The latest scam warnings from official sources — the FBI, FTC, SEC and other government agencies — summarized in plain English. Every entry links to the agency's own warning so you can read the original.
Last updated: September 20, 2026
Week of September 20, 2026
Investment fraud
Digital asset investment scam centers
FinCEN warns that scam centers are laundering proceeds from digital asset investment scams. These operations typically lure victims into fake investment schemes and move the stolen funds through complex laundering channels.
Who it targets: Financial institutions and their customers who may be victims of cyber-enabled scams.
What to do: Financial institutions should identify, detect, and report suspicious activity tied to these scam centers. Victims are encouraged to contact the FBI’s IC3 and, if relevant, the U.S. Secret Service.
The GSA OIG warns that scammers are spoofing real government phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate. The callers may demand immediate payment or ask for personal and banking information.
Who it targets: People who may believe they are receiving a call from a real government agency.
What to do: Hang up immediately and do not share personal or financial information. Report the impersonation scam to the agency’s OIG hotline or to the FTC.
The SEC warns that fraudsters may impersonate the SEC, SEC officials, or SEC employees on social media or by text message. They use these channels to solicit victims into scams.
Who it targets: Investors and social media users who may be approached by fake SEC accounts or messages.
What to do: Be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming to be from the SEC and verify communications through official SEC channels. Do not send money or personal information to unknown contacts.
Treasury OIG warns that unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from Treasury OIG, FinCEN, OFAC, the Treasury Office of Legal Affairs, or the Secretary of the Treasury are frauds. These messages are designed to trick recipients into believing they are dealing with official Treasury personnel.
Who it targets: Members of the public who receive unexpected messages claiming to be from Treasury-related offices.
What to do: Do not trust unsolicited contact claiming to be from Treasury offices and avoid sharing personal information or making payments. Verify through official Treasury channels and report suspicious contact.
SSA OIG warns that scammers are pretending to be from SSA and OIG and may already have some personal information. The agency says scammers may pressure victims to move money or hand over cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or gold bars.
Who it targets: Social Security beneficiaries and anyone contacted by a caller claiming to be from SSA or OIG.
What to do: Do not transfer money, buy gift cards, send crypto, or keep anything secret for the caller. Verify the contact independently and report suspected scams to SSA OIG.
