06.04.25
3 common types of online scams and how to avoid them
by Valeria
August 15, 2025
The latest online phishing scams and how to avoid them
Written by Valeria
Online Safety
Online scams are unfortunately a natural part of being on the internet, whether it's on your phone or your laptop/computer. And while there are common scams always in circulation that everyone should be aware of, new ones pop up all the time, which is why we put together a guide on all the latest scams you should watch out for, so you can keep yourself protected. Be sure to check back on this guide as we update it for any new scams – how to spot them, how to avoid them, and even how to report them.
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1. Amazon Impersonation Scam
What is an Amazon impersonation phishing scam?
An Amazon impersonation phishing scam is exactly what it sounds like – a message delivered via email or text message impersonating Amazon claiming there is something wrong with your order or account. As with most phishing scams, this tactic involves embedding malicious links within the messages that direct you to a website that's designed to steal your information (think social security numbers, payment details, login credentials).
How to spot an Amazon impersonation scam
Even if you don't have an Amazon account or placed a recent order, you may still fall for this scam thinking your card was used fraudulently. Even Amazon had to release a statement warning its users of these "sophisticated" scams, as they are hard to spot. At this point, it's wise to assume any email or message coming from Amazon claiming an "issue" is a potential phishing scam.
How to avoid an Amazon impersonation scam
The simplest advice is to not click on any links provided in an email or message from Amazon claiming to "solve an issue" without directly checking your Amazon account for confirmation. If you don't have an account, and want to confirm your card isn't being used fraudulently, you should contact Amazon directly by finding their customer support number or email/chat and speaking to a real representative.
2. Shipping Package Scam
What is a shipping package scam?
A shipping package scam is one where you receive a message (text or email) claiming that there is an issue with your package being delivered, and you need to click on a link to be able to pick it up. This scam isn't too new, as it seems to be constantly going around, but it's still one to be extra vigilant against.
How to spot a shipping package scam
Other than the fact that you may not have a pending package, you can rest assured that any delivery issues will almost never come from the shipping company itself (USPS, Fedex, etc.). You would most likely first receive an alert about a delay from the retailer you bought from (eg. Walmart) and you could always see this same delay/issue by checking out the tracking number originally provided.
Another way to spot it is through the context of the email itself. While AI is helping some scams appear more legitimate with better, sometimes even more personalized writing, most scams will still read like they're a scam. They will always have an urgency to them, and whenever you see that, take it as an immediate red flag.
How to avoid a shipping package scam
The simplest way to tackle this type of scam is to directly check on any tracking codes you may have. Find the original emails from the retailer with the code and check to see if there is indeed an issue (and then contact that shipper directly, not through the email).
If you think there is a chance something is being shipped to your house that you didn't order – there isn't. If you still don't believe me, contact the shipper mentioned in the email directly (again, find their customer support number online from their verified website) to alleviate any concerns.
3. Immigration Scams
This is an especially egregious one, as it preys on the vulnerable during an ongoing political issue.
What is an immigration scam?
There are a few different variations of this scam that span across social media, email, and phone. The commonly used tactic is to impersonate an official from an agency such as the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), contact people via email or phone, falsely claim there are visa or immigration issues and pressure the victims to make urgency payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
On social media, these same fraudulent parties pretend to be attorneys or law firms, offering help with immigration paperwork or guaranteeing work permits, green cards, or citizenship in exchange for payment.
How to spot an immigration scam
When it comes to anything that is government related, do not trust anyone or any communication that doesn't come from an official channel.
Some of these might be hard to spot, but know that you can verify an attorney's license via the American Immigration Lawyers Association or the US Department of Justice Accredited Representatives List.
As soon as you see that any payment is being asked for, especially if it's using a non-traditional method like a wire transfer or a gift card, immediately cease all communication.
How to avoid an immigration scam
Like in any other scam where the scammer is impersonating an established institution, always look up that said institution's official website (not the one listed or mentioned in the scam email/text) and contact them directly to verify if the offer is legitimate.
A guide to phishing scams
What is a phishing scam?
A phishing scam is any scam that tried to draw out your personal information. It will come in the form of an email or text message that asks you to follow a link to verify your information. This is usually under the pretence of verifying your account due to "fraudulent activity," such as from a bank, a credit card institution, or even a shipping company like UPS or Fedex.
How to identify a phishing scam
Don't feel bad if you fall for a phishing scam – more than 300,000 people did too globally in 2021 (the last year we could find a statistic on this).
The name of the game is to always be safe, not sorry. Even if the email or the text looks legitimate enough, call them yourself. Don't take the chance by clicking on an unknown link or giving away any personal information when you're not the one that contacted them first.
How to prevent phishing scams
While email and phone/text services have gotten a lot smarter in the past several years, combining AI and other algorithmic methods to stop spam and possible phishing content from ever going through, those on the other side – the scammers themselves – have also gotten smarter and learned how to circumvent some of those guardrails.
There is no perfect way to prevent a phishing email or text from coming through to your phone, which is why it's important to learn how to identify and avoid them when they do come in.
TextNow Tip: As your teen starts to spend more time online, keep them safe by walking them through general teen online safety guidelines.
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