New Scam Alerts: What the FTC Wants You to Watch For

Scammers are relentless innovators. Just as we get wise to one trick, they refine their tactics or invent a new one, capitalizing on current events, new technologies, and our daily habits. Staying a step ahead can feel like a full-time job. Fortunately, regulators are paying close attention. Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a public webinar during National Consumer Protection Week to highlight the latest scam trends they’re seeing. The goal wasn’t to scare people, but to arm them with knowledge.

For the average person, this information is a crucial update to your personal defense system. Let’s break down what’s happening and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

What the FTC Is Seeing Now

Based on the FTC’s discussion, a few concerning trends are rising to the top. While classic scams like fake tech support and phony lottery wins haven’t disappeared, they are increasingly delivered through new channels or with fresh twists.

  • The Resurgence of Government Imposter Scams: Scammers are again aggressively pretending to be from government agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare. The contact often starts with an alarming text, email, or robocall claiming your account is suspended, your benefits are frozen, or there’s a warrant for your arrest. The pressure to act immediately is intense. The scammer’s ultimate goal is to steal personal information or demand payment via untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
  • Delivery Scams Hitting Your Inbox and Phone: With the continued prevalence of online shopping, fake delivery notifications are a massive problem. You might get a text about a “missed package delivery” with a link to “reschedule” or “confirm your address.” These links lead to phishing sites designed to harvest your login credentials or install malware. The messages often mimic major carriers like USPS, FedEx, or Amazon.
  • “Hi Mom” or “Family Emergency” Scams Evolving: This emotionally manipulative scam is now faster and more targeted. Instead of a drawn-out story, you might simply get a text from a “new number” saying, “Hi Mom, my phone broke, text me here.” If you reply, the scammer quickly fabricates an urgent crisis requiring money to be sent via digital payment apps like Venmo or Cash App, banking on a parent’s instinct to help.
  • Investment and Crypto Fraud Promising “Guaranteed” Returns: Scammers are exploiting interest in new financial tools. They use social media, fake endorsements, and sophisticated websites to promote fraudulent investment “opportunities,” often in cryptocurrency or foreign exchange. They promise low risk and high returns, but once you send money, it disappears—along with the “advisor.”

These aren’t abstract threats. They work because they exploit trust in institutions (government, major companies), target daily routines (shipping notifications), and prey on our deepest emotions (concern for family). The financial losses can be devastating, and the emotional toll of being deceived is significant.

The shift towards using texts, social media messaging, and payment apps is also critical. These platforms feel personal and immediate, which can cause people to let their guard down more easily than with a strange email. Scammers are moving to where our attention is.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today

Awareness is the first and most powerful layer of protection. Here are concrete actions based on the FTC’s guidance:

  1. Verify, Don’t Trust Caller ID or Sender Names: Spoofing is easy. If you get an urgent call or text from a “government agency” or “bank,” hang up or don’t reply. Find the official customer service number from a past statement or the organization’s legitimate website (not a link provided in the message) and call them directly to inquire.
  2. Treat Links in Unsolicited Messages as Hostile: Never click on a link in a text or email about a delivery or account problem. If you’re expecting a package, go directly to the carrier’s website or your retailer’s account and use your tracking number there.
  3. Create a “Family Password”: A simple code word can thwart family emergency scams. Agree with your loved ones that if someone truly needs help and is contacting you from an unknown number, they must provide the password.
  4. Slow Down and Apply Pressure: Scammers rely on panic and haste. Any request that demands immediate action or payment via gift card, wire transfer, or crypto is a massive red flag. Legitimate organizations will not ask you to pay this way. Take a breath and talk to a friend or family member.
  5. Fortify Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on every account that offers it. This adds a critical second step for verifying your identity if a scammer does get your password.
  6. Report What You See: If you encounter a scam—even if you didn’t fall for it—report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps investigators spot patterns, issue warnings, and take action against fraudsters.

Staying safe is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix. By understanding these evolving tactics and building a few skeptical habits into your daily digital life, you can significantly reduce your risk. The scammers are adapting, and so should our defenses.

Sources:

  • Information on scam trends was highlighted by the FTC during a public webinar for National Consumer Protection Week.
  • Consumer advice aligns with longstanding FTC guidance for fraud prevention and reporting.