Police agencies and cybersecurity researchers are spreading the word about this one today.

Here's how it works: You get a text that looks like it's from Amazon. It says a product you recently purchased is being recalled due to "quality and safety issues." The message includes an order number and a link to claim a full refund.

But there is no recall. The link takes you to a fake Amazon website that looks nearly identical to the real thing. If you enter your email and password, scammers take over your account. They can change your password, make purchases, and access any credit cards you have stored.

Amazon says it removed more than 55,000 fake websites in 2024 alone. But scammers keep creating new ones.

The rule: Amazon will never send you a text with a link to claim a refund. If you're concerned about a recall, open the Amazon app or go directly to Amazon.com and check your orders. Any real recall notices will appear in your Message Center under Your Account.

Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM). Then delete the message.

This is a new one. And it's a glimpse of where fraud is heading.

Cybersecurity researchers recently found a fake "Google Coin" presale website. When visitors arrived, a chatbot greeted them. It introduced itself as Google's Gemini AI assistant. It answered questions about the investment. It projected specific returns. It encouraged visitors to send cryptocurrency payments.

The chatbot was convincing. But Google doesn't have a cryptocurrency. There is no Google Coin. The whole thing was designed to steal money.

This matters because AI chatbots can now do what used to require teams of human scammers. One bot can engage hundreds of people at once, 24 hours a day, with a polished sales pitch that never breaks character.

The warning signs: No legitimate investment uses an AI chatbot to give you financial projections. If a chatbot promises specific returns, refuses to answer basic questions about the company behind it, or pressures you to act before a deadline, close the tab.

The FTC posted a warning about this today.

Scammers are texting, emailing, and messaging people on social media with offers for easy side gigs. Reshipping packages. Data entry. Product reviews. Work from home. Flexible hours. Great pay.

The jobs don't exist. The scammers want your bank account number so they can steal your money. Or your Social Security number so they can steal your identity.

The red flags:

The offer comes out of nowhere. They promise big money for minimal effort. They pressure you to sign up fast. They ask for your bank details or SSN before you've done any work. They want you to pay a fee for training or equipment.

The rule: No real job makes you pay to get hired. And no one offering legitimate work is going to text you out of the blue with an amazing opportunity.

This one arrives by mail. And it means your identity has been stolen.

The FTC is warning that scammers are using stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent unemployment claims in other people's names. You might find out when your state's unemployment agency sends you a letter about benefits you didn't apply for. Or when your employer asks about a claim you never made.

Don't ignore the letter. Even if you know you didn't file for unemployment, the scammer might be collecting money in your name. That can lead to wage garnishment, tax problems, and a mess that takes months to clean up.

What to do:

Report the fraud to your employer. Contact your state's unemployment agency. File a report at IdentityTheft.gov. Check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Consider setting up an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent tax fraud.