Know When Scammers Strike: Your Year-Round Protection Guide
Scammers operate on a calendar—targeting victims when they’re most vulnerable. Tax season brings IRS impersonators. The holidays flood inboxes with fake shopping deals. Natural disasters trigger charity scams.
This calendar shows you exactly when to be extra vigilant. Bookmark this page and check it monthly to stay ahead of seasonal scams.
🎯 How to Use This Calendar
- Check monthly to see what scams are currently active2. Share with family especially vulnerable groups (elderly, young adults)3. Set reminders before peak scam seasons4. Report scams you encounter to help others
Current Month Threats: [Automatically highlighted based on current date]
🛡️ Not Sure If You’re At Risk?
Take our free 2-minute Identity Risk Assessment to discover your vulnerabilities
WINTER (January - March)
Month
Scam Type
Description & Peak Time
Protection Tips
January - February
Tax Identity Theft HIGH RISK
**What happens:** Scammers file fraudulent tax returns using stolen SSNs to claim refunds before victims file their legitimate returns.
Peak: January through April (tax season)
**Target:** Anyone with a Social Security number, especially those who file early
✓ File your taxes as early as possible
✓ Request an IRS Identity Protection PIN
✓ Monitor your credit reports
✓ Never share SSN unless legally required
✓ If your e-filing is rejected, contact IRS immediately
January - February
IRS Impersonation Scams VERY COMMON
**What happens:** Scammers pose as IRS agents via phone, email, or text, threatening arrest, legal action, or deportation if immediate payment isn't made.
Peak: January through April
**Red flags:** Demands for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency; threats of immediate arrest; aggressive/urgent tone
✓ IRS NEVER initiates contact via phone, email, text, or social media
✓ IRS never demands immediate payment via specific methods
✓ IRS won't threaten arrest or deportation
✓ Verify any IRS notice by calling 1-800-829-1040
✓ Report to Treasury Inspector General: 1-800-366-4484
January - February
Fake Tax Preparation Services
**What happens:** Fraudulent tax preparers charge inflated fees, claim bogus deductions, promise unrealistic refunds, or steal refunds entirely.
Peak: January through April
**Warning signs:** Refuses to sign returns; bases fees on refund percentage; guarantees large refunds
✓ Use only IRS-authorized preparers (check IRS directory)
✓ Verify preparer has PTIN (Preparer Tax ID)
✓ Never sign blank tax forms
✓ Ensure refund goes to YOUR account
✓ Review return before e-filing
January - February
New Year's Resolution Scams
**What happens:** Fake offers for weight loss products, gym memberships, debt consolidation, and self-improvement programs promising unrealistic results.
Peak: January through February
**Common types:** Weight loss pills, fake fitness programs, debt relief scams, investment schemes
✓ Research companies thoroughly before purchasing
✓ Check reviews on multiple platforms
✓ Be wary of "miracle" claims or "guaranteed" results
✓ Read all terms and cancellation policies
✓ Avoid programs requiring large upfront payments
January - March
Winter Storm / Weather Emergency Scams
**What happens:** Scammers offer urgent home repair, snow removal, heating repair, or roof work after storms, demanding upfront payment and disappearing.
Peak: January through March (during/after winter storms)
**Red flags:** Door-to-door solicitation after storms; cash-only payment; high-pressure tactics
✓ Never hire contractors who show up unsolicited
✓ Verify licenses and insurance
✓ Get multiple written estimates
✓ Check references and online reviews
✓ Never pay full amount upfront (10-30% deposit max)
✓ Get written contracts with detailed scope
January - March
Utility Disconnection Scams
**What happens:** Scammers impersonate utility companies claiming overdue bills and threatening immediate disconnection unless paid via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Peak: January through March (winter cold increases urgency)
**Targets:** Homeowners, renters, small businesses
✓ Utility companies never demand immediate payment via gift cards
✓ They don't threaten same-day disconnection
✓ Hang up and call your utility using the number on your bill
✓ Check your account balance online independently
✓ Legitimate companies send written notices before disconnection
February
Valentine's Day Romance Scams EMOTIONAL
**What happens:** Scammers create fake dating profiles, build emotional connections, then request money for emergencies, travel, medical bills, or business opportunities.
Peak: February (Valentine's Day)
**Warning signs:** Professes love quickly; never meets in person; always has emergency needing money
✓ Never send money to someone you've never met
✓ Do reverse image searches on profile photos
✓ Be skeptical of sob stories and emergencies
✓ Insist on video calls before any financial help
✓ Tell trusted friends about online relationships
✓ Report to dating platform and IC3.gov
SPRING (March - May)
Month
Scam Type
Description & Peak Time
Protection Tips
March - April
Easter Shopping Scams
**What happens:** Fake websites offer discounted Easter decorations, baskets, candy, and gifts. Items are counterfeit, never delivered, or significantly different from advertised.
Peak: March through April
**Common tactics:** Too-good-to-be-true prices; limited-time offers; fake brand sites
✓ Shop from reputable, established retailers
✓ Check domain names carefully (avoid misspellings)
✓ Look for HTTPS and secure payment options
✓ Research new online stores before purchasing
✓ Use credit cards for better fraud protection
✓ Check reviews on independent sites
March - June
Home Improvement / Contractor Scams VERY COMMON
**What happens:** Scammers pose as contractors offering discounted services for roofing, siding, driveway repair, or painting. They demand large upfront payments, perform shoddy work, or disappear.
Peak: March through June (spring home improvement season)
**Red flags:** Door-to-door solicitation; "leftover materials" from nearby job; cash-only; no written contract
✓ Verify contractor license and insurance
✓ Check BBB ratings and online reviews
✓ Get 3+ written estimates
✓ Never pay more than 10-30% upfront
✓ Require detailed written contracts
✓ Verify permits are obtained when required
✓ Pay with credit card for dispute rights
March - August
Vacation Rental Scams
**What happens:** Scammers post fake listings for vacation rentals using stolen photos. They collect deposits or full payments for properties they don't own or that don't exist.
Peak: March through August (vacation planning/travel season)
**Warning signs:** Prices significantly below market; requests for wire transfers; pressure to book immediately; landlord "out of country"
✓ Book through reputable platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com)
✓ Reverse image search property photos
✓ Verify address exists on Google Maps/Street View
✓ Never wire money or use untraceable payment
✓ Speak with owner via video call
✓ Get written rental agreement
✓ Read reviews from multiple sources
April - May
Fake Scholarship Scams
**What happens:** Scammers offer "guaranteed" scholarships requiring upfront fees for applications, processing, or eligibility information that's freely available.
Peak: April through June (college decision season)
**Red flags:** "You've been selected"; requires payment; guarantees awards; high-pressure tactics
✓ Legitimate scholarships never require payment
✓ Search free databases (Fastweb, Scholarships.com)
✓ Verify through school financial aid office
✓ Research organization offering scholarship
✓ Be skeptical of unsolicited scholarship offers
✓ Check with BBB and FTC for complaints
May - June
Wedding Vendor Scams
**What happens:** Scammers pose as wedding photographers, caterers, DJs, or venue coordinators. They take deposits and disappear, or provide substandard services vastly different from advertised.
Peak: May through September (wedding season)
**Common tactics:** Websites with stolen photos; requests for cash deposits; vague contracts; no phone number
✓ Meet vendors in person before booking
✓ Check reviews on multiple platforms
✓ Ask for references from recent clients
✓ Get detailed written contracts
✓ Pay with credit card when possible
✓ Verify business licenses and insurance
✓ Document all agreements in writing
May - September
Moving Company Scams
**What happens:** Fraudulent movers provide low estimates then demand additional fees before unloading. They may hold belongings hostage, damage items, or disappear with possessions.
Peak: May through September (peak moving season)
**Red flags:** No physical address; requires large deposit; no in-home estimate; rents trucks; demands cash
✓ Use licensed interstate movers (FMCSA for cross-state)
✓ Get in-home estimates from 3+ companies
✓ Check USDOT number and complaint history
✓ Read all documents before signing
✓ Verify insurance coverage
✓ Never pay full amount upfront
✓ Document condition of items before move
May - August
Graduation / Summer Job Scams
**What happens:** Fake job postings target graduates and students looking for summer work. Scammers request payment for training, background checks, equipment, or offer fake checks for overpayment.
Peak: May through August (graduation and summer job season)
**Warning signs:** Too-good-to-be-true pay; vague job descriptions; requires upfront payment; offers job without interview
✓ Research company thoroughly (official website, reviews)
✓ Never pay for job opportunities
✓ Verify job postings through company website
✓ Be wary of work-from-home "opportunities"
✓ Don't provide SSN until after legitimate job offer
✓ Meet in person or video call before accepting
✓ Report to FTC and job platform
SUMMER (June - August)
Month
Scam Type
Description & Peak Time
Protection Tips
May - October
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams GROWING
**What happens:** Scammers offer to reduce or eliminate student loans in exchange for upfront fees, monthly payments, or sensitive personal information including FSA ID.
Peak: May through October (graduation and enrollment periods)
**Red flags:** Guarantees forgiveness; requires immediate payment; requests FSA login; uses official-sounding names
✓ Legitimate forgiveness programs NEVER charge fees
✓ Apply directly through StudentAid.gov
✓ Contact your loan servicer directly
✓ Never share FSA ID or login credentials
✓ Be skeptical of unsolicited offers
✓ Verify programs through Dept. of Education
✓ Report to FTC and CFPB
June - September
Fake Travel Agency / Booking Scams
**What happens:** Scammers create fake travel websites or pose as travel agents offering deals on flights, hotels, cruises, or vacation packages. Bookings are never made or are fraudulent.
Peak: June through September (summer travel season)
**Warning signs:** Prices drastically below competitors; payment only via wire transfer; no phone contact; misspelled URLs
✓ Book through established, reputable agencies
✓ Verify bookings directly with hotels/airlines
✓ Use credit cards for fraud protection
✓ Check domain registration age
✓ Read reviews on multiple platforms
✓ Be wary of social media ads for travel
✓ Confirm HTTPS and security certificates
July - September
Event Ticket Scams (Concerts, Sports)
**What happens:** Scammers sell counterfeit, duplicate, or non-existent tickets to concerts, festivals, sporting events. Victims discover fraud when tickets are rejected at venue.
Peak: Summer concert season, major sporting events
**Common tactics:** Social media sales; "can't attend" stories; below face-value pricing; rush to buy
✓ Buy only from official venue/authorized sellers
✓ Use verified resale platforms (StubHub, Ticketmaster Resale)
✓ Avoid social media marketplace ticket sales
✓ Meet sellers in person when possible
✓ Verify tickets are transferable before purchase
✓ Pay with credit card for dispute rights
✓ Screenshot all communications and receipts
July - November
Hurricane / Natural Disaster Scams URGENT
**What happens:** After hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, scammers pose as contractors, government agencies, or charities. They offer repair services, fake FEMA assistance, or solicit donations.
Peak: July through November (hurricane/disaster season)
**Types:** Contractor fraud; fake insurance adjusters; phony charity solicitations; FEMA impersonators
✓ FEMA never charges application fees
✓ Verify contractors thoroughly before hiring
✓ Donate to established charities only
✓ Check Charity Navigator for legitimacy
✓ Document all property damage before repairs
✓ Report disaster fraud to National Center for Disaster Fraud: 866-720-5721
✓ Apply for FEMA assistance only at DisasterAssistance.gov
June - August
Fake Landscaping / Pool Cleaning Services
**What happens:** Scammers offer discounted lawn care, pool maintenance, or tree removal, taking deposits and never returning or causing property damage.
Peak: June through August (summer maintenance season)
**Red flags:** Unsolicited door-to-door offers; cash-only; no business cards or identification
✓ Get multiple estimates for major work
✓ Verify business license and insurance
✓ Check online reviews and references
✓ Get written contracts with scope of work
✓ Never pay full amount upfront
✓ Verify proper equipment and expertise
FALL (September - November)
Month
Scam Type
Description & Peak Time
Protection Tips
August - September
Back-to-School Scams
**What happens:** Scammers target parents and students with fake offers for school supplies, electronics, tutoring services, or scholarship opportunities requiring upfront payment.
Peak: August through September
**Common types:** Fake supply sales; bogus tutoring; phony scholarships; counterfeit textbooks
✓ Purchase from reputable retailers
✓ Verify scholarship offers through school
✓ Research tutoring services thoroughly
✓ Buy textbooks from authorized sellers
✓ Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals
✓ Check school's list of approved vendors
September - December
Tech Support Scams VERY COMMON
**What happens:** Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus companies via pop-ups, phone calls, or emails claiming your device is infected. They request remote access and payment for fake repairs.
Peak: Year-round, increases September-December
**Warning signs:** Unsolicited contact; urgent virus warnings; requests for remote access; payment demanded
✓ Tech companies NEVER initiate support calls
✓ Don't call numbers from pop-up warnings
✓ Never grant remote access to unsolicited callers
✓ Use legitimate security software
✓ Contact tech support through official websites only
✓ Hang up immediately on cold calls
✓ Report to FTC and IC3.gov
September - December
Fake Job Training & Certification Scams
**What happens:** Scammers advertise training programs or certifications guaranteeing high-paying jobs, requiring significant upfront fees for worthless or non-existent credentials.
Peak: September through December (career planning season)
**Red flags:** Job guarantees; high-pressure sales; upfront fees; unrecognized certifications
✓ Verify program accreditation independently
✓ Research employer recognition of certification
✓ Check reviews on multiple platforms
✓ Verify job placement claims with alumni
✓ Be skeptical of guaranteed employment
✓ Compare costs with legitimate programs
✓ Check with Better Business Bureau
October
Halloween Costume / Candy Scams
**What happens:** Fake websites sell counterfeit costumes, decorations, or candy. Items are poor quality, never delivered, or photos are stolen from legitimate retailers.
Peak: September through October
**Warning signs:** Drastically low prices; new websites; stolen product photos; vague return policies
✓ Shop from established retailers
✓ Check domain age and reviews
✓ Use reverse image search on products
✓ Verify secure payment (HTTPS)
✓ Read return and refund policies
✓ Use credit cards for purchases
✓ Order early to have time to dispute
October - November
Medicare Open Enrollment Scams
**What happens:** Scammers pose as Medicare representatives offering "better" plans, requesting personal information, Medicare numbers, or bank details to "update" coverage.
Peak: October 15 - December 7 (Open Enrollment)
**Targets:** Medicare beneficiaries, seniors, those turning 65
✓ Medicare never calls you unsolicited
✓ Don't share Medicare number over phone
✓ Verify agents through Medicare.gov
✓ Medicare doesn't sell or endorse plans
✓ Don't provide bank information
✓ Report to Medicare fraud hotline: 1-800-MEDICARE
✓ Work with licensed insurance agents only
WINTER HOLIDAYS (November - December)
Month
Scam Type
Description & Peak Time
Protection Tips
November - December
Online Shopping Scams PEAK SEASON
**What happens:** Scammers create fake e-commerce sites, sell counterfeit products, never ship items, or send something completely different. Often target Black Friday/Cyber Monday shoppers.
Peak: November through December (holiday shopping)
**Warning signs:** Prices too low; spelling errors; no contact info; limited payment options; new domain
✓ Shop from known, reputable websites
✓ Check domain spelling carefully
✓ Verify HTTPS and padlock icon
✓ Use credit cards (better fraud protection)
✓ Research new sites thoroughly
✓ Check reviews on independent platforms
✓ Be skeptical of social media ads
✓ Save screenshots of orders and confirmations
November - December
Fake Package Delivery Scams
**What happens:** Scammers send phishing texts/emails about package delivery issues, failed deliveries, or customs fees. Links lead to fake sites stealing payment info or installing malware.
Peak: November through December (holiday shipping)
**Impersonated brands:** USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon
✓ Don't click links in unsolicited messages
✓ Check tracking directly on carrier website
✓ Verify sender email addresses carefully
✓ Legitimate carriers don't request payment via text
✓ Use official carrier apps for tracking
✓ Enable delivery notifications through official channels
✓ Report phishing to carrier and FTC
November - December
Holiday Charity Scams EMOTIONAL
**What happens:** Scammers pose as legitimate charities or create fake ones with similar names to collect donations via phone, email, social media, or door-to-door solicitation.
Peak: November through December (giving season)
**Red flags:** High-pressure tactics; requests for cash/gift cards; vague mission; no tax-exempt status
✓ Research charities on Charity Navigator or GuideStar
✓ Verify tax-exempt status (IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search)
✓ Donate directly through official websites
✓ Never donate via gift cards or wire transfers
✓ Be skeptical of urgent appeals
✓ Get receipts for tax deductions
✓ Report fraudulent charities to your state AG
November - December
Gift Card Scams VERY COMMON
**What happens:** Scammers sell drained or counterfeit gift cards, or demand payment in gift cards for fake bills, taxes, utilities, or prizes. Gift cards are untraceable once used.
Peak: November through December
**Common scenarios:** IRS demands; utility bills; tech support; prize winnings; romance scams
✓ Buy gift cards only from reputable retailers
✓ Inspect packaging for tampering
✓ No legitimate organization requests gift card payment
✓ Government agencies NEVER accept gift cards
✓ Register cards immediately after purchase
✓ Keep receipts
✓ Report drained cards to retailer immediately
November - January
Secret Shopper / Mystery Shopper Scams
**What happens:** Scammers offer secret shopper positions, sending fraudulent checks to "test" money transfer services. Victims deposit checks, wire money, and later discover checks bounced.
Peak: November through January (holiday shopping season)
**Red flags:** Unsolicited job offer; requests to wire money; check before work starts; urgency
✓ Legitimate mystery shopping never requires upfront payment
✓ Real companies don't send checks before work
✓ Never deposit checks and wire money
✓ Research companies through Mystery Shopping Providers Association
✓ Be skeptical of social media job postings
✓ Verify directly with company website
November - January
Family Emergency / Grandparent Scams
**What happens:** Scammers impersonate distressed family members (often grandchildren) calling with urgent emergencies needing immediate money for bail, medical help, car accidents, or travel issues.
Peak: November through January (holidays when families separated)
**Tactics:** Claims of arrest; car accident; medical emergency; mugging; "don't tell mom/dad"
✓ Hang up and call family member directly on known number
✓ Verify story with other family members
✓ Ask personal questions only they would know
✓ Be skeptical of "don't tell anyone" requests
✓ Establish family code words for emergencies
✓ Never send money before verification
✓ Use video calls to confirm identity
December
New Year's Eve Event / Celebration Scams
**What happens:** Scammers sell fake tickets to New Year's Eve parties, concerts, or events. Victims pay for counterfeit tickets or non-existent events.
Peak: December
**Red flags:** Prices below market; social media sales; pressure to buy quickly; no refund policy
✓ Purchase from official event organizers only
✓ Use authorized ticket resale platforms
✓ Verify event details independently
✓ Meet sellers in person when possible
✓ Pay with credit card for dispute rights
✓ Research venue and event reviews
✓ Get confirmation emails and receipts
December - January
Fake Subscription Renewal Scams
**What happens:** Scammers send phishing emails about expiring subscriptions (Amazon Prime, Netflix, antivirus) requesting payment info update or offering "special" renewal rates.
Peak: December through January (annual renewals)
**Impersonated services:** Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft Office, Norton, McAfee
✓ Don't click links in renewal emails
✓ Log into accounts directly through browser
✓ Check subscription status in account settings
✓ Verify sender email addresses carefully
✓ Contact service through official website
✓ Enable auto-renewal alerts through account
✓ Use password managers to access sites safely
🔍 Protect Your Personal Information
Check your exposure across multiple risk factors with our free assessment tools:
Social Media Privacy Audit | Personal Exposure Check | Data Broker Finder
YEAR-ROUND SCAMS
These scams don’t follow a seasonal pattern and occur throughout the year. Stay vigilant always.
Category
Scam Type
Description & Peak Time
Protection Tips
Financial
Cryptocurrency / Investment Scams GROWING
**What happens:** Scammers offer fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities, pig butchering scams, Ponzi schemes, or impersonate exchanges to steal funds and credentials.
Peak: Spikes during crypto market volatility or hype cycles
**Types:** Fake exchanges; celebrity endorsements; guaranteed returns; romance/investment combo
✓ Research before investing in any crypto
✓ Use only reputable, established exchanges
✓ Be skeptical of guaranteed returns
✓ Celebrity endorsements are often fake
✓ Never share wallet private keys
✓ Verify exchange legitimacy independently
✓ Report to SEC, CFTC, FTC, and IC3.gov
Financial
Fake Bank Alerts / Account Takeover
**What happens:** Scammers send phishing emails or texts appearing from your bank claiming suspicious activity, account lockout, or required verification. Links lead to fake sites stealing credentials.
Year-round, increases during major shopping events
**Warning signs:** Urgent action required; threatens account closure; generic greetings; misspelled URLs
✓ Never click links in unsolicited messages
✓ Access bank through saved bookmarks or app
✓ Verify alerts by calling bank directly
✓ Check sender email address carefully
✓ Enable 2FA on all financial accounts
✓ Set up official bank alerts through your account
✓ Report phishing to bank and FTC
Financial
Mortgage Relief / Foreclosure Rescue Scams
**What happens:** Scammers offer fake loan modification services, foreclosure assistance, or promise to save homes in exchange for upfront fees. They may steal your mortgage payments or home title.
Spikes during economic downturns or housing market instability
**Red flags:** Guarantees to stop foreclosure; upfront fees; requests you stop paying mortgage
✓ Contact your lender directly first
✓ Never pay upfront fees for loan modification
✓ Don't stop making mortgage payments
✓ Never sign over deed/title to third party
✓ Consult HUD-approved housing counselor (free)
✓ Be skeptical of guaranteed results
✓ Report to CFPB and state AG
Healthcare
Medical Equipment / PPE Scams
**What happens:** During health crises, scammers sell fake medical equipment, counterfeit medications, or personal protective equipment. Items are counterfeit or never delivered.
Spikes during pandemics or health emergencies
**Common products:** Face masks; COVID tests; fake vaccines; miracle cures
✓ Purchase from trusted, authorized suppliers
✓ Verify seller legitimacy independently
✓ Check FDA approval for medical devices
✓ Be skeptical of miracle cures
✓ Avoid social media marketplace purchases
✓ Report to FDA and FTC
✓ Use reputable online pharmacies (NABP verified)
Healthcare
Health Insurance Marketplace Scams
**What happens:** Scammers pose as health insurance agents or navigators, collecting personal information or selling fake policies with no actual coverage.
Year-round, peaks during open enrollment (Nov-Jan)
**Red flags:** Unsolicited calls; pressure tactics; requests for bank info; too-good-to-be-true prices
✓ Enroll only through HealthCare.gov or state marketplace
✓ Work with licensed, certified navigators
✓ Verify agent credentials through state insurance dept
✓ Never provide bank account information
✓ Be skeptical of cold calls
✓ Report to marketplace and state insurance commissioner
Real Estate
Timeshare Resale Scams
**What happens:** Scammers claim to have buyers for your timeshare, requesting upfront fees for listing, advertising, title search, or closing costs. No sale ever happens.
Year-round, peaks during vacation planning (spring/summer)
**Warning signs:** Unsolicited offers; upfront fees; pressure to act quickly; offshore companies
✓ Be skeptical of unsolicited purchase offers
✓ Use licensed real estate professionals
✓ Never pay upfront fees for resale services
✓ Research company thoroughly
✓ Verify buyer exists before paying anything
✓ Check BBB and consumer protection agencies
✓ Report to FTC and state AG
Employment
Work-From-Home / Remote Job Scams
**What happens:** Scammers offer fake remote jobs requiring payment for training, equipment, background checks, or certificates. Or they send fraudulent checks for equipment purchases.
Year-round, increases during economic downturns
**Common types:** Envelope stuffing; data entry; package reshipping; payment processing
✓ Research company thoroughly (official website, reviews)
✓ Never pay for job opportunities
✓ Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true pay
✓ Verify job postings through company website
✓ Don't cash checks and wire money
✓ Interview via video call
✓ Report to FTC and job platform
Military
Military & Veteran Benefit Scams
**What happens:** Scammers target service members, veterans, and families by posing as charities, VA representatives, or offering fake benefits, pension buyouts, or disability assistance.
Year-round, increases around Veterans Day and military holidays
**Types:** Fake charities; pension buyouts; bogus VA claims assistance; military romance scams
✓ Verify offers through official VA website (VA.gov)
✓ Don't pay for VA benefit assistance
✓ Research charities thoroughly
✓ Be skeptical of pension advancement offers
✓ Verify VA accreditation of representatives
✓ Contact VA directly: 1-800-827-1000
✓ Report to VA OIG and FTC
Technology
Tech Product Pre-Order / Limited Edition Scams
**What happens:** Scammers create fake websites offering pre-orders for popular tech products (iPhones, gaming consoles, GPUs) at low prices. Products never ship.
Spikes around product launches and Black Friday
**Warning signs:** Prices significantly below retail; new websites; requests for unusual payment methods
✓ Pre-order only from official retailers
✓ Verify authorized reseller status
✓ Use credit cards for fraud protection
✓ Check domain registration date
✓ Be skeptical of social media ads
✓ Research new websites thoroughly
✓ Wait for reviews before buying from unknown sites
Charity
Fake Fundraising & Disaster Relief Scams
**What happens:** After major disasters, emergencies, or viral stories, scammers create fake GoFundMe campaigns or pose as charities to collect donations that never reach victims.
Spikes immediately after disasters, tragedies, or viral stories
**Red flags:** Emotional appeals; vague details; no verifiable organizer; pressure to donate immediately
✓ Verify campaigns on official crowdfunding platforms
✓ Research organizer's identity
✓ Donate to established charities directly
✓ Check Charity Navigator ratings
✓ Be skeptical of social media fundraisers
✓ Verify story details independently
✓ Report suspicious campaigns to platform
Social Engineering
AI Voice Cloning / Deepfake Scams EMERGING
**What happens:** Scammers use AI to clone voices from social media videos, then call family members pretending to be you in an emergency needing money immediately.
Year-round and rapidly increasing
**How it works:** Scrape voice from public videos → Generate realistic clone → Call family/friends with emergency
✓ Establish family code words for emergencies
✓ Hang up and call person directly on known number
✓ Verify through video call
✓ Be skeptical of urgent money requests
✓ Limit voice samples posted publicly
✓ Tell family about this scam tactic
✓ [Check your digital footprint exposure](https://me.myprivacy.blog/)
Social Engineering
SIM Swap / Port-Out Scams HIGH RISK
**What happens:** Scammers convince mobile carriers to transfer your phone number to their device, then use it to bypass 2FA and access your financial accounts, email, and cryptocurrency.
Year-round, targeting high-value individuals
**Warning signs:** Sudden loss of cell service; unable to make calls; account accessed without you
✓ Add PIN/password to mobile carrier account
✓ Use authenticator apps instead of SMS for 2FA
✓ Enable carrier account alerts
✓ Don't share phone number publicly
✓ If service suddenly stops, contact carrier immediately
✓ Report to carrier, FBI IC3.gov, and FTC
✓ [Track your biometric data exposure](https://biometric.myprivacy.blog/)
Online
Social Media Account Cloning
**What happens:** Scammers clone your social media profile and contact your friends/family pretending to be you, requesting money for emergencies or promoting fake investment schemes.
Year-round
**Platforms:** Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X
✓ Make profiles private
✓ Enable 2FA on all social accounts
✓ Alert friends if you discover clone
✓ Report fake accounts to platform
✓ Watermark profile photos
✓ Limit friend list visibility
✓ [Audit your social media privacy](https://socmed.myprivacy.blog/)
⚡ Quick Protection Tips for ALL Scams
Universal Red Flags:
- ❌ Pressure to act immediately or urgently- ❌ Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash- ❌ Too-good-to-be-true offers or guaranteed results- ❌ Requests for personal information (SSN, passwords, account numbers)- ❌ Poor grammar, spelling errors, or unprofessional communication- ❌ Threats of legal action, arrest, or account closure- ❌ Unsolicited contact via phone, email, text, or social media
Protection Basics:
- ✅ Verify independently before taking action- ✅ Use strong, unique passwords with 2FA- ✅ Keep software and devices updated- ✅ Be skeptical of unsolicited offers- ✅ Research companies, charities, and offers thoroughly- ✅ Pay with credit cards for fraud protection- ✅ Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is
If You’ve Been Scammed:
- 📞 Contact your bank/credit card company immediately2. 🔒 Change passwords on affected accounts3. 📊 Check credit reports for fraudulent accounts4. 📝 Report to FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov5. 📱 Report to FBI: IC3.gov6. 🛡️ Consider credit freeze7. 📋 Use our Identity Theft Response Kit
🛠️ Free Protection Tools
Assess your vulnerabilities and take action:
Tool
What It Does
Link
**Identity Risk Assessment**
Comprehensive vulnerability analysis across financial, digital, and personal risk factors
[Check Your Risk →](https://identityrisk.scamwatchhq.com/)
**Social Media Privacy Audit**
Discover what information about you is publicly accessible on social platforms
[Audit Privacy →](https://socmed.myprivacy.blog/)
**Personal Exposure Check**
Evaluate your digital footprint and identify where your data is exposed
[Check Exposure →](https://me.myprivacy.blog/)
**Data Broker Finder**
Discover which data broker sites have your information and get removal instructions
[Find Your Data →](https://osint.myprivacy.blog/)
**Biometric Data Tracker**
Track which companies have your biometric information (fingerprints, facial data, voice)
[Track Biometrics →](https://biometric.myprivacy.blog/)
**Smart Home Security Scanner**
Identify vulnerable IoT devices and get customized security recommendations
[Scan Devices →](https://lifestyle.secureiot.house/)
**State PII Compliance Guide**
State-by-state breakdown of personal information laws and your legal protections
[Check Your State →](https://pii.compliancehub.wiki/)
**Influencer Security Assessment**
Specialized protection strategies for public figures and content creators
[Assess Security →](https://influencer.myprivacy.blog/)
📚 Additional Resources
Comprehensive guides:
- Complete Identity Theft Protection Guide — 16,000+ words covering prevention, detection, and recovery- Identity Theft Response Kit — Free templates, checklists, and tracking sheets
Report scams:
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: BBB.org/ScamTracker
Government resources:
- IdentityTheft.gov — Report identity theft and create recovery plan- USA.gov/stop-scams-frauds-identity-theft — Federal scam information- Consumer.ftc.gov — Consumer protection resources
💬 Stay Updated
Scam tactics evolve constantly. Bookmark this page and check back monthly for updates on emerging threats.
Share this calendar with family members, especially vulnerable groups like seniors, young adults, and those new to digital life.
Subscribe to scam alerts:
- FTC scam alerts: consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts- AARP Fraud Watch: aarp.org/money/scams-fraud
🛡️ Complete Protection Package
Get everything you need to protect yourself and recover from identity theft:
✓ 16,000-word protection guide ✓ Free response kit with templates ✓ 8 free assessment tools
All completely free. No email required.
Questions or encountered a scam not listed here? Visit ScamWatchHQ.com for more resources.
Last updated: September 2025 | ScamWatchHQ — Protecting Your Identity in the Digital Age