The FTC Just Spotted New Scam Tactics—Here’s How to Protect Yourself

During National Consumer Protection Week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a webinar to shine a light on the latest methods scammers are using to target people. While the specific details of the scams evolve, the core goal remains the same: to trick you out of your money or personal information. Staying informed isn’t just about awareness; it’s your first and most effective line of defense.

Let’s break down the key trends highlighted by the FTC and translate them into practical steps you can take right now.

The Newest Threats on the Horizon

Based on the FTC’s latest warnings, scammers are refining old tricks and exploiting current events with increased sophistication. Here are the primary trends you should watch for:

1. The Hyper-Personalized Phishing Attack. Gone are the days of obvious “Dear Customer” emails. Today’s phishing attempts are frighteningly specific. A scammer might reference a recent purchase you made, a service you subscribe to, or even a public data breach that affected a company you use. The message, which can arrive via email, text, or even a direct message on social media, creates a false sense of legitimacy to panic you into clicking a link or calling a fake customer service number.

  • Real-World Scenario: You get a text that appears to be from your bank, citing a “suspicious transaction” at a store you actually shopped at last week. It includes a link to “secure your account.” The link leads to a flawless imitation of your bank’s login page, designed to steal your credentials.

2. Imposter Scams with a Tech Support Twist. Imposter scams—where fraudsters pretend to be from a government agency, a well-known company, or even a family member in distress—remain a top complaint. The new angle involves leveraging fears about technology. Scammers may pose as representatives from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider, warning of a “critical virus” on your computer or “suspicious activity” on your network. They will pressure you to grant them remote access to your device or to pay for unnecessary “security” software, giving them full visibility to your files and financial data.

  • Real-World Scenario: A pop-up alert locks your browser, displaying a fake FBI seal and a phone number to call to “unlock” your computer and avoid legal trouble. This is a pure scare tactic.

3. Exploitation of Payment Apps and Peer-to-Peer Platforms. As Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and other payment services become ubiquitous, scammers are adapting. A common tactic involves posing as a buyer on a marketplace like Facebook. They’ll send a fake email that looks like it’s from the payment platform, stating the money is “on hold” until you ship the item or pay a fake “upgrade fee” to a “business account.” The payment was never real, and you’re out the item or the fee.

  • Real-World Scenario: You sell a piece of furniture online. The “buyer” overpays you with a fake check and asks you to wire back the difference. The original check will bounce days later, leaving you responsible for the full amount.

What You Can Do: Practical Prevention Steps

Knowledge is power, but action is security. Integrate these habits into your digital routine:

  • Slow Down and Verify. Scammers thrive on urgency. If a message creates panic—about a frozen account, a jailed relative, or an expiring warranty—pause. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message. Instead, look up the official customer service number or website yourself and contact them directly.
  • Assume Unsolicited Contact is Suspicious. Legitimate companies and government agencies will not call, text, or email you out of the blue demanding immediate payment or personal information like your Social Security number or bank PIN.
  • Guard Your Screen. Never, under any unsolicited circumstance, allow someone to remotely access your computer, phone, or tablet. No legitimate tech support will proactively contact you and request this.
  • Treat Payment App Transactions Like Cash. Payments sent via these services are typically instant and irreversible. Only send money to people you know and trust. If selling goods online, wait for the funds to fully clear in your bank account before shipping anything.
  • Strengthen Your Digital Defenses. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account that offers it. This adds a critical second step to the login process, even if your password is compromised.

How and Where to Report a Scam

If you encounter a scam, reporting it is a crucial public service. Your report helps the FTC and law enforcement build cases, spot trends, and warn others.

  • Report it to the FTC: File a detailed report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is the primary clearinghouse for consumer fraud complaints in the United States.
  • Alert the Platform: If the scam occurred on a specific website, social media platform, or payment app, report it directly to that company using their official reporting channels.
  • Consider Your Local Authorities: For financial losses, you may also file a report with your local police department.

Stay Vigilant

Scammers are relentless, but you are not powerless. The core advice from the FTC’s webinar is timeless: be skeptical, verify independently, and protect your personal information fiercely. Treat your digital safety as an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix.

For ongoing updates and resources, bookmark the FTC’s consumer advice site at consumer.ftc.gov. Staying informed is the simplest, most effective tool you have.