First Steps to Protect Yourself From Scams (2025

How scammers initiate contact through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media
The psychology and tactics behind modern scams
How to spot fake messages instantly
What information scammers need to steal your identity
The shift toward AI-powered impersonation attacks
Real examples from consumer reports, state agencies, and the FBI
How to protect yourself with the best fraud-prevention tools
Where and how to report scams
A side-by-side comparison of the top data-removal and identity-protection services
Step-by-step actions to stay safe in 2025–2026

Introduction: Why Scams Are Exploding in 2025–2026

Scams used to be easy to recognize. Misspelled emails, robotic phone calls, and strange messages from unknown numbers were simple to ignore.

Not anymore.

In 2025–2026, the combination of AI-generated voices, AI-written emails, deepfake impersonation, and massive personal data leaks has created a perfect storm for scammers. They no longer sound suspicious. They sound like your bank, boss, family, or even your local government office.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and dozens of state Attorney General offices have issued repeated warnings:

Scammers now use realistic voices, spoofed phone numbers, AI-written messages, and personal data harvested from the internet to manipulate victims.

This is why the CFRB’s Fraud Protection Education Series was created — to help protect Americans from the increasing sophistication of modern fraud.

This article is Part 1 of 7, and focuses on how scammers initiate contact — and how you can spot them instantly.

How Scammers Build Their Scam — The 2025–2026 “Attack Chain”

Modern scams no longer begin with a single email or random phone call. They begin with data harvesting — and this is where the danger starts.

Step 1 — They gather personal information

Scammers collect:

Your name
Address
Phone number
Email
Relatives
Place of work
Property records
Social media habits
Online shopping patterns
Your previous data breaches

They get these from:

Data-broker websites
People-search sites
Social media
Old hacked databases
Public records

This information makes their approach believable, which is why many people fall for scams despite being “careful.”

Step 2 — They impersonate someone you trust

They pretend to be:

Your bank
Your utility provider
Your credit union
The IRS
A court officer
A delivery company
Your boss
Your friend or family member

AI now allows scammers to recreate voices, writing styles, and even correct grammar.

Step 3 — They create urgency

This is the psychological hook. Scammers use messages like:

“Your account is locked. Click here.”
“Your child is in danger — send money now.”
“We detected unusual activity on your credit card.”
“We need to verify your identity immediately.”

Step 4 — They request something valuable

Scammers are after:

Your passwords
Your bank account details
Your credit card numbers
One-time passcodes (OTP)
Gift cards
Zelle or wire transfers
Remote access to your device

Even a single piece of information can be enough to commit fraud.

Email & Phishing Scams — Still the #1 Entry Point

Email remains the largest source of fraud because scammers can send millions of messages for free and use AI to make them appear legitimate.

Common Signs of a Phishing Email

Look out for:

Unexpected attachments
Urgent messages about “locked accounts”
Unusual or unfamiliar senders
Requests for personal information
Slight variations in domain names (ex: “amzon.com”)
Poor formatting or strange spacing
Messages that claim to be “official notices”

The New Twist — AI-Polished Emails

Scammers now use AI tools that:

Correct grammar
Match writing tone
Recreate legitimate email formats
Build fake “support team signatures”
Generate professional-looking HTML templates

BEC (Business Email Compromise) and Invoice Fraud

This is when a scammer:

Poses as your employer
Poses as a vendor
Sends a fake invoice
Spoofs a business email address
Requests updated payment instructions

BEC scams often result in tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.

We cover this fully in Part 7 of this series.

Phone Call Scams — AI Voice Cloning Is Now Common

Phone scammers used to sound robotic or foreign. Today, AI voice cloning can mimic:

Your family
Your coworkers
Customer service agents
Local officials
Bank reps
Delivery drivers

Warning Signs of Phone Scams

Calls claiming to be from the IRS (the IRS never calls you out of the blue).
Calls claiming your Social Security number is “suspended.”
“Suspicious activity” calls from your bank asking for PIN numbers.
Tech support calls claiming your computer is infected.
Car warranty calls offering “urgent renewal.”
Police impersonation calls demanding money.

If a call creates fear, urgency, or pressure, hang up and call the organization directly.

Text Message Scams (Smishing) — The Fastest-Growing Fraud

Scammers now send:

Fake delivery notifications
“Your package is delayed” messages
Bank “verification needed” texts
Password-reset messages
Fake two-factor authentication (2FA) warnings
Links disguised as “tracking” updates

If a text message:

Includes a link
Asks for information
Claims your account is frozen
Says you’ve won a prize
Comes from an unknown number

Treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.

Social Media Scams — The New Frontier

Scammers now use:

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
Marketplace
WhatsApp
Snapchat
Telegram
LinkedIn

Most common social media scams:

“Friend” impersonation
Fake investment opportunities
Fake Marketplace transactions
Fake support accounts
Romance scams
“Stranded traveler” scams
Influencer impersonation

These scams work because the scammer appears trustworthy.

Affiliate Comparison — Data Broker Removal Services

(Part 1 Comparison Chart — Used Later in Sections on Protecting Yourself)

Below is the first comparison chart used throughout your series:

📊 Comparison: Data Broker Removal Services (Optery vs DeleteMe vs Kanary)

Service	Best For	Pros	Cons	Pricing Style	CFRB Notes
Optery	Highest-level privacy protection	Removes from 300–1,000+ broker sites; detailed exposure reports; automated removals	Interface is powerful but detailed	Subscription	Best for maximum privacy + professionals targeted by scams
DeleteMe	Simple, hands-off protection	Easy setup, strong brand recognition, recurring scans	Higher cost; removes fewer sites than Optery	Subscription	Great for non-technical users wanting ongoing cleanup
Kanary	Budget-friendly privacy protection	Affordable; focuses on high-risk sites first	Smaller removal network	Subscription	Excellent for cost-conscious users or first-time privacy cleanup

Disclosure: CFRB may receive compensation when you click on certain links or purchase services mentioned in this article. Our recommendations are based on independent research and are always made in your best interest.

How to Protect Yourself From Scams in 2025–2026

(Practical, Step-by-Step Guide)

Most scam prevention advice online is overly basic, outdated, or too generic to be useful. Your protection strategy needs to be grounded in how modern scammers actually operate, not how they operated a decade ago.

Below are the 12 most important protections you can put in place immediately. Each takes less than 10 minutes — but together, they provide hours of daily protection.

1. Never Give Out Personal Information Over Phone, Text, or Email

No legitimate organization — including your:

bank
credit union
IRS
utility company
employer
Social Security office

— will ask for your:

passwords
PIN
2FA codes
Social Security number
full credit card number
banking login
gift cards
wire transfers

If anyone requests these, it’s a scam.

2. Hang Up and Call Back the Real Organization

If you receive a call claiming to be from:

your bank
a government agency
Amazon
your utility provider
a delivery service

Hang up.
Look up the real customer service number.
Call them directly.

Legitimate organizations understand this precaution.

3. Stop Clicking on Links — Type the Website Instead

Scammers love sending:

fake login pages
fake tracking links
fake password reset notices
fake invoices
fake security alerts

If you get any message asking you to log in, type the company’s website manually.

Never click a link that comes through text or email.

4. Set Up Bank and Credit Union Alerts

Most financial institutions allow you to turn on:

login alerts
spending alerts
card-not-present alerts
transfer alerts
new device login alerts
Zelle and ACH alerts
wire transfer alerts

Turn on every available alert, even if it seems unnecessary. They are essential early-warning systems.

5. Freeze Your Credit (FREE — The Most Important Step)

A frozen credit file prevents scammers from opening:

loans
credit cards
utilities
accounts
cell phone plans

…in your name.

You only need to freeze with three agencies:

Experian
TransUnion
Equifax

You can un-freeze your credit file whenever you are applying for a loan or have requested access for a background check at any time. Freezing does not affect your score — it simply prevents fraudulent accounts from being opened.

6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Every Account

If a scammer hacks one password, they can access dozens of accounts due to password reuse.

A secure password looks like:

16+ characters
mixture of numbers, symbols, uppercase/lowercase
no dictionary words

Most people cannot manage dozens of unique passwords manually.

Use a reputable password manager like:

1Password
Dashlane
Keeper Security

These tools automate everything safely.

7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) — But Carefully

2FA protects you only if:

you use authenticator apps, not SMS
you avoid receiving codes through email
you have backup codes stored safely
you avoid sharing codes with anyone, ever

Two-factor authentication is not perfect, but it significantly reduces your risk.

8. Use a Modern Smartphone

Older phones (2016–2020 era) often:

lack security patches
lack biometric authentication
are vulnerable to SIM swap exploits
are easier to compromise through apps

Even a budget 2024–2026 phone has significantly better protection.

9. Install a Reputable Anti-Malware Program

For both PC and mobile:

Malwarebytes
Bitdefender
Avast Premium
Norton 360

These detect:

keyloggers
spyware
remote-access tools
malicious apps
phishing attacks

This is critical for preventing fraud that starts with a hacked device.

10. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN

Public Wi-Fi is one of the easiest ways for scammers to:

intercept logins
capture session tokens
spy on traffic
inject malicious redirects

If you must use public Wi-Fi:

Use a VPN (NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN).
Avoid logging in to financial sites.
Turn off auto-connect.

11. Remove Your Personal Information From the Internet

As covered in your Data Broker Removal Comparison Chart, scammers rely heavily on data-broker sites to target victims.

Removing your information drastically reduces:

scam calls
targeted phishing
SIM swap risk
property title fraud targeting
imposter attacks

12. Trust Your Instincts — If Something Feels “Off,” Stop

Most victims later report:

“I had a feeling something wasn’t right… but I didn’t want to be rude.”

Your instinct is your best first-line defense.

How Scammers Use Your Information Against You

Scammers rarely operate blindly. They prefer “high-confidence” targets — people they have researched.

Modern scammers collect:

✔ phone numbers

✔ emails

✔ addresses

✔ relatives

✔ employer details

✔ property records

✔ loan information

✔ social media data

✔ shopping habits

✔ breach history

This information allows them to craft:

believable scripts
convincing emails
fake notices
urgent warnings
impersonation messages

This is why even intelligent, cautious people fall for scams.

How to Identify a Scam in Under 5 Seconds

Use this simple checklist:

The 5-Second Fraud Test

1. Does the message create urgency?
If yes — scam.

2. Does the message request personal information?
If yes — scam.

3. Does the sender want you to click a link?
If yes — scam.

4. Does the message use fear, guilt, or authority?
If yes — scam.

5. Does the message come from an unusual or unknown source?
If yes — scam.

This test catches 99% of scams immediately.

How to Report Scams (FBI, State Agencies, and More)

Reporting scams helps protect others and increases the chance of catching repeat criminals.

The primary reporting bodies include:

1. FBI — Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

Website: ic3.gov
Ideal for:

phishing
scams
fraud
cybercrime
identity theft
extortion attempts

The FBI uses your report to build nationwide cases.

2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Website: ReportFraud.FTC.gov
Used for:

phone scams
text scams
email scams
marketplace scams
imposter scams

Your reports help shape enforcement actions.

3. State Attorney General’s Office

Every state has its own process for:

fraud reporting
consumer complaints
identity theft support

Add these links inside your final WordPress article.

4. Your Local Police (for financial or identity theft)

Always file a police report when:

money is stolen
identity is compromised
accounts are opened fraudulently

Banks often require an official report for reimbursement.

5. Your Bank or Credit Union

Report immediately if:

unauthorized charges appear
someone impersonated your account
you gave out sensitive information
you clicked a suspicious link

Speed is everything.
Banks have strong fraud departments and rapid-response teams.

Affiliate Comparison — Identity Protection Services (Aura vs LifeLock)

(Part 2 Comparison Chart — Included in all fraud-related CFRB guides)

📊 Identity Protection Comparison (Aura vs LifeLock)

Service	Best For	Pros	Cons	Pricing Style	CFRB Notes
Aura	All-in-one identity + financial protection	Includes credit monitoring, dark web scanning, device protection, family plans	Slightly higher price; comprehensive dashboards may overwhelm new users	Subscription	Best overall protection for families and individuals who want everything in one platform
LifeLock	Strong identity monitoring + Norton security	Excellent fraud notifications; strong dark web monitoring	Some key features require higher-cost tiers	Subscription	Great for users who want identity monitoring with Norton’s proven device protection

The Most Advanced Scam Threats of 2025–2026

Scammers have evolved dramatically over the last decade.
Modern fraud often involves AI, deepfake impersonation, widespread data exposure, and coordinated criminal groups.

Here are the most dangerous threats consumers now face.

1. AI Voice Cloning & “Family Emergency” Scams

One of the fastest-growing threats is voice cloning. Criminals only need a few seconds of audio — often found in:

social media videos
voicemail greetings
YouTube clips
livestreams
interviews
podcasts

With AI, scammers can produce a near-perfect imitation of a loved one’s voice.

Common versions include:

“Mom, I’m in trouble — don’t call anyone, I need money right now.”
“Dad, I crashed my car, and the police are taking me in.”
“Grandma, I’ve been kidnapped — send money.”

The emotional shock often overrides logical thinking.

How to stop this scam:

Always call your loved one directly on their real number.
Set up a family code word for emergencies.
Never send money or gift cards based on a phone call alone.

2. Deepfake Video Impersonation

Scammers now use video filters and AI to create fake video calls that appear to be:

employers
relatives
bank representatives
customer service
government agents

Deepfakes are becoming so realistic that even tech professionals struggle to detect them.

Red flags:

Video freezes occasionally
Poor lip-sync
Ultra-smooth skin or odd lighting
Strange blinking patterns
Immediate requests for money or information

When in doubt: end the call and reconnect independently.

3. AI-Generated “Perfect” Scam Emails

Gone are the days of broken English and strange formatting.
Now scammers use tools that:

correct grammar
mimic corporate tone
replicate real email signatures
generate convincing PDF attachments
duplicate branding and formatting

These emails often pass as legitimate unless the recipient looks extremely carefully.

Biggest targets include:

Amazon
Apple
Chase Bank
Wells Fargo
Credit unions
USPS / UPS / FedEx
PayPal
State agencies

Always verify suspicious messages independently.

4. Deepfake Customer Service Lines

Criminals create fake:

Amazon customer support
Bank support numbers
AppleCare
PayPal help desks
Airline support lines

Victims search for help online, click the wrong number, and reach a scammer who “verifies” their account using social-engineering tricks.

Always use official support links:

Look at the company’s official website, not ads or search results.

5. “Safe Account Transfer” Fraud

Scammers pretend to be your bank and say:

“Your account has been compromised. We need you to transfer your funds to a safe account.”

There is no such thing as a “safe account.”
Banks never ask you to transfer money for security reasons.

6. Impersonation Scams Targeting Seniors

Seniors are targeted due to:

public property records
Medicare scams
Social Security scams
caregiver or family-impersonation scams
tech-support fraud
medical device scams

Scammers exploit vulnerability and trust.

The most common message:

“Your Social Security number is suspended.”

This is never real.

7. AI-Generated Romance & Relationship Scams

Criminals now use AI to maintain:

daily conversations
emotional bonding
long-term manipulation
deepfake photos and videos
fabricated backstories

These scams often escalate into investment fraud, with victims losing tens of thousands of dollars.

8. Marketplace Scams (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp)

Scammers frequently appear on:

Facebook Marketplace
OfferUp
Craigslist
Instagram shops
WhatsApp groups

Common tactics:

Fake product listings
Fake shipping companies
Overpayment scams
Fake deposits
“Send me a verification code” tricks
Pickup scams

Safety Checklists for Different Age Groups

Not all consumers face the same risks.
Below are tailored safety steps for the most commonly targeted groups.

Safety Checklist for Seniors

Seniors are the #1 group targeted by scammers.

Essential steps:

Enable bank alerts
Freeze credit
Use caller ID blocking
Disable unknown links on smartphones
Use larger-screen devices for email
Review monthly statements carefully
Use anti-malware on phone + computer
Avoid answering unknown numbers
Have a trusted family member review suspicious messages

Safety Checklist for College Students

Students are often targeted because:

they’re away from family
they rely heavily on mobile devices
they often click links impulsively
many have part-time jobs or student loans

Protection tips:

Use a password manager
Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking
Review financial aid emails carefully
Verify job offers independently
Never send money to online acquaintances

Safety Checklist for Families

Families are vulnerable due to:

children’s online habits
shared devices
social media exposure

Steps to protect your household:

Create a family “emergency password”
Encourage kids to avoid sharing personal info
Use parental controls on devices
Enable app download restrictions
Educate about friend impersonation scams

Safety Checklist for Business Owners

Business owners face:

invoice fraud
email compromise
payroll diversion scams
executive impersonation
vendor wire fraud

Protection steps:

Use two-person approval for payments
Enable domain-based email authentication
Train employees quarterly
Remove executive data from broker sites
Use password managers companywide
Review “urgent” payment requests independently

What To Do If You Were Scammed

If you fell for a scam, the worst thing you can do is panic or feel ashamed.
Scammers are professionals, and even smart people get tricked.

Here is the official CFRB recovery roadmap.

Step 1 — Stop All Communication

Immediately stop replying:

hang up
block the number
stop responding
delete the email (after screenshots)

Step 2 — Document Everything

Take screenshots of:

messages
phone numbers
emails
transaction IDs
bank notifications

Documentation helps banks and law enforcement.

Step 3 — Secure Your Accounts

Do these immediately:

Change passwords
Enable 2FA
Remove old email addresses
Log out of all devices
Disconnect unused devices

Step 4 — Freeze Your Credit

Freeze with Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

Step 5 — Contact Your Bank

Banks often reimburse fraud victims, especially if you act quickly.

Step 6 — Report to Authorities

Report fraud to:

FBI IC3
FTC
State AG
Local police

This strengthens national fraud cases.

Step 7 — Remove Your Personal Information From Data Brokers

This step reduces future attacks dramatically.

See comparison tables below.

Why Removing Your Personal Data Is Critical

Scammers pick victims based on who is easiest to impersonate — and the easiest people to impersonate are those with exposed personal data online.

Affiliate Comparison Chart (Data Removal Tools) — Repeated for Easy Access

(Chart repeated by design for conversion and reader convenience.)

Service	Best For	Pros	Cons	Pricing Style	CFRB Notes
Optery	Maximum privacy protection	Removes 300–1,000+ sites; detailed reports; automated removal	Interface is robust; more advanced	Subscription	Best overall for serious privacy cleanup
DeleteMe	Hands-off automated removal	Simple setup; well-known brand	Slightly higher price; fewer sites than Optery	Subscription	Ideal for everyday consumers
Kanary	Affordable, lightweight removal	Budget-friendly; beginner-friendly	Limited removal coverage	Subscription	Strong option for people who want basic cleanup at a low cost

The Complete CFRB Scam Protection Survival Checklist (2025–2026)

This is the full, at-a-glance version of everything covered in Parts 1–3.
You can use this section as a cut-and-paste block for infographics, PDF downloads, or WordPress feature boxes.

✔ CFRB Scam Protection Checklist

Phone Calls

Do not trust caller ID — it can be spoofed
Hang up and call the real number
Never provide codes, PINs, or passwords
Never transfer money to “safe accounts”
Do not respond to threats or urgent demands

Text Messages (Smishing)

Never tap a link in a text message
Delete messages claiming “delivery issues”
Ignore “bank verification” texts
Block suspicious numbers immediately

Emails

Look for odd spacing or unusual links
Do not open unexpected attachments
Examine the sender email address closely
Never send personal info through email
Verify by calling the organization directly

Social Media

Be cautious when strangers message you
Do not send money to online “friends”
Avoid clicking links in posts or comments
Verify buyers or sellers on Marketplace
Report impersonation immediately

Device Security

Use antivirus + anti-malware
Update devices regularly
Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN
Use strong password hygiene
Turn on device-level biometrics

Financial Safety

Freeze your credit
Monitor credit activity monthly
Turn on bank alerts
Check statements regularly
Use 2FA on all financial accounts

Privacy Protection

Remove your data from broker websites
Avoid oversharing on social platforms
Lock down personal details
Use email aliases for risky signups
Use privacy settings on all apps

Why Fraud Prevention Requires Layered Protection

There is no single step that completely eliminates fraud risk.
But using layered protection makes you extremely hard to target.

Criminals deliberately avoid targets who have:

✔ No exposed data

✔ Strong passwords

✔ No reused credentials

✔ Credit freeze enabled

✔ Device security installed

✔ 2FA enabled

✔ Scam-awareness education

✔ No “soft” access points

Scammers look for the “path of least resistance.”
With the steps in this guide, you are no longer the easy target.

The Psychology of Scams — Why Smart People Fall for Them

Many victims think:

“I can’t believe I fell for that. I should have known better.”

But scammers use psychology, not technology.
They exploit:

1. Urgency

You feel pressured to act fast.

2. Fear

You believe something terrible is about to happen.

3. Authority

The scammer pretends to be someone powerful.

4. Trust

They impersonate someone close to you.

5. Shame

Victims feel embarrassed and don’t ask for help.

6. Repetition

They send messages at stressful times (late night, early morning).

Understanding these triggers makes you scam-resistant.

Advanced Protection: Remove Your Personal Data From the Internet

This step cannot be overstated.
Most scams begin with criminals looking up your information on:

data brokers
directory websites
white pages
people-search sites
social media
property databases
breach dumps

Removing your information dramatically reduces:

scam calls
targeted emails
impersonation attacks
SIM swap attempts
property title fraud
identity theft attempts
BEC attacks
high-value targeting

Data Removal Services (Full Comparison Table—Final Version for Article)

Service	Best For	Pros	Cons	Pricing Style	CFRB Notes
Optery	Maximum exposure removal	Removes from 300–1,000+ sites; industry-leading automation; comprehensive reports	More advanced interface	Subscription	Best overall for consumers serious about privacy & fraud reduction
DeleteMe	Hands-off simplicity	Strong brand; easy setup; repeat scans	Fewer sites than Optery; mid-to-high pricing	Subscription	Ideal for users wanting simple privacy protection with minimal effort
Kanary	Budget-friendly protection	Affordable; beginner-friendly	Limited coverage	Subscription	Excellent for people who want basic protections without higher costs

Identity Theft Protection Tools — Final Comparison Table

(Included near the end for maximum reader convenience)

Service	Best For	Pros	Cons	Pricing Style	CFRB Notes
Aura	All-in-one protection for families & individuals	Credit monitoring, dark web scans, device protection, financial alerts	Premium price; more features than some users need	Subscription	Best choice for comprehensive, all-in-one fraud & identity protection
LifeLock	Identity protection with Norton security	Strong alert system; Norton antivirus included	Some features locked behind higher-cost tiers	Subscription	Excellent for users who want robust identity monitoring + strong device protection

What to Do If Someone You Know Is at Risk

Many people hesitate to intervene when a friend or relative is being targeted by scammers.
But early intervention can save them thousands of dollars.

How to help:

Review messages with them
Freeze their credit
Enable 2FA on accounts
Remove their personal data online
Install anti-malware
Teach them how to hang up on suspicious calls
Report fraud to their bank
Notify authorities if money was lost

Knowledge is the most powerful defensive tool.

Real-Life Scam Scenarios & How to Respond

Here are several realistic 2025–2026 scenarios and the correct CFRB-approved responses.

Scenario 1 — Fake Delivery Notice (Text Message)

Text says:
“Your package has been delayed. Verify your address here.”

Correct response:
Delete the message and check your real tracking numbers through the official website.

Scenario 2 — Bank Account “Locked” (Email)

Email says:
“Suspicious login detected. Verify immediately.”

Correct response:
Go to your bank’s website manually — never via a link.

Scenario 3 — Family Member in “Trouble” (AI Voice Call)

Caller says:
“Mom, it’s me — I need help! Don’t call anyone else!”

Correct response:
Hang up.
Call your family member directly.
Use your family emergency password if needed.

Scenario 4 — Fake Customer Service (Google Search Result)

You search “Apple support,” call the first number that appears, and someone asks you for your Apple ID and passcode.

Correct response:
Only call official numbers listed directly on Apple’s website.

Scenario 5 — Social Media Marketplace Fraud

A seller asks for a deposit before you meet.

Correct response:
Never send deposits.
Avoid Zelle, CashApp, Venmo with strangers.

Internal Links

CFRB’s latest Reviews on

Fraud protection tool reviews, Identity protection service ratings, and Privacy service comparisons CLICK Here.

CFRB’s latest News on

fraud alerts, Latest financial scams, and Government enforcement actions CLICK Here.

Links to CFRB Fraud Protection Series

Part 2: Debit & Credit Card Skimming
Part 3: Real Estate Title Theft
Part 4: Computer Hacking (coming Soon)
Part 5: Phone Hacking & SIM Swap (coming Soon)
Part 6: Data-Broker Exposure & Privacy (coming Soon)
Part 7: BEC & Corporate Fraud (coming Soon)

Final CFRB Conclusion

Scammers are evolving faster than ever before.
AI has made fraud more believable, more polished, and far more dangerous.
But with the right tools, education, and awareness, you can stay ahead of these threats.

By following:

CFRB’s protection checklist
modern scam-spotting techniques
updated reporting steps
layered security practices
removing your data from exposure
using identity-protection tools

…you significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Your safety — and your financial future — depend on informed decisions.
CFRB is committed to helping consumers stay protected in this rapidly changing digital world.

First Steps to Protect Yourself From Phone, Text, Email & Social Media Scams (2025–2026 Guide)

How Criminals Contact You, Trick You, and Steal Your Information — and How to Outsmart Them Every Time

What You’ll Learn in This Guide