get you to call a phone number or visit a website, where the real scam begins: collecting your personal information, Social Security number, or financial details for identity theft or fraud. The FTC confirmed reports are coming in nationwide. Verify any veterans benefits claim directly through VA.gov or the official VA benefits hotline (1-800-827-1000) — never call a number or visit a website listed on an unsolicited postcard about benefits you didn't apply for.
High Alert Government Impersonation Targets Older Adults
Sources: FTC Consumer Alert — August 24, 2026 Read Full Breakdown →
Remote  ·  August 24, 2026
August 24, 2026 — That Random Package You Didn't Order Is a Scam — And It May Mean Someone Has Your Personal Information
One High-Alert Marketplace Scam confirmed active nationwide (FTC alert August 20, 2026): Receiving an unexpected package with cheap, random items inside — baby wipes, seeds, toothpaste — isn't good luck. It's a "brushing scam," where criminals use your name and address to fake verified product reviews. Worse, it signals your personal data has already been obtained. The FTC is warning consumers nationwide about this growing scheme. Report any unsolicited package to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and immediately check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com for unauthorized accounts or activity.
High Alert Marketplace Scam
Source: FTC Consumer Alert (Aug 20, 2026) Read Full Breakdown →
Remote  ·  August 24, 2026
August 24, 2026 — Searching Online to Pay a Utility Bill? Scam Sites at the Top of Results Are Taking Your Payment Without Paying the Bill
One High-Alert Marketplace Scam confirmed active nationwide (FTC alert August 17, 2026): When you search online for "pay my electric bill" or similar, fake payment sites appear at the top of results — sometimes as paid ads — that look exactly like your utility company's real site. They collect your payment and bank details but never forward the money to your utility. You end up with stolen payment information, your bill still unpaid, and potentially a shutoff notice weeks later. Never use a search result to reach a bill payment page — type your utility's official web address directly into your browser, or use the address printed on your paper bill.
High Alert Marketplace Scam
Source: FTC Consumer Alert (Aug 17, 2026) Read Full Breakdown →
In-Person  ·  August 20, 2026
August 20, 2026 — Public USB Charging Ports at Airports Can Silently Install Malware on Your Phone — TSA Warns: Use a Wall Outlet or Your Own Power Bank
One High-Alert Airport Scam confirmed active and flagged by TSA at airports nationwide: A technique called "juice jacking" allows criminals to tamper with public USB charging stations so that plugging in your phone silently installs malware or extracts passwords, contacts, and financial credentials — with no visible sign anything is happening. The TSA specifically warns against plugging directly into public USB ports at airports. Bring your own wall adapter and use a standard power outlet, or carry a portable power bank — and if a USB port is your only option, use a USB data blocker (under $15) that passes power through but physically blocks data transfer.
High Alert Juice Jacking
Sources: TSA · AAA Travel Read Full Breakdown →
In-Person  ·  August 20, 2026
August 20, 2026 — Fake "Evil Twin" Airport WiFi Networks Intercept Everything You Type — Passwords, Credit Cards, and Login Credentials
One High-Alert Airport Scam confirmed active and flagged by TSA at airports nationwide: Criminals set up rogue WiFi hotspots in terminals with names nearly identical to the real airport network. When you connect, they can see everything you send and receive — passwords, banking app data, and any personal information you enter — with no visible warning. Use your phone's cellular data for anything involving passwords or personal information, or enable a VPN before connecting to any public WiFi — free airport WiFi is safe for reading news, not for logging in to anything.
High Alert Fake WiFi
Sources: TSA · AAA Travel Read Full Breakdown →
Remote  ·  August 17, 2026
August 17, 2026 — Scammers Are Buying Lists of Prior Fraud Victims and Calling Them — Pretending to Be the FTC — to Steal Money a Second Time
One Critical-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed by the FTC targeting prior fraud victims nationwide: Scammers purchase databases of people who previously lost money to fraud — including your name, address, phone number, what scam you fell for, and how much you lost. They then contact you posing as the FTC, a law firm, or a consumer advocacy group and offer to recover your money for an upfront "processing fee" or "retainer." Once paid, they disappear. The FTC never charges a fee to process any refund and will never cold-call you with a recovery offer. If anyone contacts you claiming to recover your lost money for a fee, hang up immediately — it is always a scam, and the money you paid will also be lost.
Critical Alert Government Impersonation Targets Older Adults
Sources: FTC Consumer Alerts (Aug 3, 2026) Read Full Breakdown →
Remote  ·  August 17, 2026
August 17, 2026 — Fraudulent Tax Debt Relief Companies Are Charging Upfront Fees and Doing Nothing While Your IRS Debt Keeps Growing
One High-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed by the FTC targeting people with IRS tax debt nationwide: Dishonest tax debt relief companies promise to settle IRS debt for "pennies on the dollar" — often before reviewing your actual situation — then charge large upfront fees and do nothing. Victims are left worse off: fees lost, IRS debt unchanged, and sometimes deadlines missed that made the tax situation worse. The IRS has free relief programs you can access directly at irs.gov without hiring anyone. Before paying any company promising to settle your tax debt, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 — real IRS programs are free and require no middleman.
High Alert Government Impersonation
Sources: FTC Consumer Alerts (Aug 13, 2026) Read Full Breakdown →
In-Person  ·  August 13, 2026
August 13, 2026 — Fake QR Code Stickers Are Being Placed Over Real Ones at US Airports — Cases Up 146% in 2026
One High-Alert Airport scam confirmed surging across US airports and travel locations: QR code phishing ("quishing") has jumped 146% in the United States in the first half of 2026, with scammers placing counterfeit QR code stickers directly over legitimate ones at boarding pass kiosks, lounge access signs, airport cafés, and currency exchange desks. Scanning a tampered code takes you to a spoofed payment or login page designed to steal your credit card number while you are rushed and distracted. Miami, Dallas, Seattle, and Philadelphia are the top identified hotspots. Before scanning any QR code at an airport, run your finger over it first — a raised or peeling sticker is a fake; flat and flush is real.
High Alert QR Code Phishing
Sources: AAA (Official) · Travel Security Alert, Aug 8, 2026 · FBI · FTC Read Full Breakdown →
Latest  ·  July 30, 2026
July 30, 2026 — Scammers Are Impersonating the FBI Itself — Using AI-Generated Videos — to Re-Scam People Who Already Lost Money
One Critical-Alert Government Impersonation scam confirmed active nationwide, specifically targeting prior fraud victims: The FBI updated its official warning about criminals impersonating the FBI's own Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) using AI-generated deepfake videos of fake senior FBI leaders to convince people they can help recover money already lost to scams. They reach victims through social media groups for fraud survivors, messaging apps, and spoofed websites that look exactly like the real ic3.gov — then collect personal information or additional money, turning a prior loss into a second one. Adults 60 and older are the primary target. The single most important thing to know: the real IC3 will never contact you through social media, messaging apps, phone, or email — if anyone claiming to be the FBI reaches out to help recover lost money, it is a scam; report it only at ic3.gov, typed directly into your browser.
Critical Alert AI Deepfake Video Targets Older Adults
Sources: FBI IC3 (Official PSA, July 30, 2026) · Malwarebytes · The Cyber Express Read Full Breakdown →
Latest  ·  August 10, 2026
August 10, 2026 — That 50%-Off Designer Bag in Your Social Media Feed Is Probably a Scam
One High-Alert Marketplace scam confirmed active across major social media platforms: The FTC is warning that scammers are paying to place convincing-looking ads directly inside social media feeds — for designer goods and other high-demand items at steep discounts — that look identical to promotions from legitimate retailers. Social media platforms don't consistently verify advertisers before their ads appear, so an ad looking real and appearing in your feed is not evidence that it is real. The link leads to a fake storefront; entering payment details delivers your card number directly to the scammer. The rule that protects you: never buy from a retailer you discovered through a social media ad without independently searching for the brand directly in your browser first — the ad appearing in your feed is not proof of legitimacy.
High Alert
Sources: FTC Consumer Alerts (Official, August 10, 2026) Read Full Breakdown →
Leading This Week
AI-Generated Scams

The fastest-growing scam category — and the hardest to spot. Here's how AI tools are being used to deceive, and what makes each type recognizable.

🗣️

Voice Cloning Calls

A few seconds of audio is enough to clone a real person's voice convincingly — used most often in fake "family emergency" calls.

Watch coverage →
🎭

Deepfake Video Endorsements

Fabricated videos of celebrities or trusted figures "endorsing" investment platforms or products that don't exist.

Watch coverage →
💬

AI Romance Chatbots

Automated chat systems sustain dozens of "relationships" at once, building trust over weeks before requesting money.

Watch coverage →
📈

Fake AI Investment Bots

"Guaranteed return" trading bots marketed with AI branding to appear sophisticated — most are pure fabrication.

Watch coverage →
💼

AI Job Interview Bots

Fake recruiters use AI-generated job postings and automated "interviews" to harvest personal and banking information.

Watch coverage →
🏛️

Cloned Agency Voices

AI-generated voices impersonating banks, the IRS, or government agencies in automated scam call campaigns.

Watch coverage →
Scam Guide — Always Active
How Each Scam Type Works Right Now

These scams don't stop between alerts. Each entry below explains one category in plain language with an example of what it looks like, the red flags, what to do, and what to expect as the holidays approach. Weekly alerts above cover what's new; this guide is the starting point. Tap a heading to open it.

📱
Mobile & Text Scams

Fake Delivery, Toll and Bank Texts ("Smishing")

+
💕
Romance & Dating Scams 👵 Elder-Targeted

The Online Sweetheart Who Always Needs Money

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💰
Investment & Crypto 👵 Elder-Targeted

Fake Trading Apps and "Pig Butchering" Crypto Schemes

+
🏛️
Government Impersonation 👵 Elder-Targeted

Fake IRS, Social Security, FTC and Police Callers

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🖥️
Tech Support Scams 👵 Elder-Targeted

Pop-Up Warnings and "Microsoft Support" Calls

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💼
Job & Employment Scams

Fake Recruiters, "Task" Jobs and Reshipping Work

+
🛒
Marketplace Scams

Fake Shops, Ghost Sellers and Overpayment Buyers

+
✈️
Airport Scams (In-Person)

Juice Jacking, Fake Wi-Fi, QR Stickers and Fake Drivers

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Examples are written by deepFalcon1313 to show common patterns; names, brands and links in them are made up. Figures come from FTC and FBI reports linked in each entry. Last reviewed: October 29, 2026.

Coming Soon

See exactly how these scams unfold — safely, and legally.

A recurring feature walking through real scam mechanics in a controlled, legal format — no real victims, no real scammers contacted. Format and cadence still being finalized.

If It Happens to You
Where to Report a Scam

These are the official channels — bookmark this section.

FTC
Report fraud directly to the Federal Trade Commission.
reportfraud.ftc.gov
FBI IC3
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
ic3.gov
AARP Fraud Watch
Free helpline staffed by trained fraud specialists.
877-908-3360
National Elder Fraud Hotline
DOJ-run support line for older adults and families.
833-372-8311
// About This Page
Scams are getting smarter. So can you.

Plain-language alerts on the scams targeting real people right now — from AI-cloned voices to fake romance profiles. No jargon. No fear-mongering. Just what to watch for and what to do.