Scams to watch out for
We update this page regularly to highlight emerging scams and fraud trends so you know what to watch for. When something unexpected asks for urgent action, remember to pause and Take9 before you click, download, or share.
Ever Heard of Quishing?
Just like links and attachments, some QR codes are up to no good–quishing is when scammers use them to send you to fake sites or steal your information.
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How to Protect Yourself
Only scan QR codes from trusted sources and check the website URL before entering any sensitive details.
Facebook Marketplace Scams
Scammers pose as buyers or sellers to rush you into deals, overpay, or ask you to send money outside the platform. They often disappear once payment is sent.
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How to Protect Yourself
Pause and take 9 before you buy. Avoid upfront payments, don’t move conversations off the platform, and only use secure payment methods. If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Romance Scams
Romance scams happen when criminals use fake profiles to build emotional relationships online, then ask for money or sensitive information.
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How to Protect Yourself
If something feels rushed or too good to be true, take a moment to pause, Take9, and check for warning signs. Verify profiles and photos, stay on trusted platforms, watch for urgency, and never send money to someone you’ve only met online or by phone.
Funeral Scams
Scammers target families during times of loss, posing as funeral homes, service providers, or even charities to pressure you into paying for fake or inflated services.
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How to Protect Yourself
Take 9 before you pay. Work directly with trusted funeral homes, verify any requests for payment, and don’t feel rushed to make decisions. Avoid sharing personal or financial information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
Notarios Scams
Scammers pose as “notarios” or immigration experts, promising legal help, faster processing, or guaranteed results. They often charge high fees for services they aren’t qualified to provide, putting your money and your future at risk.
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How to Protect Yourself
Only work with licensed attorneys or accredited representatives. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing results or asking for large upfront fees, and always verify credentials through official sources.
Unpaid Toll Scams
Received a text about an unpaid toll? It could be a scam. Scammers send messages that look like they’re from toll agencies and urge you to click links to fake payment sites designed to steal your personal or financial information.
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How to Protect Yourself
Don’t use links in unexpected texts. Go directly to the toll agency’s official website or app to check your balance, and never enter payment details on a site you didn’t navigate to yourself.
IRS Scams
Scammers pose as the IRS, claiming you owe money or are owed a refund to pressure you into paying or sharing personal information. They often use urgent threats or fake caller IDs to seem legitimate.
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How to Protect Yourself
Pause and 9 before you act. The IRS won’t demand immediate payment or contact you by text, email, or social media. Don’t share personal or financial information, and verify any claims directly through official IRS channels.
Social Media Scams
Scammers often pose as friends, influencers, or trusted brands to try and trick you into clicking links, sharing personal information, or sending money.
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How to Protect Yourself
Take 9 before you interact. Don’t click links from people you don’t know and if it looks like a friend, double check through another channel. Never share personal information in DMs!
AI Overviews Can Scam You
Scammers are tricking Google’s AI Overviews into showing fake customer-service phone numbers. If someone calls the number, the scammer pretends to be the company and asks for payment or personal information.
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How to Protect Yourself
Ignore phone numbers in AI summaries and verify contact details directly on the company’s official website.
AI Phishing
Scammers are using AI to create highly personalized messages that look and sound real, often posing as coworkers, companies, or people you trust. With attacks happening faster than ever, staying alert is more important than ever.
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How to Protect Yourself
Take 9 before you respond. Stay vigilant with unexpected messages, even if they feel personal or familiar. Don’t click links or share sensitive information, and verify through a trusted source. Create a code-word that only your family knows to confirm urgent requests!
2026 World Cup Scams
With the historic tournament finally here, scammers are using fake websites, prize giveaways, counterfeit merch, and fraudulent betting apps to scam consumers out of money.
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How to Protect Yourself
Pause and take 9 before you click. Avoid upfront payments, buy from official sources, be wary of social media ads and never share personal info if a deal feels too good to be true.
More From Consumer Reports
Take9 partner Consumer Reports shares regular updates on the latest scams to watch for. As AI makes these schemes look and sound more real, knowing the red flags and taking 9 seconds to pause before you act can help you spot them and protect yourself.