Ghosts, monsters, and haunted houses may be scary, but losing money to a scam can be a real-life nightmare.
Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal money and personal information. And as technology changes, their tricks are becoming more convincing. Scammers are now using tools such as fake social media profiles, voice clones, fake identification documents, and realistic videos to fool people.
The good news is that knowing what to watch for can help you avoid becoming a victim. Here are some common scams making the rounds and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Sound frightening? It's also very common. Imposter scams were the number one type of scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2025. More than 1 million reports were filed, with reported losses totaling $3.5 billion.
One recent variation of the imposter scam involves fake unpaid toll messages. Scammers pretend to represent real toll programs and threaten extra fees or problems with your vehicle registration if you don't pay right away.
How to protect yourself: Be suspicious of unexpected requests for money or personal information, especially when someone pressures you to act quickly. Instead of calling a phone number or clicking a link provided in the message, contact the company or agency directly using contact information you know is legitimate.
The FBI has warned about criminals pretending to be financial institution employees through phone calls, texts, emails, and fake websites. A scammer may claim there is fraud on your account and ask for your username, password, multi-factor authentication code, or one-time passcode. They may also send you to a fake website designed to look like your financial institution's real site.
Once scammers have the information they need, they may be able to take control of your account and steal money or information.
How to protect yourself: Never provide passwords or security codes in response to an unexpected request. Your bank will never call, text, or email you unexpectedly and ask for your password, PIN, one-time security code, full Social Security number, or full account number. If you're concerned about your account, stop the conversation and contact your financial institution directly using its official website, mobile app, or a trusted phone number.
Unfortunately, a familiar voice is no longer proof that you're talking to the person you think you are. Criminals are now using artificial intelligence to create voice clones and believable videos, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.” In 2025, the FBI received 22,364 complaints involving artificial intelligence, with reported losses of nearly $893 million.
How to protect yourself: Don't let urgency rush you into sending money. Hang up and contact the person directly using a phone number you already have. If you can't reach them, check with another trusted family member or friend.
Investment scams can result in significant losses. According to the FBI, investment fraud accounted for nearly 49% of all scam-related losses in 2025. Cryptocurrency was also involved in some of the highest reported losses.
How to protect yourself: Be wary of anyone who promises guaranteed returns or pressures you to invest quickly. Research investment opportunities independently before sending money, and don't let someone you met online make investment decisions for you.
Social media is one place these scams can appear. Shopping scams were the most frequently reported type of social media scam in 2025. More than 40% of people who reported losing money to a scam that started on social media said it began when they ordered something they saw advertised there. Some of these ads led to unfamiliar websites, while others directed shoppers to sites impersonating well-known brands.
How to protect yourself: Before buying from an unfamiliar website, research the seller and check the web address carefully. Be cautious of unusually large discounts, and consider going directly to a retailer's official website instead of clicking an ad.
Romance scams often begin on social media. Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on a social media platform. Some scammers eventually ask for money to deal with an invented problem, while others offer investment advice and direct victims to fake investment platforms.
How to protect yourself: Be cautious if someone you've met online asks for money or encourages you to invest. Take things slowly, ask questions, and be wary if the person repeatedly avoids meeting in person or video chatting.
Remember to slow down when faced with a possible scam rather than giving in to pressure to act quickly.
You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. You should document details such as how the scammer contacted you, when the contact occurred, how payment was made, and where the money was sent.
This Halloween, remember that some of the scariest stories aren't supernatural. By slowing down, recognizing the warning signs, and protecting your personal and financial information, you can make it much harder for scammers to turn their tricks into your financial nightmare.
Scammers are always looking for new ways to steal money and personal information. And as technology changes, their tricks are becoming more convincing. Scammers are now using tools such as fake social media profiles, voice clones, fake identification documents, and realistic videos to fool people.
The good news is that knowing what to watch for can help you avoid becoming a victim. Here are some common scams making the rounds and steps you can take to protect yourself.
1. Imposter Scams: When Someone Isn't Who They Claim to Be
You get a call, text, or email from someone claiming to be from your bank, a government agency, or another organization you trust. They tell you there's a problem that needs your immediate attention and ask for money or personal information.Sound frightening? It's also very common. Imposter scams were the number one type of scam reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2025. More than 1 million reports were filed, with reported losses totaling $3.5 billion.
One recent variation of the imposter scam involves fake unpaid toll messages. Scammers pretend to represent real toll programs and threaten extra fees or problems with your vehicle registration if you don't pay right away.
How to protect yourself: Be suspicious of unexpected requests for money or personal information, especially when someone pressures you to act quickly. Instead of calling a phone number or clicking a link provided in the message, contact the company or agency directly using contact information you know is legitimate.
2. Bank Impersonation and Account Takeover Scams
A message claiming there's suspicious activity on your bank account can get your attention quickly. Scammers know that.The FBI has warned about criminals pretending to be financial institution employees through phone calls, texts, emails, and fake websites. A scammer may claim there is fraud on your account and ask for your username, password, multi-factor authentication code, or one-time passcode. They may also send you to a fake website designed to look like your financial institution's real site.
Once scammers have the information they need, they may be able to take control of your account and steal money or information.
How to protect yourself: Never provide passwords or security codes in response to an unexpected request. Your bank will never call, text, or email you unexpectedly and ask for your password, PIN, one-time security code, full Social Security number, or full account number. If you're concerned about your account, stop the conversation and contact your financial institution directly using its official website, mobile app, or a trusted phone number.
3. AI Voice and Video Scams
Imagine getting a frantic call that sounds just like someone you love. They say they're in trouble and need money immediately.Unfortunately, a familiar voice is no longer proof that you're talking to the person you think you are. Criminals are now using artificial intelligence to create voice clones and believable videos, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.” In 2025, the FBI received 22,364 complaints involving artificial intelligence, with reported losses of nearly $893 million.
How to protect yourself: Don't let urgency rush you into sending money. Hang up and contact the person directly using a phone number you already have. If you can't reach them, check with another trusted family member or friend.
4. Investment Scams
An investment opportunity may promise big returns with little or no risk. You might see it on social media, receive an unexpected message, or hear about it from someone you met online.Investment scams can result in significant losses. According to the FBI, investment fraud accounted for nearly 49% of all scam-related losses in 2025. Cryptocurrency was also involved in some of the highest reported losses.
How to protect yourself: Be wary of anyone who promises guaranteed returns or pressures you to invest quickly. Research investment opportunities independently before sending money, and don't let someone you met online make investment decisions for you.
5. Online Shopping Scams
That amazing deal you spotted online may not be such a bargain after all. Scammers can create fake stores, advertisements, or websites designed to look like legitimate businesses.Social media is one place these scams can appear. Shopping scams were the most frequently reported type of social media scam in 2025. More than 40% of people who reported losing money to a scam that started on social media said it began when they ordered something they saw advertised there. Some of these ads led to unfamiliar websites, while others directed shoppers to sites impersonating well-known brands.
How to protect yourself: Before buying from an unfamiliar website, research the seller and check the web address carefully. Be cautious of unusually large discounts, and consider going directly to a retailer's official website instead of clicking an ad.
6. Romance Scams
An online connection can feel real, even if you've never met the person face-to-face. Romance scammers take advantage of that trust by building a relationship over time before asking for money or finding another way to involve your finances.Romance scams often begin on social media. Nearly 60% of people who reported losing money to a romance scam in 2025 said it started on a social media platform. Some scammers eventually ask for money to deal with an invented problem, while others offer investment advice and direct victims to fake investment platforms.
How to protect yourself: Be cautious if someone you've met online asks for money or encourages you to invest. Take things slowly, ask questions, and be wary if the person repeatedly avoids meeting in person or video chatting.
Know the Red Flags of a Scam
While scams come in many forms, there are some warning signs that should make you pause:- You're pressured to act immediately
- Someone unexpectedly asks for money or personal information
- You're asked to share your password or a security code
- Someone tells you to move money to "protect" it
- An investment promises unusually high returns or seems too good to be true
- A person you've only met online starts asking for money
Remember to slow down when faced with a possible scam rather than giving in to pressure to act quickly.
What to Do If You Think You've Been Scammed
If you think you've shared financial information or sent money to a scammer, take steps right away to limit potential damage. Contact your financial institution and explain what happened. Change passwords for accounts that may have been affected and review your accounts for activity you don't recognize.You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. You should document details such as how the scammer contacted you, when the contact occurred, how payment was made, and where the money was sent.
This Halloween, remember that some of the scariest stories aren't supernatural. By slowing down, recognizing the warning signs, and protecting your personal and financial information, you can make it much harder for scammers to turn their tricks into your financial nightmare.