Every day, scammers find new ways to trick people. From AI-generated deepfake calls to text messages that look like they come from trusted companies, fraud is becoming harder to spot. In 2024, Americans reported losing more than $12.5 billion to scams, a sharp rise from previous years (FTC, 2025). Staying one step ahead is no longer optional—it is essential. The good news is that learning to recognize common scams and their warning signs can dramatically reduce your risk.
Common Types of Scams
One of the most prevalent tactics is the imposter scam, where criminals pretend to be someone you know or trust, such as a government official, bank representative, or even a family member. These scams are effective because they play on fear and urgency.
Another widespread tactic involves online shopping fraud. Fake websites and counterfeit products trick consumers into paying for goods that never arrive, while also capturing payment details for further misuse (Experian, 2025).
Imposter Scams
Imposter scams remain one of the most common and damaging forms of fraud. Scammers pretend to be trusted individuals or organizations—such as government agencies, banks, or even close relatives—to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. They often rely on fear, urgency, or authority to push people into quick decisions. These scams are particularly dangerous because they exploit trust and emotion at the same time.
Online Shopping Scams
Fraudulent online stores, counterfeit products, and fake listings continue to trap unsuspecting buyers. Scammers may create convincing websites that mimic real businesses or use fake reviews to make products appear legitimate. Victims often lose money without receiving the item they paid for, and in some cases, their payment details are harvested for future misuse (Experian, 2025).
Investment Scams
Investment scams are also growing, especially those involving cryptocurrency. Known as “pig butchering,” scammers build fake relationships over weeks or months before pushing fraudulent investment opportunities.
Romance Scams
Romance scams exploit emotions rather than technology. Scammers create fake identities on dating platforms or social media, build a connection over time, and then fabricate emergencies or opportunities that require money. Victims may send funds out of love or concern, often repeatedly. Beyond financial loss, these scams cause lasting emotional harm and embarrassment, which can make victims hesitant to seek help (Wikipedia, 2025).
Tech Support Scams
Other frequent scams include tech support fraud, where a caller or pop-up message claims your computer is infected, and romance scams, which exploit trust and emotions to extract money (Wikipedia, 2025).
Red Flags to Watch For
While scams come in many forms, they often share common warning signs. Be alert if you notice:
- Unexpected messages or calls claiming to be from banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.
- High-pressure language that urges you to act immediately.
- Requests for unusual payment methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Offers that sound too good to be true.
- Inconsistent details, such as spelling errors, mismatched email addresses, or suspicious links.
Recognizing these red flags early can help you stop fraud before it does any damage.
How to Protect Yourself
The most effective defense is a combination of awareness and action. Verify suspicious contacts through official channels, use secure payment methods with fraud protections, and keep your software updated to close off vulnerabilities. Talking openly with friends and family about scams also reduces stigma and makes it harder for fraudsters to isolate their victims.
Finally, using tools that proactively filter dangerous messages, detect phishing attempts, and monitor your personal data can add a crucial extra layer of protection.
Lifeguard’s Commitment
At Lifeguard, we believe online safety should be simple, proactive, and accessible to everyone. Our platform combines AI-driven protection with clear, practical education so that families can stay ahead of scammers rather than struggling to recover after the fact.