TL;DR: This page collects 10 dated, sourced scam and fraud stories from United States, reported by the FBI, FTC and state attorneys general and local media between August and October 2026. Each links to a full write-up with the red flags and what to do. Report scams quickly: speed is the biggest factor in recovering money.
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This month's stories
- FBI Reports Nearly 61,000 Law Enforcement Impersonation Complaints and More Than $1.6 Billion in Losses: The FBI's Sept 17, 2026 alert counts nearly 61,000 law enforcement impersonation complaints and over $1.6 billion lost since January 2025.
- FBI Warns of a Messaging-App Campaign That Steals Account Access Without a Password: An FBI alert (Sept 1, 2026) describes phishing that tricks users into approving a permission screen, giving attackers access a password change won't end.
- FTC Warns That Fake QR Codes Are Being Stuck Over Real Parking Meter Codes: An FTC alert on Sept 3, 2026 warns that scammers paste fake QR codes over real parking meter codes to steal payment and personal information.
- FTC: Scammers Are Using AI to Clone Real Car Dealership Websites: An FTC alert dated Sept 1, 2026 says scammers use AI to copy dealer websites and push buyers of rare cars to pay by wire transfer only.
- FBI Newark Warns of Fake Agents Who Spoof Office Numbers and Stage Video Meetings: FBI Newark warned on Sept 29, 2026 that scammers spoof field office numbers and hold fake video meetings with FBI backdrops and seals.
- Inside Operation Blackout: How the FBI Is Targeting Overseas Scam Compounds: According to FOX 10, an August 2026 raid on a Cambodian scam compound seized 113 hard drives; Operation Level Up has contacted 10,406 potential victims.
- Georgia Woman Sentenced After a $158,000 Vendor-Impersonation Email Scam: On Sept 16, 2026 Georgia's attorney general announced a sentence in a $158,000 business email compromise that diverted payments for strawberry seeds.
- Wisconsin's New Crypto ATM Law Caps Transactions at $1,000 and Offers Refunds: Wisconsin Watch reported Sept 28, 2026 that Act 226 caps crypto ATM transactions at $1,000 a day and offers refunds to victims who report within 30 days.
- Two Charged in New Hampshire After Callers Posing as McAfee Told a Senior to Buy Gold: Wilton, NH police charged two Brooklyn men after callers posing as McAfee told an elderly victim to turn bank funds into gold, per a Sept 30, 2026 report.
- Long Island Woman Wired $919,200 to Callers Posing as Police, Then Asked for Gold: A 70-year-old Hicksville woman wired $919,200 to callers claiming a crime in India; police made an arrest on Sept 2, 2026 after she called them.
What the stories have in common
Most of these scams rely on pressure, secrecy and a request for payment or a login. The simplest defence is to stop, check the request through a contact method you find yourself, and tell someone before you act.
Where to report
Report to IC3 and FTC ReportFraud, and tell your bank straight away. Our guide on how to report a scam to the IC3 lists the steps, and What to do after a scam, wherever you live covers what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I report a scam in United States?
Report it to IC3 or FTC ReportFraud and contact your bank immediately. See our guide for the full steps.
How often is this United States scam news roundup updated?
We add new, verified stories regularly and date every one. Each post links to its original source.
What is the most important thing to do after a scam?
Contact your bank straight away and report it. In most recoveries, speed made the difference.
Sources
Related Reading
- FBI Reports Nearly 61,000 Law Enforcement Impersonation Complaints and More Than $1.6 Billion in Losses
- FBI Warns of a Messaging-App Campaign That Steals Account Access Without a Password
- FTC Warns That Fake QR Codes Are Being Stuck Over Real Parking Meter Codes
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live