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Common scam types

Learn how common phone scams work, what warning signs to watch for, and how to report suspicious calls, texts, or voicemails.

Report a scam

Explore common phone scams

Scammers use different stories, identities, and tactics, but many scams follow familiar patterns. Start with these common scam categories.

Bank & financial scams

Scammers may impersonate banks, credit card companies, lenders, or fraud departments to steal account information, passwords, or money.

Learn about financial scams

Government & IRS scams

These scams use threats, urgency, or fake government identities to pressure people into paying supposed taxes, fines, debts, or penalties.

Learn about government scams

Medicare & healthcare scams

Callers may pretend to represent Medicare, insurance companies, pharmacies, or healthcare providers and request personal or benefit information.

Learn about healthcare scams

Tech support scams

Scammers claim your computer, phone, account, or online service has been compromised and try to gain remote access or collect payment.

Learn about tech support scams

Auto warranty scams

Fake warranty callers often claim your vehicle coverage is expiring and pressure you to buy unnecessary or fraudulent protection plans.

Learn about warranty scams

Delivery & package scams

These scams impersonate delivery services and use fake missed-delivery notices, tracking alerts, fees, or links to steal information or payment.

Learn about delivery scams

Think you received a scam call?

Report the number and help strengthen scam intelligence for everyone.

Report a scam
CallsTextsVoicemails

Unknown caller

(202) 555-0164 · Call transcript

“This is Officer Daniel Brooks with the IRS1. There is a warrant for your arrest2. To resolve this, pay today with gift cards3.”

Report this callReportedFree · Anonymous · Under 10 seconds

Warning signs

1

Pretends to be the government

The IRS contacts you by mail first.

2

Threatens arrest

Fear is used to rush you.

3

Asks for gift cards

No real agency takes them as payment.

(415) 555-0172

Text message · Now

USPS1: Your package is on hold. Confirm your address within 24 hours2 at usps-redeliver.info3

Report this textReportedFree · Anonymous · Under 10 seconds

Warning signs

1

Impersonates a known brand

Anyone can put a company name in a text.

2

Creates a deadline

Urgency stops you from checking.

3

Links to a lookalike site

Real USPS links end in usps.com.

(800) 555-0187

Voicemail · 0:21

0:21

“We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty1. This is your final notice2. Press 13 to speak with an agent.”

Report this voicemailReportedFree · Anonymous · Under 10 seconds

Warning signs

1

Unsolicited offer

You never asked about this coverage.

2

Fake “final notice”

Pressure to act before you think.

3

“Press 1” to continue

It confirms your number is active.

More scam types are coming

We’ll continue adding dedicated resources for common and emerging scams, including employment scams, utility scams, debt collection scams, cryptocurrency scams, AI voice scams, charity scams, and more.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common types of phone scams?

Common phone scams include bank and financial scams, government impersonation scams, Medicare and healthcare scams, tech support scams, auto warranty scams, and delivery or package scams. Scammers often change the story, but the goal is usually to steal money, personal information, account credentials, or verification codes.

How can I tell if a phone call is a scam?

Warning signs can include unexpected urgency, threats, requests for payment, pressure to act immediately, requests for passwords or verification codes, or callers claiming to represent a trusted company or government agency. If you are unsure, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.

Can scammers spoof a real phone number?

Yes. Caller ID can be manipulated so a scam call appears to come from a local number, business, bank, government agency, or other trusted source. A familiar-looking number does not guarantee that the caller is legitimate.

What should I do if I receive a scam call?

Do not provide personal or financial information. Avoid sending money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, passwords, or verification codes. Hang up, verify the claim independently, and report the suspicious number or message.

Where can I report a scam phone number?

You can report suspected scam calls through SpamReporter. Depending on the situation, you may also want to report fraud or unwanted calls to agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission or Federal Communications Commission.

What information should I include when reporting a scam?

Include the phone number, how the scam reached you, when it happened, what the caller or sender claimed, and any additional details that may help identify the scam. Screenshots of text messages, call logs, or other evidence can also be useful when available.

What if I am not sure what type of scam it was?

You can still report it. Scam tactics often overlap, and a caller may use several different claims during the same interaction. Choose the closest category or report the activity as suspicious if you are unsure.

Does reporting a scam stop the caller from contacting me?

Reporting helps improve scam identification and detection, but it does not guarantee that a specific caller will stop contacting you. Call blocking and scam protection tools can provide an additional layer of protection.