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With rapid changes in the marketplace, consumers must stay alert to trending scams and high-risk marketing tactics—especially as companies discontinue products, shift supply chains, or use aggressive digital advertising. Several popular scams are increasing in visibility due to social media algorithms and economic pressure.
2025 FTC Summary Report
2025 FTC Summary Report
The FTC’s 2025 data makes one thing clear: scams are exploding and anyone can be a target.
With 2.6 million fraud reports and $12.5 billion lost, scammers are relying on increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick consumers.
The Top 5 fraud categories this year were:
Imposters
Online shopping
Fake reviews
Business and Job Opportunities
Investment Scams and Internet services
Consumers ages 20–29 are now the most heavily impacted group, reporting the highest financial losses of any age range. Many of these scams start with a simple phone call, email or social media message. Losses from job scams alone skyrocketed from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million in 2024, while investment scams kept climbing, hitting $5.7 billion.
Stay alert. If an offer seems urgent, emotional or “too good to be true,” it probably is.
Subscribe to our our Scam Watch section to stay informed on how to spot and avoid the most dangerous scams.
5 Guardrails To Commit To Memory
5 Guardrails To Commit To Memory
1. “Too Good to Be True” Product Ads (Common on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram)
1. “Too Good to Be True” Product Ads (Common on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram)
Scammers create ads for heavily discounted electronics, designer goods, or “miracle” wellness products. These ads often use stolen images, fake reviews, and countdown timers to create urgency. Consumers may receive counterfeit items—or nothing at all.
2. Subscription & Auto-Renewal Traps
2. Subscription & Auto-Renewal Traps
Many companies now use hidden auto-renewal clauses. A $4.99 trial may convert into a $59.99 monthly subscription buried in fine print. Always check cancellation terms and look for the FTC-required “easy cancel” disclosures.
3. Fake Discontinued-Product Alerts
3. Fake Discontinued-Product Alerts
When legitimate companies discontinue products—such as major tech accessories, cosmetics lines, or food items—scammers quickly create fake “last chance” websites. These sites advertise the discontinued product at inflated prices or sell counterfeit versions under pressure tactics like “Only 3 left!”
4. Influencer Drop Scams
4. Influencer Drop Scams
Fraudulent influencers promote “limited edition” products that never ship, ship months late, or arrive defective. Watch for missing contact information, unverifiable business addresses, and vague refund policies.
5. Imitation Customer Support Pages
5. Imitation Customer Support Pages
Fake support lines for popular brands—such as smartphone companies, internet providers, or major retailers—appear in search results. Scammers may request credit-card numbers or remote access to your computer.
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
How Consumers Can Protect Themselves
Verify a company’s website using the FTC’s fraud-alert resources.
Avoid purchasing from unfamiliar links in comments or influencer posts.
Search reviews on independent platforms before buying.
Use credit cards rather than debit cards for added fraud protection.
Be skeptical of high-pressure or “limited-time” claims.
Staying informed empowers consumers to spot red flags early and avoid falling victim to deceptive marketing or fraudulent sellers.
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