Weekly Scam Digest: Archive of Past Issues

Here are the scams our editors saw this week and the recovery guides we updated.

New scam alerts

Scam Alert! - QR Code Parking Meter Sticker Scam (Fake Payment Page)
2026-07-09 · July alert: Fraudsters place QR stickers on parking meters and posters that route payments to phishing checkout pages.

Scam Alert! - Venmo/Cash App “Accidental Transfer” Message (Refund Setup)
2026-07-09 · July alert: Messages claim someone sent you money by mistake and pressure you to “refund” it outside the app — often paired with bank impersonation.

Scam Alert! - “Package On Hold” Delivery Texts (USPS/Amazon/UPS Smishing)
2026-07-09 · July alert: Delivery texts claim you must “confirm address” or pay a small fee; the link steals card details or installs malware.

Scam Alert! - Zelle “Refund Trick” Call/Text Wave (Bank Impersonation)
2026-07-09 · July alert: Callers posing as your bank claim a Zelle transfer “went through” and pressure you to send money back to “reverse” it.

Scam Alert! - Fake Summer Internship Recruiter Email
2026-07-09 · July alert: Students receive fake internship offers requiring upfront background-check or equipment fees.

Scam Alert! - Fake Utility Shutoff Call (Summer Electric & Gas)
2026-07-03 · July 2026 alert: Scammers impersonate electric and gas utilities, threaten same-day shutoff during heat waves, and demand gift cards or crypto payment.

Updated protection guides

Medicare Scam Phone Calls: Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself