Stop. Think. Call.
Fraud can happen to anyone.
Scammers are constantly adapting their tactics, using phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media to target individuals and businesses alike. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Explore the latest fraud trends below to learn what to watch for and how to stay safe.
For more ways to protect your accounts and personal information, view our full collection of security tips here.
Fraud Trend: Wire Transfer Scam in Vehicle or Large Equipment Sales
September 2026
Wire transfer scams frequently occur in the sale of cars, tractors, RVs, boats, and other high-value vehicles. Fraudsters often pose as legitimate buyers or sellers and pressure victims to send funds by wire transfer because wires are difficult to reverse once completed.
A scammer advertises a vehicle at an attractive price, often using stolen photos and vehicle details. After convincing a buyer the vehicle exists, they request a wire transfer for a deposit or full payment. Once the money is sent, the seller disappears.
Typical Tactics
- Advertising a vehicle at an unusually attractive price to generate interest.
- Using stolen photos and copied vehicle details to make the listing appear legitimate.
- Convincing buyers that the vehicle exists through fake documentation, emails, or stories.
- Requesting a wire transfer for a deposit or full payment before the buyer can inspect or receive the vehicle.
- Disappearing and cutting off communication after the funds have been sent.
Prevention Measures
- Be skeptical of unusually low prices. If the deal seems far below market value, it may be a scam.
- Verify the seller's identity. Ask for a copy of the title, registration, and a photo ID, and confirm the names match.
- Inspect the vehicle in person. If you cannot inspect it yourself, hire a trusted third-party inspector.
- Check the VIN. Run a vehicle history report and verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the paperwork.
Fraud Trend: Facebook Scams
August 2026
In "Long-Lost Friend" Facebook scams, criminals create fake Facebook profiles or compromise existing accounts and pose as a longtime friend, former classmate, coworker, or family acquaintance. They often strike up casual conversations to build trust and then eventually ask for money, gift cards, wire transfers, investments, or personal information.
Typical Tactics
- Sending a friend request from a duplicate account that uses a real friend's name and photos.
- Claiming they have a financial emergency and need immediate help.
- Encouraging participation in a fake investment, lottery, grant, or cryptocurrency opportunity.
- Asking for verification codes, banking information, or other sensitive data.
- Moving conversations off Facebook to text messaging or other apps.
Prevention Measures
- Verify the person's identity through a phone call, video chat, or another trusted contact method.
- Check whether the profile is newly created, has limited activity, or duplicates an existing friend's account.
- Never send money or share sensitive information based solely on social media messages.
- Contact your friend through a known phone number or established account to confirm the request.
- Report suspicious profiles to Facebook and block the account.