Six Common Scams to Watch for During 2026

As you begin to plan your budget for the new year, it’s important to stay alert for scammers and avoid costly oversight. In 2024 alone, the FBI reported that people lost more than $16 billion to internet scams. Each year as scammers continue to evolve their tactics by using new technologies to make their schemes more convincing, staying informed is your strongest defense.

Key Scams to Watch For

1. AI and Deep Fake scams: With the advancement of AI, more than two-thirds of Americans think that it will be an increasing problem when it comes to deciphering who is and isn’t a scammer. Malicious actors can make lifelike photos, audio clips, and videos that impersonate the people you know and trust. This could be used to prey on your emotional connection by fabricating an emergency and asking you to send money immediately. If this happens to you, hang up and call your family member on a number you know to verify the situation.
2. Bank Impersonation scams: Impersonating a bank or other financial institution continues to be a common tactic. Fraudsters will often send a text message or call pretending to be your bank, flagging a fake suspicious transaction to lure you into providing your personal information. These threats thrive on a sense of urgency and pressure, seeking to get your login credentials and account information from you. If this happens to you, hang up and contact your bank directly or visit a nearby banking office.
3. Online Shopping scams: Spending scams aren’t limited to the holiday season. Fake online stores, misleading products, and phony sales are a problem all year round. These scammers will look to take your money, send nothing or something very different than what you expected, in return. Even worse, some take your card information and use it for their own gain. Be wary of sites that you are unfamiliar with and read product and business reviews before making your purchase.
4. Phishing scams: Don’t expect fraudulent emails or text to go away anytime soon. As one of the most common scams out there, these messages contain links or attachments that appear to be from legitimate sources, but when clicked, can compromise your device’s security. Before clicking, verify the number or email address that is sending it.
5. Skimming: Even with advanced technologies, skimmers are still prevalent. Thieves will install a hidden device on an ATM, gas station pump, or somewhere else you may swipe or tap your card. This gives them your card’s data and allows them to add charges to your card. Before paying, check to ensure there are no loose or unusual parts.
6. Social media scams: As we spend more time on social media, scammers do, too, impersonating users, creating fake giveaways, and offering faulty advice. All of these have a similar goal of stealing your personal information or trying to have you send money or gift cards. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or offers, even if they appear to come from friends.

Your Defense Plan to Keep Your Finances Safe

Nearly three-quarters of Americans have experienced some form of an online scam. When it comes to scammers, staying vigilant is the best defense.

• Be cautious with sensitive information: Never provide personal data, passwords, or verification codes to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, whether by phone, text, or email. When in doubt, hang up and call back the person you think you are talking to directly.
• Double-check the source: Before clicking any links or opening attachments, carefully inspect the sender’s name, email address or phone number. At first glance, imitated messages may appear genuine; however, typos, misspellings, or unexpected links and attachments are red flags.
• Use secure payment methods: Opt for online or mobile banking over sending checks and secure payment methods when purchasing something online. Monitor your accounts regularly to confirm transactions and balances.

What to Do if You’ve Been a Victim

If you’ve been the victim of a scam, acting quickly can help minimize the damage.

• Contact your bank to freeze your accounts, get new account numbers and debit/credit cards, and take a close look at your statements to identify any fraudulent charges. If you’re a current WSFS client, you can call us at 888.973.7226 or visit your nearest banking office.
• File a report with the police, Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Research estimates only a fourth of victims who lose money report it to law enforcement.
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Update your online account usernames and passwords, and have any compromised devices professionally cleaned.