Scam library · United States · Updated 20 October 2026

Scam library: texts, calls, emails and online scams

Find the message or story you received. Pause the demand, check it independently and take the next step without paying a stranger.

Find the words you just heard

A toll notice, an urgent family call or a friendly introduction can all need the same first step: pause and check independently. Choose the closest situation below. Each page shows typical wording, warning signs and practical next steps, including what to do after a payment or disclosure.

The examples are written in our own words. A message does not have to match them exactly to deserve a check. A familiar company name, a local number or a detailed story is not enough to verify who contacted you.

Text

Toll texts: An unpaid toll text naming E-ZPass or SunPass needs an independent check. Avoid the payment link, check your real toll account and report the text.
Delivery texts: A USPS or UPS redelivery text can lead to a fake payment page. Check tracking through your order records and act quickly if you shared card details.
Job offer texts: A recruiter text promises easy task income but asks you to pay. Verify the employer independently and never deposit money to unlock work or earnings.
Wrong number texts: A friendly wrong-number text asks whether you are Linda, then keeps chatting. Avoid sharing details or following a new stranger into an investment pitch.

Call

Grandchild jail calls: A caller says your grandchild is in jail and needs bail money. Hang up, call family on a known number and verify any court or lawyer claim separately.
Bank fraud calls: A bank fraud caller tells you to move money to a safe account. End the call and contact your bank through its app or the number printed on your card.
Social Security calls: A caller claims your Social Security number is suspended or linked to crime. Hang up, verify through SSA and protect any details you already shared.
IRS debt calls: An IRS tax debt caller threatens arrest or demands payment today. Check your tax account independently and call the IRS through its published contact route.
Medicare card calls: An unexpected Medicare caller asks for your number or a fee for a replacement card. Verify through Medicare and report information you already shared.
Purchase alert calls: A fake Amazon or Apple purchase alert wants you to call, share a code or install software. Check your real order history before responding to the claim.
Utility shutoff calls: A caller threatens to cut off your electricity, water or gas unless you pay immediately. Check the bill and contact your utility through its real number.
Jury warrant calls: A caller claims you missed jury duty and must pay to avoid arrest. Hang up and contact the court clerk through the court’s official website.
Car warranty calls: A car warranty robocall says coverage is about to expire. End the recording and check your existing warranty or service contract through your own records.
Google listing calls: A Google listing robocall threatens to remove your business unless you pay. Check your own profile and use our full fake Google listing-call guide.

Email

Tech support pop-ups: A tech support pop-up or fake Geek Squad renewal email urges you to call. Close it, avoid remote access and verify any subscription through your own records.

Purchase alerts and job offers can arrive by email too. Use the Amazon or Apple purchase alert guide or the job offer guide for those requests.

Online

Crypto romance scams: A new online friend or romantic contact offers a crypto investment. Stop sending money, check independently and report any fake trading platform or loss.
Gift card demands: Someone wants payment using gift-card numbers or photos. Stop before sharing the codes and contact the card issuer promptly if you already sent them.
Payment app refunds: A stranger on Zelle, Venmo or Cash App says money was sent by mistake. Check inside the real app and ask official support before sending any new payment.

Before following any instructions

Put the message aside or end the call. Do not pay while an unknown person is directing the steps.
Open the account through your usual app or use a number from your card, bill or saved contacts. Do not use the incoming message’s link or callback number to verify itself.
If you already paid, contact the bank or payment provider promptly. Ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed, and keep receipts privately. Recovery is not guaranteed.

Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward suspicious texts to 7726 if your carrier supports it. For internet-enabled fraud, use the FBI’s IC3. Our reporting guide explains the reporting routes.

Sources

Questions people ask

What if my message does not match an example exactly?

Use the closest situation and check the request independently. The sender, wording and delivery method can change; an exact match is not needed to pause a payment.

Where should I start if I already paid?

Contact the bank, card issuer or payment provider promptly. Ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed, then preserve records and report the attempt.