People 60 and older reported $7.7 billion in fraud losses to the FBI in 2025. Most of it started with a message that looked real. Learn the patterns below, and when something feels wrong, forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093.
Three rules that stop almost every scam
- Never act inside the message. Do not tap the link or call the number in it. Contact the company using a number you already trust.
- Never share a code. No real bank, company or government office will ask you to read back a code sent to your phone.
- Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, gold or crypto because someone contacted you. Real organizations do not take payment that way.
Texts
Unpaid toll text
A small toll, a big threat, and a link. This is one of the most common scam texts in the country.
Package delivery text
Your package is waiting, there is a problem with the address, and there is a small fee. None of it is real.
Bank fraud alert text
It starts with a text about a purchase you did not make. Then a friendly 'fraud team' calls to help.
Amazon order or account text
An expensive order you never made, and a number to call to cancel it.
Apple ID or iCloud scam
Your Apple ID is locked, your iCloud was hacked, or someone bought something with it. Check on your own device.
Streaming account text
Your shows stop tonight unless you update your payment. The link is the trap.
DMV text scam
An unpaid ticket, a threat to your license, and a link to pay. DMVs do not collect tickets this way.
Hi Mom new number text
Hi Mom, I dropped my phone, this is my new number. A few texts later, they need money.
Wrong number text
A friendly stranger texts by mistake and keeps chatting. Weeks later, there is an investment opportunity.
Job offer text scam
Easy remote work, flexible hours and great pay, offered by text to someone who never applied.
Verification code scam
A code just arrived by text and someone is asking you to read it to them. That code is a key to your account.
Calls from someone pretending
Grandparent scam
A grandchild in trouble, an urgent need for money, and a request to keep it secret.
Voice cloning scam
It sounds exactly like your son or granddaughter, and they need help right now. The voice may be fake.
Medicare scam
A new card, free equipment, or a refund. All it takes is your Medicare number.
Social Security scam
Your number has been 'suspended', your benefits will 'stop', and an officer wants payment today.
IRS tax scam
A caller says you owe back taxes and the police are on the way. The real IRS does not work like that.
Jury duty scam
A caller says you missed jury duty, there is a warrant, and a fine paid today will clear it.
Utility shutoff scam
Your power will be cut off in 30 minutes unless you pay right now. Real utilities do not work that way.
Fake debt collector
A caller says you owe an old debt and will be arrested or sued today. Real collectors have rules they must follow.
Car warranty call
Final notice: your vehicle's warranty is about to expire. You have probably heard it many times.
Computers and online
Tech support pop-up
A loud warning takes over your screen and says your computer is infected. The only real problem is the phone number on it.
Phantom hacker scam
Three callers, one lie: hackers are after your savings and you must move the money to keep it safe.
Fake invoice or renewal email
An email says you were charged hundreds of dollars for a renewal and gives a number to call for a refund.
Online marketplace scam
Selling a couch or buying a used car online? Some 'buyers' and 'sellers' are not there for the item.
Romance scam
A caring person you met online who can never quite meet you, and then needs help with money.
Ways they take your money
Gift card scam
If anyone asks you to pay with gift cards and read them the numbers, it is a scam. Every time.
Zelle and payment app scam
Payment apps move money in minutes. That speed is exactly why scammers want you to use them.
Bitcoin ATM scam
A caller tells you to take cash to a machine at a gas station and scan a code they send you.
Gold bar courier scam
A 'federal agent' says your savings are in danger and tells you to buy gold for a courier to pick up.
Crypto investment scam
A trading app shows your money growing fast. The trouble starts when you try to take it out.
Fake check scam
A check arrives for more than you expected, with a request to send part of it back.
Prizes, offers and favors
Lottery or sweepstakes scam
You won millions and a new car. All you need to do is pay the taxes and fees first.
Inheritance scam
A lawyer overseas says a stranger with your last name died and left millions, and no heir was ever found.
Government grant scam
You have been selected for a free government grant. You just need to pay a small processing fee first.
Charity scam
A good cause, a heartbreaking story, and pressure to give right now. A real charity will wait while you check.
Home repair scam
A worker knocks on your door, points out damage you did not know about, and wants to start today.
Timeshare resale scam
A caller says they have a buyer ready to pay top dollar for your timeshare. First, there are fees.
If it already happened
Act fast and do not feel ashamed. Start with what to do if you paid a scammer or what to do if you clicked a link, then report it.
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
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