On the phone with someone claiming to be tech support?
Hang up now. This is almost always a scam.
If they had you download anything or click a link, disconnect your computer from the internet. Turn off your Wi-Fi, or shut down the computer.
Real companies never call you out of the blue to fix your computer.
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Scams to watch for right now
These are the tricks we see most often. Knowing them is the best protection.
The grandparent or family emergency callRemember: Hang up and call your family member on the number you already have. A real emergency can wait two minutes.
What happens: A caller pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble — arrested, hurt, or stranded — and begs you to send money quickly and keep it secret. Some now use a copied “voice” made by a computer.
The fake bank or fraud-alert callRemember: Your bank will never ask you to move money or share a code. Hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card.
What happens: Someone claims to be from your bank’s “fraud department” and says your money is at risk. They ask you to move it to a “safe account” or read them a code from your phone.
Tech support pop-ups and callsRemember: Real companies never put phone numbers in virus warnings. Close the page and never give a stranger access to your computer.
What happens: A pop-up or caller says your computer has a virus and gives you a number to call. They ask to “connect” to your computer or ask for payment to fix it.
Medicare and health plan scamsRemember: Medicare does not call to sell you anything. Never share your Medicare number with someone who contacts you first.
What happens: Especially during enrollment season, callers offer “free” benefits or a new card and ask for your Medicare or Social Security number.
Delivery and toll textsRemember: Don’t tap links in unexpected texts. Check deliveries using the company’s real website or app.
What happens: A text says a package is waiting or a toll is unpaid, with a link to “pay a small fee.” The link steals your card details.
Gift card payment demandsRemember: No honest business or government office takes gift cards as payment. Ever. It is always a scam.
What happens: Someone insists you pay a bill, fine, or fee by buying gift cards and reading them the numbers. They often stay on the phone while you shop.
Newly reported scams
Fresh warnings from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Each link opens their full advice.
- October 2026Fake “sextortion help” servicesAfter a threatening message, ads appear offering to “fix” it for a fee. Many are scammers themselves. Real help is free — report it and don’t pay.
- September 2026Health insurance enrollment scamsWith Medicare and Marketplace enrollment season, fake “helpers” and look-alike websites are collecting personal details and signing people up for plans they didn’t choose.
- October 2026Computer-made “deepfake” photos and voicesScammers use computer tools to copy a real person’s face or voice — even a family member’s — to ask for money or share fake images. Verify by calling the person directly.
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