Scammers used this year’s fall season to push even harder, taking advantage of Medicare Open Enrollment, holiday shopping, and the fact that we’re all busy and distracted. From fake “Medicare” calls to scam ads that look like real stores, we’ve seen a wave of schemes designed to make people panic, rush, or click before they think.
Today, we’re reviewing the top 5 scams that happened this fall — so you understand exactly how they work and don’t fall victim to them this winter.
Table of Contents
1. Medicare “New Card” Calls
Scam Type: Government Impersonation (Identity & Financial Fraud)
How it works:
You get a call from someone who says they’re “from Medicare.” They may sound professional and confident. Sometimes, they even know a few details about you already.
They tell you something like: “You need a new / updated Medicare card.” Or: “We need to confirm your information during Open Enrollment.”
Then comes the trap: they ask for your Medicare number, bank account number, or credit card number — and may even ask you to pay a “fee.”
What Happened on September 30:
The FTC warned that scammers get especially active during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7). They pretend to be Medicare and contact people out of the blue, asking for personal or financial details.
Here’s the key truth: real Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically. Real Medicare won’t call, text, or email you out of nowhere to ask for your numbers or money.
Why It Matters:
If a scammer gets your Medicare number, they can use it to commit fraud in your name. If they get payment info, they can drain your money or open accounts. And once your info is out there, it can be sold to other scammers.
2. The “Phantom Hacker” Scam
Scam Type: Tech Support + Bank Impersonation (Account Drain)
How it works:
This one is scary because it comes in layers — like a little crime movie, but you’re the target.
Step 1: Fake tech support
Someone tells you there’s a problem with your computer or phone. They may claim hacking, viruses, or “suspicious activity.” They offer to “help” and try to get remote access.
Step 2: Fake bank “security”
After that, you get a call from someone claiming to be from your bank. They say your money is in danger and you must “move it” fast to protect it.
Step 3: Fake government “agent”
Then a third person may call pretending to be a government official. They pressure you to stay quiet and follow instructions exactly.
The end goal is always the same: to get you to move your money into a “safe account” that is actually controlled by the scammer.
What Happened on September 18:
NBC 10 News reported that the FBI warned about the “Phantom Hacker” scam, describing the exact multi-step setup: tech support → bank → government, all working together to push the victim into moving money.
Why It Matters:
This scam can wipe out savings fast — especially retirement money. It’s designed to feel “official,” so good people obey without questioning. And it often includes isolation tactics: “Don’t tell anyone.” That’s a giant red flag.
3. “Unpaid Ticket” DMV Text
Scam Type: Smishing (Fake SMS Texts) + Fake Payment Site
How it works:
You get a text message saying you have an unpaid ticket. It threatens something scary, like: ‘Your license will be suspended.’, ‘Your registration will be suspended’, or ‘Legal action is coming.’
It includes a link and pushes you to “pay now.”
But the link goes to a fake payment site. The moment you type in your card number or personal details, scammers grab it.
What Happened on October 2:
Michigan’s Attorney General warned about increased reports of ‘unpaid tickets’ texts. The messages claim to be from a “State of Michigan Department of Vehicles” and threaten suspension unless you pay immediately. The warning made it clear: delete the text and don’t click the link.
Why It Matters:
It’s fear-based. The goal is to make you act without thinking. If you click, you can lose money and expose your personal information. And once scammers know you “respond,” they may target you again.
4. Fake Holiday Deals on Social Media
Scam Type: Online Shopping Fraud (Fake Stores / Counterfeits / No Delivery)
How it works:
You see an ad on Facebook or another social platform. It looks like a real company. The price is shockingly low. The product photos look perfect.
You click, and the website looks real enough — nice pictures, a “checkout,” maybe even fake reviews.
You pay… and then:
- You get nothing
- You get a cheap fake item
- Your payment information gets stolen.
What Happened on November 25:
The FTC warned that scammers heavily use social media ads during holiday shopping seasons. They may impersonate real companies and send you to scam websites that take your money for counterfeit items, wrong items, or nothing at all.
Why It Matters:
Scam sites can take your money and your card details. These ads can look “normal,” especially when you’re scrolling quickly. And once your card details are stolen, the fraud can spread beyond one purchase.
5. Fake “Report a Scam” Websites
Scam Type: Phishing (Fake Government Website)
How it works:
After a scam, many people try to do the right thing: report it to the FBI’s IC3 website.
Scammers know this — so they create look-alike websites that mimic the real IC3 site. The web address may be almost the same, with one small change.
When you land on the fake site, it asks you to type in personal details: your name, address, phone, email — and sometimes even banking information.
It’s a nasty trick: people trying to protect themselves get targeted.
What Happened on September 19:
The FBI issued a public warning that scammers are spoofing the real IC3 website to steal personal information and possibly run money scams. They urged people to type www.ic3.gov directly into the browser and avoid “sponsored” search results.
Why It Matters:
It steals personal information from people who are already stressed. It can lead to identity theft or more scams. And it destroys trust — which is exactly what scammers want.
These Scams Can Happen to Anyone
Scammers succeed not because you’re careless — but because they understand human behavior.
Technology looks official now. Caller ID can look real. Websites can look real. Even texts can look like “government.”
Routine makes you slip. A quick scroll, a quick click, a quick “I’ll handle this fast” — that’s exactly when scams work best. Fear shuts down thinking. The moment you feel panic (license suspension, Medicare trouble, “your money is at risk”), your brain wants speed, not proof.
Even though scams are getting smarter, you can stay one step ahead. With a few simple habits, it’s possible to protect your money, your accounts, and your peace of mind.
Your Quick Checklist to Stay Safe
- Pause before acting. That’s the golden rule of digital safety. Scammers push urgency. Real organizations give you time.
- Verify directly. Hang up and call the official number on the back of your card or on the official website.
- Pay the safe way. For online shopping, use a credit card when possible. If someone insists on gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or strange payment methods, it’s a scam.
- Don’t trust “official” texts. If a text threatens penalties and includes a link, treat it like a trap. Go to the official website yourself instead.
With Futureproof, you don’t face scams alone. We check your info for data leaks 24/7, so you always know when your safety is at risk. Get started now for year-round protection.
Scams Don’t Take a Season Off
Their tricks may change with the season, but the goal is always the same — to take your money, your information, and your peace of mind.
This fall showed how scams can look “normal.” But your awareness breaks this spell. So pause, verify, and take back control — one safe choice at a time.
At Futureproof, Kevin makes online safety feel human with clear steps, real examples, and zero fluff. He holds a degree in information technology and studies fraud trends to keep his tips up-to-date.
In his free time, Kevin plays with his cat, enjoys board-game nights, and hunts for New York’s best cinnamon rolls.
