From AARP: Five of The Biggest Scams to Watch for in 2026

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, finding new ways to exploit fear,

urgency, and trust. Staying informed about common schemes can help you recognize

red flags and protect yourself and your loved ones. Below are some of the most

prevalent scams to watch for:

1. Employment Scams: Desperate job hunters may be more susceptible to

fraud, including bogus jobs online, on social media and job search websites.

Some scammers also impersonate real employment agencies and companies.

Their goals: To obtain personal information or money by requiring you to pay a

fee. 

1. Recovery Scams: Criminals return to victims with promises to recoup their

losses by charging fees for their nonexistent services.

1. Digital Arrest: The process is terrifying. You receive a call saying that you are

the subject of a criminal investigation. It might be a police officer charging you

with money laundering. Or maybe it’s a customs official claiming they

intercepted drugs en route to your home. Bogus law enforcement officers then

interrogate you on video calls, not just for hours, but days, as they threaten you

with criminal charges and pressure you to pay settlements or fines. Such scare

tactics are increasingly appearing in a growing number of scams.

1. "Hello pervert" Scams: Criminals email to say they have hacked your

computer and recorded you visiting porn sites. If you do not pay them, they

will share evidence of your naughty behavior with your email contact list. To

increase the pressure, scammers might include photos of your home (to make

you feel like you are being watched) and spoof your email address, so it appears

that the blackmailer is contacting you via your own email account or a cyber

protection company.

1. Romance Scams: A scammer, frequently known as a catfisher, assumes a false

identity and forms relationships with victims through dating apps, messaging

apps and social media. Once they establish trust, they will ask for money

or suggest investments.

If you want to learn more about how Rehberg Law Group attorneys work with clients

who have been affected by such scams or how to avoid them, please give Rehberg

Law Group a call at 206.246.8772.