US Scams: IRS, Impersonation & Online Fraud Guide
Top scams in the United States and how to report to the FTC, FBI IC3, and your bank.
Emergency number: 911 — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
In the US, government impersonation (IRS, Social Security, law enforcement), tech support scams, gift-card payment demands, and investment/crypto fraud are especially common. This guide covers the leading scams and the official reporting routes: the FTC, the FBI's IC3, and your financial institution.
Common scams
- IRS and Social Security impersonation
- Tech support and remote-access scams
- Gift-card payment scams
- Investment, crypto and pig-butchering fraud
Tourist-specific scams
- Overpriced rides
- Ticket resale scams
Online shopping scams
- Phishing and smishing (delivery, banking)
- Marketplace and non-delivery scams
Job scams
- Task scams
- Fake check overpayment scams
- Reshipping mule scams
Romance scams
- Romance and pig-butchering scams via dating apps
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and 'AI bots'
- Crypto giveaway and wallet-draining scams
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report internet crime to the FBI at ic3.gov
- For identity theft, use IdentityTheft.gov
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank or card issuer right away — card payments and some transfers may be disputable. The IRS, Social Security, and law enforcement will never demand payment by gift card, crypto, or wire under threat of arrest.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
Does the IRS call demanding immediate payment?
No. The IRS initiates contact by mail and never demands immediate payment by gift card, crypto, or wire, nor threatens arrest by phone. Such calls are scams.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance