Phone and text scams: what is going around now

Each guide explains one scam that is active right now, cites the FTC, FCC or agency alert behind it (with dates), and tells you exactly what to do. Got a call or text from a number you do not know? Look it up first.

The FTC's top text scams of 2024

People reported losing $470 million to scams that started with a text in 2024, five times the 2020 figure (FTC, April 2025). The most-reported types:

Text message scams

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Got a text saying you owe unpaid tolls? The FTC says it is probably a scam. How the fake toll text works, how to check your real toll account, and what to do if you paid.

Fake traffic ticket and DMV texts: how to spot them

Texts with a QR code or link claiming you owe a traffic fine or DMV fee are scams, the FTC warned in April 2026. How they work and how to check a real ticket.

Package delivery text scams: USPS, UPS and FedEx

Fake package delivery texts were the most-reported text scam of 2024, per the FTC. How the "redelivery fee" scam works and what USPS says it never does.

Fake bank fraud alerts: how the scam works

Fake fraud alerts from your "bank" were the most-reported text scam of 2022 and still a top scam in 2024, says the FTC. How the scam escalates and the one rule that stops it.

"Wrong number" texts: how the scam starts

A friendly "wrong number" text from a stranger is a common opening for romance and crypto investment scams, per the FTC. Why you should not reply and what happens if you do.

Job offer texts and task scams

Unexpected job offer texts and WhatsApp "task" jobs are scams, the FTC warned on April 30, 2026. Job scam losses rose from $90M (2020) to $501M (2024).

Impersonation calls

Amazon scam calls and texts: suspicious purchases and fake refunds

Calls or texts about a suspicious Amazon purchase, or an Amazon "refund", are scams per the FTC. How they work, who they target, and how to check your real account.

IRS scam calls and texts: what the IRS will never do

How IRS impersonation calls and texts work, what the IRS says it never does (texts, gift cards, threats of arrest), and how to check if you really owe.

Social Security scam calls: fake SSA and OIG agents

Social Security impersonation calls in 2026 use fake call transfers, real employee names and fake badges, per SSA OIG alerts. How to recognize them and what SSA never does.

Fake FTC, FBI and police calls: government impersonator scams

Callers posing as the FTC, FBI or police say your phone number was used in crimes and will be deactivated. The FTC warned about this exact script on Oct 22, 2026.

Missed jury duty and arrest warrant scam calls

Callers posing as U.S. Marshals or police say you missed jury duty and must pay to avoid arrest. Federal courts and the FTC say it is a scam. How to check.

Tech support scam calls and pop-ups

A pop-up or call says your computer is infected and gives a number to call. The FTC says it is a scam. How it works, the new "life savings" version, and what to do.

Utility shutoff scams: "pay now or we cut your power"

Callers threatening to cut your power, gas or water unless you pay now are scammers, says the FTC. Barcode, QR and storm-season variants, and how to check your bill.

Call tricks and robocalls

The one-ring scam: missed calls from 876, 809, 473 and others

A single ring from an unknown number with an area code like 876, 809 or 473 is the FCC-documented one-ring scam. Why calling back costs you and how to block it.

Family emergency and AI voice-clone scams

Scammers clone a relative's voice from a short clip and call in a fake emergency, the FTC warns. A family code word and a call-back rule stop it.

The Google Voice verification code scam

Someone asks you to read back a 6-digit code "to prove you are real"? It is the Google Voice scam, per the FTC. What happens if you share it and how to recover.

Auto warranty robocalls and the top robocall scams now

"Your car's extended warranty is about to expire." What the FCC did about auto warranty robocalls, the top robocall complaints of 2025, and how to cut unwanted calls.

Questions

How do I know if a call or text is a scam?

Urgency, a threat, and an unusual payment method (gift cards, crypto, wire, payment app, or moving money to "protect" it) are the three giveaways. Hang up and contact the company or agency using a number you look up yourself.

Where do I report scam calls and texts?

Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM), report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and file unwanted-call complaints with the FCC.

Can I find out who called me?

Yes. Type the number into a reverse phone lookup: carrier, line type and location are free, and the owner name unlocks when on record. Scammers often spoof numbers, so treat results as a clue.

Is a call from my own area code safer?

No. Scammers spoof local-looking numbers on purpose ("neighbor spoofing"). Check the area code and the full number.

TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.