Phone scams continue to cost Americans billions, targeting individuals of all ages and skill levels in technology. Fraudsters now leverage technologies such as AI and spoofing to make their schemes more convincing than ever. Data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) show that in 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud, including phone scams, with average reported losses rising annually.
In the most recent Truecaller’s U.S. Spam & Scam Report, 68.4 million Americans were targeted by phone scams. Protecting yourself requires vigilance, up-to-date knowledge, and understanding of criminals’ evolving tactics.
Read on for the most prevalent phone scams and the steps you can take to outsmart scammers and protect your personal information.
AI-Powered Impersonation Scams
Artificial intelligence has ushered in a new era of impersonation scams. Criminals can now convincingly clone voices in real time using just a few seconds of audio. According to Digital Forensics Corp., the number of AI-driven scams doubled in the past year, costing Americans over $108 million. Fraudsters often pose as panicked relatives, law enforcement officers, or company executives.
They apply emotional pressure, urging victims to send money or divulge sensitive information immediately. The FBI recommends that families use a pre-arranged code word for emergencies and always confirm a caller’s identity by dialing a trusted, official number.
Fake Supervisor or Boss Calls
Business impersonation scams target company employees, often using caller ID spoofing or synthesized voices to mimic senior staff. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported $2.4 billion in losses from business email compromise (BEC) and related phone scams in its 2022 report, with an average loss per victim exceeding $567. Attackers might request wire transfers, gift card purchases, or confidential data under the guise of a boss rushing an ‘urgent task.’
These calls frequently cite high-pressure situations or time-sensitive issues. Cybersecurity experts recommend constantly verifying such requests by contacting supervisors through an officially listed number or in person. Legitimate company leaders never request sensitive action solely by phone.
Phishing and Smishing
Phishing via phone (vishing) and text (smishing) remains rampant. According to NordLayer, the most common type of data breach stems from human error, with phishing attacks responsible for 68% of all violations.
These messages often impersonate banks, retailers, or delivery services. Never click on links from unsolicited texts or calls. Instead, verify the message’s legitimacy through a known, official website or phone number.
Neighborhood Spoofing
Neighborhood spoofing involves scammers disguising their numbers to resemble local phone numbers, increasing the chance of the call being answered. First Orion, a call protection firm, reports that 70% of phone scams use spoofed local numbers.
AT&T Newsroom reports that Americans have noticed an increase in neighbor spoofing and admit they are more likely to answer calls from familiar area codes. If you don’t recognize the number, allow it to go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will typically leave a message.
Robocalls and Spam Calls
Robocalls remain a constant nuisance, inundating Americans monthly with billions of unwanted messages. The YouMail Robocall Index reported 4.7 billion robocalls in January 2025 alone, equating to roughly 152.9 million daily calls.
A bulk share of these calls were identified as scams and telemarketing calls. Install call-blocking apps, block repeated offenders, and report suspicious numbers to the FTC and your mobile carrier.
Customer Impersonation Scams
Scammers frequently pose as legitimate customers using information found on social media or breached databases. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported many data compromises in 2022, enabling criminals to use stolen details for convincing attacks.
Phone fraud targeting customer service representatives has resulted in significant financial losses. Many attacks bypass standard security checks using personal details and urgent backstories. Insist on full verification (such as multi-factor authentication) before giving out or acting on requests for account information, even if the caller seems genuine.
Fake Package or Delivery Scams
The popularity of online shopping triggered a rise in package delivery and toll scams. Victims receive texts or automated calls with links claiming to track a shipment, with the aim of capturing payment details or login credentials. Robokiller reported that Americans received 19.2 billion spam texts in March 2025, many of which were delivery-themed.
Many direct users to phishing sites or request fake customs or shipping fees. Track package deliveries only through official carrier websites or mobile apps. Delete suspicious emails or texts immediately.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support fraudsters pretend to represent trusted companies (like Microsoft or Apple), warning you of alleged viruses or compromised accounts. They often pressure victims into paying for bogus services or granting remote access.
The FCC handed down its largest fine of $225 million to a company placing over 1 billion illegal robocalls, many involving tech support scams. Tech companies will never call you unsolicited about device problems. Hang up and contact support directly using numbers from the official website.
Romance and Extortion Scams
In 2024, romance scams hit an all-time high, with Americans losing $1.3 billion, according to the FTC. Criminals create fake profiles, build rapport over weeks or months, and then ask for money or explicit photos.
After gaining trust, scammers may threaten victims with public exposure if demands aren’t met. Avoid sharing intimate photos or financial details with anyone you haven’t met and vetted in person. Report harassment or threats immediately to the relevant authorities.
Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Promoters of cryptocurrency and other investments use complex schemes, often enhanced through deepfake videos or AI-manipulated audio, to lend credibility. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), victims reported an estimated $3.9 billion in losses from investment fraud in 2024. Promises of “guaranteed returns” or requests for money transfers via crypto wallets are warning signs.
Many targets lack experience in crypto markets, amplifying risk. Do thorough research, consult official resources (like SEC.gov), and use licensed platforms if investing. Treat “sure thing” tips and unsolicited offers as red flags.
Fake Jobs or Employment Scams
Employment scams proliferated alongside the work-from-home boom. Scammers post fake job ads, conduct quick interviews, and then request upfront fees for training or equipment. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlights that job scams disproportionately target people seeking flexible or remote work.
Other schemes trick victims into laundering money by processing payments for “employers.” Never pay for a legitimate job or agree to handle money for someone you haven’t met and thoroughly researched.
SIM Swapping and Account Takeover
SIM swapping attacks hijack your phone number, intercept SMS-based two-factor codes, and lock you out of your accounts. The FCC and wireless carriers have reported rising cases as mobile numbers become keys to sensitive personal and financial information.
Security experts recommend setting unique PINs and enabling strong two-factor authentication that is not reliant on SMS. This simple precaution dramatically reduces the risk of account takeover. Contact your carrier to set up additional security and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
