Scam alerts
The scams going around right now.
What they look like, how to spot them, and what to do if you already tapped. In plain words.
This week, October 18, 2026
Scams spotted this week.
From public lists of known scams and official warnings. Don't look for them: the addresses are broken on purpose, so they can't be opened.
A fake WhatsApp group invite
An address made to look like a WhatsApp group invite, on free hosting. Fake WhatsApp pages usually ask for your phone number and the code WhatsApp texts you: with that code, someone can take over your account."You are not registered to vote" texts
Texts or emails that say you are not registered to vote, with a link to a fake state voter registration page. The FBI warned about them on October 15. Check at vote.gov instead, typed in yourself. How this scam worksGuides
How each scam works.
What it looks like, the one rule that beats it, and what to do if you already tapped.
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Fake delivery and toll texts
A text says your parcel is stuck or you owe a toll, with a link to pay a small fee. It's a scam.
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Fake online shops
A big brand at a fraction of the price, in an ad. You pay, and nothing arrives.
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Someone pretending to be your bank or your family
A call from your bank's "fraud team", or a WhatsApp from your child on a new number, asking for money or a code.
Pass it on
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Send them this page. Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before.
VeloGuardian Fortress and Citadel block websites that appear on public lists of known scams, before they load. Get the app