The Top 5 Most Common Phone Scams of 2025

Introduction

Phone scams have continued to evolve over the past decade and in 2025, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick people over the phone. It’s more important than ever to know what to watch out for so you can protect yourself, your family, and your peace of mind. Here are the top 5 most common phone scams in 2025, what they sound like, and how you can avoid falling victim.

1. Impersonator / Government Official Scams

These are calls where someone pretends to be from a trusted organization such as the IRS, Social Security, or a police department, and claims there’s a serious issue. They might threaten legal action, say you missed jury duty, or claim that your identity has been stolen. There are also cases when they will reach out stating a family member is in jail and needs bail money. Whatever their manufactured scenario is, the IRS, Social Security Offices, and the Police will never reach out to you regarding issues of any kind.

Government agencies intentionally operate strictly by statements and letters that are typed or in writing that come by mail. This is true of law enforcement as well unless you contacted them first about an ongoing issue.

Red Flags:

• They demand immediate payment.

• They threaten arrest or legal consequences.

• Caller ID shows “government agency,” but when you check independently, the number is fake.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Hang up and call the official organization using their published, trusted phone number.

• Never give out personal information like Social Security numbers or bank info during unsolicited calls.

• Verify any claims via mail or physical documents, not just the phone.

2. Tech Support Scams & Phone IT Scams

Scammers will pretend there’s a problem with your computer or phone. Maybe they'll say that it’s infected with a virus, someone hacked your account, or your warranty has expired and then offer to “fix” it for a fee.

These scams can come in the form of people reaching out from Microsoft, Amazon, eBay, or Apple to name a few common scams. It is very important to know that none of these companies will ever reach out to you asking for any type of personal or financial information, and they will never ask to share screens with you.

Red Flags:

• They tell you to download software, or remote-access tools.

• They ask for payment before anything is resolved.

• The urgency is high; they say you must act now.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Don’t allow remote access through tools recommended by unexpected callers.

• Hang up and contact the company directly (through their official support line).

• Be wary of unsolicited calls about your technology.

3. Romance / Emotional Manipulation Scams

In 2025, scammers are getting better at creating relationships (online or by phone), then requesting money for emergencies, travel, or "investment opportunities." These scammers rely on a tactic called "Social Engineering" (Learn More Here) in which scammers convince you that they are someone or something that they are not. Romance & Emotional Manipulation scams use this tactic to take advantage of victims by getting them to fall in love with their manufactured persona in order to lower their guard, and build trust with their victim. Once trust is built, they then take the opportunity to ask their victim for money for a variety of reasons.

Due to the prevalence of these scams in today's world, it is incredibly important to remain skeptical of anyone you meet online. Do not give out any personal information, and ensure that you use extreme caution when developing online-only relationships.

Red Flags:

• They profess love quickly or act overly interested without ever showing you their face.

• They Request money for emergencies out of the blue quickly after meeting them (“my family is in trouble,” etc.).

• Promote “investment opportunities” with guaranteed returns after little interaction time.

• State that they are wealthy, in noble and unrealistic positions, and refuse to use video or in-person communications only.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of people you meet online who ask for money.

• Research any investment opportunities independently.

• Don’t let emotions pressure your financial decisions.

• Be careful of any unrealistic sounding claims that the individual makes regarding their finances, social status, or family situation as in many cases this is manufactured.

4. Smishing / Phishing via Phone & SMS

Smishing is when scammers use text messages or “vishing” (voice phishing via phone) to trick you into giving out sensitive info or clicking on malicious links. In 2025, there’s been a rise in these via fake delivery/toll notifications, bank security alerts, and IRS messages being received.

These messages are in many cases fraudulent, and at times are difficult to distinguish from regular messages you may recieve from someone like your financial institution.

Red Flags:

• A text or call claiming there’s an urgent issue like “suspicious charges” or “unpaid bills.”

• A link sent via text asking to verify account/login information.

• Caller or message pressuring you to act immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Don’t click on suspicious links recieved through text message that you are not expecting.

• Use official apps or phone numbers for verification.

• Verify your bank / financial institution's alert phone number(s) and add them as a contact in your phone so that you know when the alert is truly about your accounts.

• If unsure, call your bank or service provider directly, not using contact details in the message.

5. Fake Warrant & Arrest / Legal Threat Scams

Scammers are calling people pretending to be from law enforcement or courts, claiming the person has a warrant, missed jury duty, or some legal obligation, then demanding payment to avoid arrest or fines.

Red Flags:

• The caller says your arrest is imminent unless you pay dollar amount X.

• They may threaten legal consequences or ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or secret payments.

• They usually tell you not to talk to anyone else about it.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Ask for name, badge number, court documentation, and hang up if they refuse.

• Look up the court or law enforcement agency’s legitimate number and call back.

• Never pay over the phone in a way that can’t be traced or reversed.

🛡️ Conclusion

Phone scams are becoming more convincing through technology, fake identities, and pressure tactics. It is important now more than ever that we work together with our families and friend to spread awareness of rising scam trends in the United States.

Here at Shield Me, we are working each day to bring awareness to our communities, and with your help, we can abolish scam calls for good.

To stay safe:

• Stay calm and don’t let callers rush you.

• Always verify independently.

• Never share personal info or send money without double-checking.

  
  

Stay alert, stay protected, and if a call feels wrong, it probably is.