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Scam of the day – March 18, 2026 – USPS Change‑of‑Address Scams: How Criminals Redirect Your Mail and Steal Your Identity
Criminals can redirect your mail without ever touching your mailbox by exploiting USPS change‑of‑address loopholes. Learn how the scam works and how to protect yourself.
Scam of the day – March 17, 2026 – E‑ZPass Toll Scam Alerts: Smishing Fraud Continues to Target Drivers
E‑ZPass scams are surging as criminals send fake unpaid toll texts to steal credit card details. Learn how smishing works and how to protect yourself from toll fraud.
Scam of the day – March 16, 2026 – New Imposter Scam Targets Building Permits: How Criminals Exploit City and County Records
The FBI warns of a new imposter scam where criminals pose as city or county officials to demand payments for building permits. Learn how to spot and avoid these fake emails.
Scam of the day – March 15, 2026 – St. Patrick’s Day Scams to Avoid: Fake Tickets, Fake Charities, and Lottery Cons
St. Patrick’s Day brings celebrations—and scams. Learn how to avoid fake tickets, phony charities, and lottery hoaxes with simple steps to stay safe this holiday.
Scam of the day – March 14, 2026 – Gas Pump Skimmers Surge as Many Stations Still Lack EMV Chip Readers
Despite EMV deadlines, many gas pumps still lack chip readers, fueling a surge in skimming fraud. Learn how skimmers work and how to protect your credit and debit cards.
Scam of the day – March 13, 2026 – Smishing Scams Surge: How Fake Bank Text Messages Put Your Accounts at Risk
Smishing scams are skyrocketing, with fake bank text messages—especially TD Bank impersonations—tricking consumers into revealing login credentials. Learn how to stay safe.
Scam of the day – March 12, 2026 – Phony Government Grant Scams Surge: How to Spot Facebook Fraudsters
The Federal Trade Commission is warning the public about an increase of phony grant scams. Recently there have been an increase in scams involving scammers convincing their victims that they are eligible for large government grants if they merely pay a processing fee. The federal government does not charge fees for applying for grants.
Scam of the day – March 11, 2026 – Texas Arrests Highlight Exploding Gold Bar Scam Targeting Older Adults
The FBI warns of a fast‑growing gold bar scam targeting seniors, with millions stolen through fake federal agent calls. Learn how the scheme works and how to stay protected
Scam of the day – March 10, 2026 – Summer Job and Intern Scams Already Starting
In another employment scam students are contacted through their email with an extremely attractive job offer. When the student accepts, the scammer sends an official appearing check to the student who is told to deposit the check into the student’s bank account. The check is actually made out in an amount more than what was agreed to be paid to the student and the student is instructed to wire the extra funds back to the company. Of course, the check is counterfeit and ultimately bounces, however, the money that the scammed student wires to the scammer from his or her bank account is lost forever.
Scam of the day – March 9, 2026 – Facebook Marketplace Payment Scams: How Zelle, Venmo & P2P Overpayment Fraud Targets Sellers
Facebook Marketplace scams are rising, especially fake Zelle and Venmo payment schemes targeting sellers. Learn how the overpayment scam works and how to protect your money.
Scam of the day – March 8, 2026 – AI Investment Scams – How AI and Crypto Scams Target Uninformed Investors
Learn how Bernie Madoff’s cautionary advice applies today as scammers use AI and fake crypto schemes to deceive investors. Discover how to protect yourself with proper due diligence.
Scam of the day – March 7, 2026 – PayPal Invoice Scam: How Scammers Use Real PayPal Accounts to Steal Your Data
A new PayPal scam uses real PayPal‑generated invoices and fake customer service numbers to trick victims into granting remote access. Learn how to spot and avoid it.
Scam of the day – March 6, 2026 -How to Protect Yourself From Iranian Cyberattacks Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions
Learn how to protect yourself from Iranian cyberattacks, DDoS threats, and war‑related phishing scams with practical steps to secure your devices, accounts, and data.
Scam of the day – March 5, 2026 – How Scam Artists Exploit Psychology to Steal Your Money
Learn how scammers use psychology, emotional manipulation, and red‑flag payment methods like gift cards, wires, and crypto ATMs to deceive victims and avoid detection.
Scam of the day – March 4, 2026 – Massachusetts Becomes Latest State to Sue Cryptocurrency ATM Company
The FTC reports a 1,000% rise in crypto ATM scam losses, with seniors most at risk. Learn how imposters use Bitcoin ATMs to steal money—and how to stay protected.
Scam of the day – March 3, 2026 – New Development in QR Code Scams
The new QR code scam starts with an email that appears to come from a company with which you do business informing you that you need to update your account or your account will be closed. In order to update your account, you are instructed to scan the QR code in the email which takes you to a website that looks like the real website for the company that the scammer is posing as and asks you to input your username and password. People falling for this scam end up giving access to their account to the scammer.
Scam of the day (Part 2) – March 2, 2026 – Steve’s Forbes Column About the Dangers Posed by Data Brokers
Some of you may know that in addition to Scamicide, I also write columns for Forbes and the Saturday Evening Post about white collar crime, scams and identity theft. Check out my latest column for Forbes in which I describe the tremendous and highly unregulated threat of scams and identity theft posed by legitimate data brokers being hacked by criminals and even selling our data to scammers.
Scam of the day – March 2, 2026 – Mavis Wanczyk Lottery Scams Continue to Snare Victims
Recently a Scamicide reader told me about receiving a message through Facebook that purported to be from Mavis Wanczyk informing him that she was giving him $10,000 and that all she needed was for him to set up a Cash App account and provide the details to her so that she could transfer the money to him. Fortunately, he recognized that this was a scam and did not send the account information requested which if sent would have enabled the scammer to access the bank account or debit card linked to the Cash App account and steal his money
Scam of the day – March 1, 2026 – Conduent Data Breach: Safepay Ransomware Attack Exposes 25 Million Victims’ Sensitive Personal Information
More than 25 million people were affected by the Conduent data breach caused by the Safepay ransomware gang. Learn what was exposed and how to protect yourself with credit freezes and identity monitoring.
Scam of the day – February 28, 2026 – FBI Warns of Outdated Routers: How to Protect Your Smart Home and IoT Devices
Protect your smart home from cybercriminals. Learn why the FBI warns about outdated routers, how IoT devices are targeted, and essential steps to secure your network.
Scam of the day – February 27, 2026 – AOL Phishing Email Scam
Due to its popularity, scammers and identity thieves often send out phishing emails that appear to come from AOL, such as the one reproduced below that was sent to me by a Scamicide reader. If you click on the link in the email one of two things can occur and both are bad. Either you will end up providing personal information to an identity thief or you will, merely by clicking on the link, download dangerous malware such as ransomware on to your phone, computer or other device.
Scam of the day – February 26, 2026 – Beware the Fake Stolen Car Reward Scam: How Criminals Steal Your Bank Information
Scammers are posting fake stolen car reward ads to steal bank account information. Learn how the scheme works, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’re a victim.
Scam of the day – February 25, 2026 – Turbo Tax Imposter Scam
TurboTax is a popular online tax preparation service and so identity thieves will take advantage of that popularity and call people posing as TurboTax employees informing the targeted victim that his or her electronically filed income tax return has been rejected by the IRS. The identity thief then attempts to lure you into providing personal information including your Social Security number that will be used to make you a victim of identity theft.
Scam of the day – February 24, 2026 – Romance Meets Crypto Fraud: Inside the Explosive Growth of Pig‑Butchering Scams
Romance scams and crypto fraud have merged into dangerous “pig‑butchering” schemes. Learn how scammers build trust, fake investments, and steal life‑changing sums.
Scam of the day – February 23, 2026 – FBI Warns of Rising Gold Bar Scams Targeting Seniors: How the Scheme Works and How to Stay Safe
The FBI reports a surge in gold bar scams targeting seniors. Learn how scammers pose as federal agents, steal savings, and how to protect yourself from this growing fraud.
Scam of the day – February 22, 2026 – Publishers Clearing House Scam Strikes Again
In addition, no winners of the Publishers Clearinghouse sweepstakes are ever required to make a payment of any kind to claim their prize so if you are told that you have won, but are required to make any kind of payment before you can claim your prize, you can be sure that it is a scam. As for other lotteries, remember, you can’t win a lottery you haven’t entered and no legitimate lottery asks you to pay them administrative fees or taxes.
Scam of the day – February 21, 2026 – Smart Home Danger: The Growing Internet of Things Hacking Threat and How to Stay Safe
Smart home devices are increasingly hacked through the Internet of Things. Learn how cybercriminals exploit IoT vulnerabilities and the essential steps to secure your home
Scam of the day – February 20, 2026 – Deed Copy Scam Resurfaces: How Homeowners Can Avoid This Misleading Fee Trap
A deceptive deed copy scam is resurfacing, targeting homeowners with confusing notices and $90 fees. Learn why it’s misleading and how to get your deed cheaply and safely
Scam of the day – February 19, 2026 – How Money Mule Scams Work: Reshipping Fraud, Work‑From‑Home Schemes, and Romance Scam Transfers
Learn how scammers recruit money mules through reshipping jobs, fake work‑from‑home offers, and romance scams — and how to avoid becoming an unwitting accomplice.
Scam of the day – February 18, 2026 – How Airbnb Scams Work: Fake Listings, Phony Websites, and the Rise of the Land Lordz Fraud Network
Learn how Airbnb scams work, from fake listings to the Land Lordz fraud network, and discover essential tips to avoid phony websites, wiring scams, and rental fraud.
Scam of the day – February 17, 2026 – Beware the Fake Amazon Recall Text Scam: How Fraudsters Use Spoofing and Counterfeit Sites to Steal Your Account
Scammers are sending fake Amazon recall texts that link to counterfeit websites to steal your account. Learn how to spot the scam and protect your Amazon login with 2FA or a passkey.
Scam of the day – February 16, 2026 – Xfinity Data Breach Settlement: Why the Last Four Digits of Your Social Security Number Still Put You at Risk
Learn how the Xfinity data breach exposed millions and why even the last four digits of your Social Security number put you at risk. Get protection tips and settlement details.
Scam of the day – February 15, 2026 – Social Media Scams Surge: Why Most Fraud Now Starts on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
The FTC reports record losses from social media scams, with Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp leading the surge. Learn how scams work—and how to protect yourself.
Scam of the day – February 14, 2026 – Panera Bread Data Breach: New Lawsuits Filed as 14 Million Customers’ Information Exposed
Two lawsuits follow the Panera Bread data breach that exposed 14 million customers’ personal data. Learn what happened and how to protect yourself from identity theft.
Scam of the day – February 13, 2026 – AI‑Powered Fake Retail Websites: How Scammers Trick Online Shoppers Into Surrendering Their Credit Cards
Scammers now use AI to create realistic fake retail websites that steal your credit cards. Learn how to spot fraudulent sites and protect yourself when shopping online.
Scam of the day – February 12, 2026 – Why You Must Freeze Your Credit at All Four Bureaus — Including the Little‑Known NCTUE
Freezing your credit at all four bureaus — including the little‑known NCTUE — is essential to stop identity thieves from opening accounts in your name. Learn how to do it.”
Scam of the day – February 11, 2026 – Valentine’s Day Scams to Avoid: Fake Florists, Online Dating Fraud, e‑Card Malware & Delivery Cons
Learn the top Valentine’s Day scams—fake florists, online dating fraud, malware‑filled e‑cards, and delivery cons—and how to protect yourself from identity theft.”
Scam of the day – February 10, 2026 – Task Scams: How Fake Online ‘Product Boosting’ Jobs Trick You Into Losing Money
If someone offers to pay you to ‘boost products’ or ‘like videos,’ it’s not a job—it’s a scam. Here’s how task scams trick you with fake earnings and crypto deposits
Scam of the day – February 9, 2026 – Banks Are Wrong: Voice Authentication Is Vulnerable to AI Voice Cloning
AI voice cloning makes bank voice verification dangerously insecure. Learn why voice ID can be hacked, and why multi‑factor authentication is essential for protecting your accounts.
Scam of the day – February 8, 2026 – Beware of New IRS Phone Scams: Fake “Tax Resolution” Departments Target Taxpayers
Scammers are posing as IRS agents using fake “tax resolution” departments to steal money during tax season. Learn how to spot the signs and protect yourself from impostor calls.
Scam of the day – February 7, 2026 – Amazon Tester Scam Alert: Don’t Fall for Fake Paid Review Offers
Scammers are posing as Amazon recruiters offering paid product tester jobs. Learn how fake offers steal your personal information, and how to avoid this identity theft scam.
Scam of the day – February 6, 2026 – Social Security Scam Alert: How Criminals Steal Benefits and How to Protect Yourself
earn how Social Security scams work, how scammers steal benefits using spoofed calls and fake online accounts, and the steps you must take to protect your SSN and My Social Security Account.
Scam of the day – February 5, 2026 – Publishers Clearing House Scam Alert: How to Spot Fake Prize Calls and Letters
Scammers posing as Publishers Clearing House claim victims have won big—but demand fees or taxes first. Learn how these scams work and how to avoid them.
Scam of the day – February 4, 2026 – Grandparent Scam Warning: New AI Tactics and Job Scams Turning Victims Into “Money Mules”
The grandparent scam is evolving with AI voice cloning and new tactics. Learn how scammers fool seniors, real case examples, and essential tips to protect your family.
Scam of the day – February 3, 2026 – Beware the Geek Squad Renewal Scam: How Fake Invoices Steal Your Identity
Scammers are impersonating Geek Squad with fake renewal invoices to steal personal information. Learn the red flags and how to avoid this phishing email scam
Scam of the day – February 2, 2026 – Formjacking: The Hidden Cyber Threat Stealing Millions From Consumers Each Month
Formjacking attacks target 4,800 websites monthly, stealing credit card data through hidden JavaScript. Learn how Magecart operates and how to protect yourself.
Scam of the day – February 1, 2026 – ShinyHunters Data Breach: What the Panera Bread Hack Reveals About Rising Identity Theft Risks
The ShinyHunters breach of Panera Bread and other major companies highlights growing identity theft risks. Learn how the attack happened and how to protect yourself.
Scam of the day – January 31, 2026 – Beware the New Coinbase Phishing Email Scam: How to Spot and Avoid It
A new Coinbase phishing email scam is tricking users into revealing account credentials. Learn the red flags, see an example, and protect your crypto from identity thieves.”
Scam of the day – January 30, 2026 – AI‑Driven Celebrity Impersonation Scams Surge: How Fake Reese Witherspoon Accounts Target Fans
AI‑powered deepfakes are fueling a rise in celebrity impersonation scams. Fake Reese Witherspoon accounts are targeting fans—learn how to spot and avoid these scams.
Scam of the day – January 29, 2026 – How Bitcoin ATM Scams Exploded in Three Years—FTC Issues Major Warning
FTC data shows a 1,000% rise in Bitcoin ATM scam losses, with $65M reported in early 2024. Learn how these imposter scams work and how to protect yourself.