Nearly 1 in 3 people who lost money last year were first contacted on social media. Scams that started on Facebook alone cost people more than texts and email combined. Here’s what’s landing:

• Fake delivery texts. “Your package is on hold. Update your address.” One tap, and they’ve got your card number.
• Copycat stores. Social media ads for 80% off brand-name gear lead to cloned sites. You pay. Nothing ships.
• Fake fraud alerts. “Did you authorize a $499 charge?” It’s not your bank. Business impersonators took about $1 billion last year, and fake banks pulled the biggest scores.
• AI voice clones. A panicked call from your “grandson” who needs bail money. It sounds exactly like him. The FBI says scams powered by AI cost Americans $893 million last year.
• Gift card demands. No real company, agency or utility wants payment in gift cards. Ever.

The tell is always urgency. Slow down, hang up and call back using a number you know is real.