Could you spot a scam written by AI?
Ten realistic texts, emails and phone calls. For each one, decide: scam or legit? Then see the tricks you missed, with a short lesson for each.
In this week's test
Each week's test leans on the scams in the latest FTC alerts, so you practice on what's going around now.
- Government impostors: FTC alert, Oct 22, 2026, “The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number”
- Fake stores and too-good deals: FTC alert, Sep 15, 2026, “Scammers are impersonating farm equipment businesses”
- Health insurance and Medicare scams: FTC alert, Sep 28, 2026, “What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams”
Why practice?
Scammers now use AI to write flawless messages and even clone voices, so the old advice to look for spelling mistakes doesn't work anymore. What still works is knowing their moves: a surprise problem or prize, pressure to act now, a request for secrecy, and strange ways to pay. A few minutes on realistic examples makes those moves easy to spot when a real one arrives.
Scams to know right now
Government impostors
Someone claiming to be from a government agency says you're in trouble and must pay or “verify” now.
Fake stores and too-good deals
An ad or website with prices that are too good to be true, from a store you've never heard of.
Health insurance and Medicare scams
A call or ad offering cheap health coverage or Medicare benefits, asking for your Medicare number or a fee.
Unpaid toll texts
A text says you owe a small toll and must pay today through a link, or face fees.
Delivery texts and emails
A message says a package can't be delivered until you confirm your address or pay a small fee.
Fake bank fraud alerts
A text or call from your “bank's fraud team” about a charge, then a request for a code or to move your money.
Missed jury duty threats
A caller claiming to be a sheriff's deputy or court officer says you missed jury duty and must pay to avoid arrest.
Family emergencies and voice clones
A panicked call from a “grandchild” or other relative who needs money right now, and asks you to keep it secret.
Tech support pop-ups and calls
A pop-up or call says your computer is infected and you must call a number or allow remote access.
Latest scam alerts
- FTC ·The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number
Here’s the latest twist on FTC impersonators: someone claiming to be an FTC official (who’s really a scammer) calls to say a phone was registered under your name and number and is being used to commit scams in another country. The “FTC official” even reads off their badge ID (it’s a fake badge). If you don’t cooperate, they threaten to deactivate your phone number.
- FBI ·Scammers Exploit 2026 U.S. Midterm Election to Perpetrate Multiple Fraud Schemes
- FTC ·How to avoid deceptive sextortion assistance services and find real help
Sextortion — when someone threatens to share your intimate images unless you pay — can be stressful and upsetting. And figuring out what to do can be overwhelming. While searching for help, you might find companies that offer quick fixes (for a price) but don’t deliver on their promises.
- FTC ·Talking with parents and kids about deepfakes, online safety, and the Take It Down Act
Kids face a lot of challenges online: from cyberbullying and scams to digitally altered deepfakes, like nudify apps that create fake nude photos and videos of real people.
- FTC ·What to know ahead of Open Enrollment to avoid health insurance scams
Health insurance scams happen year-round, but they pick up during Open Enrollment for Medicare and the Marketplace. If you’re looking to find a new plan, you might search online. But before you click on a search result, remember: scammers and dishonest businesses sometimes pay to appear at the top.