Top 10 Scams in the USA 2026: How to Spot and Avoid Them (FTC Data)

Scams are growing fast in the United States. In 2025, Americans reported losing a record $15.9 billion to fraud, according to the FTC. Here are the 10 most common scams to watch for in 2026, and how to protect yourself from each one.

Quick Facts (FTC 2025 Data)

• Total reported fraud losses: $15.9 billion (a record high)
• Fraud reports received: about 3 million
• Biggest losses: investment scams ($7.9 billion)
• Most reported type: imposter scams (over 1 million reports, $3.5 billion lost)
• Top contact method: text messages. Top by money lost: social media
• Adults 60 and older reported about $3 billion in losses

Top 10 Scams in the USA Right Now

1. Investment and Crypto Scams

Scammers promise guaranteed returns, often through social media or a "friend" who found a hot trading app. These cause the largest losses of any scam type.
Protect yourself: No legitimate investment guarantees profit. Never send crypto to someone you only know online.

2. Government Imposter Scams

A caller or message claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare and says you owe money or your benefits will stop.
Protect yourself: The FTC says it will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Government agencies do not demand gift cards or crypto.

2b. Bank and Business Imposter Scams

You get a "fraud alert" call or text saying your account is compromised and you must move money to a "safe account."
Protect yourself: Hang up and call the number on the back of your card. Your bank will never ask you to move money to protect it.

3. Package Delivery and Toll Text Scams

A text says your package is stuck or you owe a small unpaid toll, with a link to "fix it."
Protect yourself: Do not tap the link. Go to the official USPS, UPS, or toll website directly.

4. Romance Scams

Someone builds a relationship online, then asks for money for an emergency, travel, or investment.
Protect yourself: Be careful with anyone who refuses to video call and asks for money.

5. Tech Support Scams

A pop-up or call says your computer is infected and asks for remote access or payment.
Protect yourself: Real companies do not show pop-ups with phone numbers. Close the page and never allow remote access.

6. Fake Job and Task Scams

Offers of easy remote work, often by text or WhatsApp, that ask you to pay for training or to "deposit" money to unlock earnings.
Protect yourself: Real employers do not ask you to pay to get hired.

7. Online Shopping Scams

Fake stores or social media ads with prices that are too good to be true. You pay and nothing arrives.
Protect yourself: Check reviews outside the store's own site, and pay by credit card for better dispute protection.

8. Family Emergency Scams

A caller, sometimes using a cloned voice, pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble and asks for urgent money.
Protect yourself: Hang up and call the person directly. Set a family code word.

9. Fake Prize and Lottery Scams

You "won" something but must pay a fee or taxes first.
Protect yourself: Real prizes are free. You cannot win a contest you never entered.

10. Phishing Emails and Account Alerts

Emails or texts pretending to be Amazon, PayPal, Netflix, or your bank, asking you to log in or "verify" details.
Protect yourself: Never click the link. Open the official app or type the website yourself.

How Scammers Usually Ask You to Pay

According to the FTC, the highest losses come from bank payments, followed by cryptocurrency. Be very careful if anyone asks for wire transfers, crypto, gift cards, or payment apps.

Red Flags Checklist

• Urgency: "Act now or else"
• Secrecy: "Do not tell anyone"
• Unusual payment: gift cards, crypto, wire transfer
• Contact out of the blue, with pressure to move to another app
• Prize or profit that sounds too good to be true

What To Do If You Were Scammed

1. Contact your bank or card company immediately to stop or reverse the payment.
2. Change passwords on any account you shared.
3. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
4. For internet-related crime, also report to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov.
5. If your identity was stolen, use IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

FAQ:

What is the most common scam in the USA?
Imposter scams are the most frequently reported type.

Which scam costs people the most money?
Investment scams, with about $7.9 billion in reported losses in 2025.

How do scammers contact victims most often?
Text messages are the top contact method, while social media leads in dollars lost.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Sentinel Network (reportfraud.ftc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov).