The FTC warns that dishonest tax relief companies promise to eliminate back taxes for a fraction of what you owe — before even reviewing your situation. They charge upfront fees, impersonate the government with threatening letters, and leave you further in debt. The FTC recently secured a $10 million settlement against American Tax Service for running these scams.

The FTC warns that social media platforms do not always thoroughly vet the ads in your feed. In 2025, people reported more than $95 million in losses from scams that started with social media ads — fake brand impersonators, knockoff sellers, and fake investment programs all run ads alongside legitimate ones.

Social media is flooded with people flashing fancy cars and exotic trips, claiming you can have the same lifestyle by "learning to trade." The FTC sued International Markets Live for using fake educators and false earning claims to recruit young people into an investment training scheme — its leaders must now turn over assets worth over $90 million.

Minnesota banned cryptocurrency ATMs effective August 1 after logging 134 scam complaints and nearly $1 million in losses between 2023 and 2025. Scammers keep victims on the phone while sending them to nearby crypto kiosks to convert cash into irreversible crypto payments. Nationwide, the FBI recorded over 13,400 crypto kiosk complaints in 2025 with losses topping $388 million.

Scammers pose as VA representatives and offer to help military veterans apply for benefits for a fee. The FTC warns that applying through the VA is always free, and accredited Veterans Service Organizations also help at no cost. Never pay someone to file your VA claim.