Red Flag Briefing — Scam alerts and guidesPlain-English scam alerts and step-by-step guides for older Americans and their families. Independent. Not a government agency.https://redflagbriefing.com/en-usHoliday Shopping Scams 2026: Fake Stores, Deals and Textshttps://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/holiday-shopping-scams-2026/https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/holiday-shopping-scams-2026/Fake online stores, too-good deals, delivery texts and gift card tricks. How to shop safely this holiday season and what to do if an order goes wrong.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingAlerteditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])2027 Social Security COLA Scams: Texts and Calls to Ignorehttps://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/social-security-cola-2027-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/social-security-cola-2027-scams/Scammers use the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment to ask for fees or 'activation.' What real COLA notices look like and how to report scams.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsAlerteditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Card Skimming: How to Spot Skimmers at Pumps and ATMshttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/card-skimming/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/card-skimming/Skimmers are hidden card readers on gas pumps and ATMs that copy your card. How to spot one, safer ways to pay, and what to do if your card is copied.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBank & ZelleGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Charity Scams: How to Check a Charity Before You Givehttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/charity-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/charity-scams/Fake charities use urgent appeals, look-alike names and pressure to pay by gift card or crypto. How to research a charity and give safely.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Fake Customer Service Numbers in Search Resultshttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/fake-customer-service-numbers/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/fake-customer-service-numbers/Scammers buy search ads and post fake help-line numbers and bill pay sites. How to find a company's real number and spot a sponsored scam result.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Gift Card Scams: Why Anyone Who Asks Is a Scammerhttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/gift-card-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/gift-card-scams/No real agency or company asks for payment in gift cards. How gift card scams work, what to do in the first hour, and how to ask for your money back.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBank & ZelleGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Home Repair Scams: How to Spot a Fake Contractorhttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/home-repair-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/home-repair-scams/Door-to-door offers, big upfront deposits and 'leftover materials' deals. How to check a contractor, get a written contract and avoid post-storm scams.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Identity Theft: What to Do in the First 24 Hourshttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/identity-theft-what-to-do/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/identity-theft-what-to-do/If a scammer got your Social Security number or bank details: freeze your credit, report at IdentityTheft.gov and lock down accounts. Step by step.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Protect an Aging Parent From Scams: 10 Stepshttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/protect-aging-parent-from-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/protect-aging-parent-from-scams/Practical steps adult children can take with a parent's permission: trusted contacts, account alerts, call blocking, a family safe word and more.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTFamily emergencyGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])QR Code Scams: When Not to Scanhttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/qr-code-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/qr-code-scams/Fake QR codes on parking meters, packages and emails lead to phishing sites. How QR code scams work and how to pay or check safely.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Recovery Scams: When 'We'll Get Your Money Back' Is a Traphttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/recovery-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/recovery-scams/After a scam, fake lawyers, agencies and 'FBI' accounts offer to recover your money for a fee. Why it's a second scam and where real help is.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTInvestment & cryptoGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Fake Check Scams: Why 'Send Back the Extra' Costs Youhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/bank-zelle/fake-check-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/bank-zelle/fake-check-scams/A stranger sends a check and asks you to return part of it. Weeks later the check bounces and you owe the bank. How fake check scams work.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBank & ZelleGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Zelle Scams: Fake Bank Alerts and 'Safe Account' Trickshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/bank-zelle/zelle-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/bank-zelle/zelle-scams/Scammers posing as your bank tell you to send money by Zelle to 'reverse' fraud. Why it's always a scam, how payment app scams work, what to do fast.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBank & ZelleGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Got a Package You Didn't Order? It May Be a Brushing Scamhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/delivery-toll-texts/brushing-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/delivery-toll-texts/brushing-scam/Unordered packages can mean someone is using your name for fake reviews, or bait for a QR code scam. What brushing is and what to do.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTDelivery & toll textsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Amazon Impersonation Scams: Fake Orders, Calls and Refundshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/email-phishing/amazon-impersonation-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/email-phishing/amazon-impersonation-scams/Fake 'suspicious order' calls, account-locked emails and refund tricks use Amazon's name. How to check an order safely and report impostors.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Courier Scams: When Someone Comes to Pick Up Your Cashhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/cash-gold-courier-pickup-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/cash-gold-courier-pickup-scam/Scammers send couriers to the homes of older adults to collect cash, gold or silver. Why no real agency or bank does this, and what to do if one is coming.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])IRS Scams: Calls, Texts and Letters That Aren't the IRShttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/irs-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/irs-scams/Fake IRS calls threaten arrest; fake texts promise refunds. How the real IRS contacts you, what it never does, and where to report impostors.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Jury Duty and Arrest Warrant Scams: What Police Never Dohttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/jury-duty-arrest-warrant-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/jury-duty-arrest-warrant-scam/Callers posing as deputies or federal agents say you missed jury duty or face arrest and must pay now — sometimes on a video call. How to tell it's fake.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Veterans Benefit Scams: Postcards, Pension Offers and Feeshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/veterans-benefit-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/veterans-benefit-scams/Postcards about benefits, 'pension buyouts' and people charging to file VA claims. How scams target veterans and where to get free, accredited help.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Grandparent Scams: How They Work and What to Sayhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/grandparent-family-emergency/grandparent-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/grandparent-family-emergency/grandparent-scam/A 'grandchild' in jail or the hospital needs money fast and begs you not to tell. How the scam works, the courier twist, and exactly what to say.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTFamily emergencyGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Medicare Genetic Testing and 'Free' Equipment Scamshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/medicare-health/genetic-testing-medical-equipment-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/medicare-health/genetic-testing-medical-equipment-scams/Free DNA tests, cancer screenings or back braces offered for your Medicare number are a sign of Medicare fraud. How to spot and report them.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMedicare & healthGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])HealthCare.gov Scams: Fake Health Plans at Open Enrollmenthttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/medicare-health/health-insurance-marketplace-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/medicare-health/health-insurance-marketplace-scams/Fake health plan ads, look-alike websites and pushy callers show up when Marketplace Open Enrollment opens Nov. 1. How to spot them and check a plan.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMedicare & healthGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Protect Your Medicare Number From Scammershttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/medicare-health/medicare-number-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/medicare-health/medicare-number-scams/Free braces, 'new cards' and plan pitches are all ways to steal your Medicare number. How each trick works and how to spot false charges.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMedicare & healthGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams: If You Must Pay, It's Fakehttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/prize-lottery-sweepstakes-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/prize-lottery-sweepstakes-scams/You 'won' but must pay fees or taxes first? That's a scam. How fake prize calls, letters and texts work, and what real sweepstakes never ask.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Timeshare Resale and Exit Scams: Upfront Fees Are the Tellhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/timeshare-resale-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/timeshare-resale-scams/Callers say they have a buyer for your timeshare or can get you out of it, for a fee. How timeshare resale and exit scams work and what to check.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Utility Shutoff Scams: 'Pay Now or Lose Power' Callshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/utility-shutoff-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/utility-shutoff-scams/Callers threaten to shut off power or water today unless you pay by gift card, app or crypto. How utility scams work and how to check your bill.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Signs of a Romance Scammer: 9 Red Flags to Knowhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/romance/romance-scam-signs/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/romance/romance-scam-signs/How romance scammers find you, build trust and ask for money or crypto. Nine warning signs, how to check a profile, and where to report.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTRomanceGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])WhatsApp Scams: Fake Investment Groups and Strangers' Chatshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/social-media/whatsapp-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/social-media/whatsapp-scams/WhatsApp is where many social media scams start. How fake investment groups and friendly strangers work, and how to report and block them in the app.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTSocial mediaGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Fake Geek Squad, Norton and McAfee Renewal Emailshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/tech-support/fake-antivirus-renewal-email/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/tech-support/fake-antivirus-renewal-email/An email says your antivirus or Geek Squad plan just renewed and lists a number to call for a refund. It is a tech support scam. Here is what to do.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTTech supportGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Phantom Hacker Scam: The 3-Step Con That Empties Savingshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/tech-support/phantom-hacker-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/tech-support/phantom-hacker-scam/A fake tech support agent, a fake bank official and a fake government agent work together to move your savings to a 'safe' account. How to stop it.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTTech supportGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Job Scams: Fake Recruiters and 'Task' Jobs That Cost Youhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/text-message-scams/job-task-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/text-message-scams/job-task-scams/Texts offering easy remote work, 'task' jobs that require deposits and recruiters asking for fees. How job scams work and how to check an offer.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTText message scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Wrong Number Text Scam: Why You Shouldn't Replyhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/text-message-scams/wrong-number-text-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/text-message-scams/wrong-number-text-scam/A friendly text meant for 'someone else' can be the first step of a romance or investment scam. Why it's safe to ignore it and what to do instead.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTText message scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: What to Watch For in 2026https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/medicare-open-enrollment-scams-2026/https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/medicare-open-enrollment-scams-2026/Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15–Dec. 7. How to spot fake Medicare plan calls, 'new card' offers and pushy agents, and where to get free, unbiased help.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMedicare & healthAlerteditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])FBI Warns of 2026 Midterm Election Scams: 4 to Knowhttps://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/midterm-election-scams-2026/https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/midterm-election-scams-2026/Fake campaign 'investment pools,' scam PACs, fake merchandise and voter registration texts. What the FBI says to watch for before the November election.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsAlerteditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Check If a Website Is Legit: 10 Checkshttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/check-if-website-is-legit/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/check-if-website-is-legit/Before you buy, log in or pay a bill online, run these 10 quick checks to tell a real website from a fake one — from the web address to the payment page.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Is This Number a Scam? How to Check a Phone Numberhttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/check-phone-number-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/check-phone-number-scam/Caller ID can be faked, so a number alone can't prove who's calling. Use this checklist to judge a suspicious call or text and find the real number.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Stop Spam Texts on iPhone and Androidhttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/stop-spam-texts/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/stop-spam-texts/Step-by-step settings to filter and block spam texts on iPhone and Android, plus free tools from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, based on the FCC's guides.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTText message scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])What Is Phishing? A Plain-English Guidehttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/what-is-phishing/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/what-is-phishing/Phishing is when scammers pose as someone you trust to steal passwords, account numbers or your Social Security number. How it works and how to stay safe.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Credit and Debit Card Scams: Fake Fraud Alerts and Textshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/bank-zelle/card-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/bank-zelle/card-scams/Fake fraud alerts by text and phone trick people into giving up card details or moving money. See examples, the red flags, and how to dispute a charge.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBank & ZelleGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Is a Scammer Using Your Email Address? (Email Spoofing)https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/email-phishing/email-spoofing/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/email-phishing/email-spoofing/Friends getting scam emails from your address? Learn the difference between a spoofed and a hacked account, how to check, and how to lock it down.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Phishing Email Examples and 7 Red Flags to Spothttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/email-phishing/phishing-email-examples/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/email-phishing/phishing-email-examples/See what phishing emails look like — fake billing holds, invoices, security alerts and refunds — and the 7 red flags that give them away.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Police and Embassy Impostor Scams Targeting Chinese Speakershttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/chinese-police-impostor-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/chinese-police-impostor-scam/FBI: scammers posing as Chinese police, embassy or consulate officials target Chinese speakers and students in the U.S. How the scam works and what to do.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Trading Scam Red Flags: Fake Apps and 'Guaranteed' Returnshttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/investment-crypto/trading-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/investment-crypto/trading-scams/Fake trading apps show big profits, then demand 'taxes' before you can withdraw. Learn the red flags of trading scams and how to check an investment first.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTInvestment & cryptoGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Caller ID Spoofing: Why Scammers Can Fake Any Numberhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/caller-id-spoofing/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/phone-scams/caller-id-spoofing/Scammers can make any name or number show on caller ID — your bank, a government agency, even your own number. How spoofing works and how to stay safe.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Facebook Scams: Fake Profiles, Marketplace and Messengerhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/social-media/facebook-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/social-media/facebook-scams/More money is lost to scams that start on Facebook than on any other social platform, the FTC says. How fake ads, hacked friends and Messenger scams work.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTSocial mediaGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Contact the FTC — and What It Can and Can't Dohttps://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/contact-the-ftc/https://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/contact-the-ftc/The FTC's official phone numbers, address and report websites, what happens after you report, and how to spot someone pretending to be the FTC.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Report a Phishing Email: Where to Send Ithttps://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-phishing-email/https://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-phishing-email/How to report phishing and scam emails: your email's Report phishing button, reportphishing@apwg.org, the FTC and the FBI — plus what to do if you clicked.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Report a Scam Phone Number or Callhttps://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-scam-call/https://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-scam-call/Where to report a scam phone number: DoNotCall.gov, ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FCC and the right agency for IRS, Social Security or Medicare impostor calls.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTPhone scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Report a Scam Text (Forward to 7726)https://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-scam-text/https://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-scam-text/How to report spam and scam texts: forward to 7726 (SPAM), use Report Spam on iPhone or Android, and file with the FTC. Step by step, with what to include.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTText message scamsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])How to Report a Scam or Phishing Websitehttps://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-scam-website/https://redflagbriefing.com/report-a-scam/report-scam-website/Found a fake store or phishing site? Report it to the FTC, the FBI's IC3, Google Safe Browsing and Microsoft, and alert the company being copied.Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTEmail & phishingGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])USPS Text Scam: USPS Will Never Send You This Texthttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/delivery-toll-texts/usps-delivery-text-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/delivery-toll-texts/usps-delivery-text-scam/Postal Inspectors say USPS only texts people who asked for tracking, and never with a link. See the fake text, a 5-question check and how to report it.Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTDelivery & toll textsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])FBI: Tech Support Scams Cost Seniors $1 Billion in 2025https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/fbi-tech-support-scams-cost-seniors-1-billion/https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/fbi-tech-support-scams-cost-seniors-1-billion/Americans 60 and older reported over $1 billion in tech-support scam losses to the FBI in 2025. Learn the 4 red flags and what to do if a pop-up appears.Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTTech supportAlerteditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Toll Road Scam Texts: What Real Toll Agencies Never Askhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/delivery-toll-texts/toll-scam-texts/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/delivery-toll-texts/toll-scam-texts/Got a text about an unpaid toll? It's probably a scam. See a real-looking example, what toll agencies never ask for, and how to check your bill safely.Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTDelivery & toll textsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])AI Scams: Voice Cloning, Deepfakes and Your Familyhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/grandparent-family-emergency/ai-voice-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/grandparent-family-emergency/ai-voice-scams/Scammers use AI to copy a loved one's voice, fake video calls and write flawless messages. How AI scams work, the warning signs, and a family safe word.Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTFamily emergencyGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Got a 'Medicare' Call? What to Do in the First 5 Minuteshttps://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/medicare-call-what-to-do-first-5-minutes/https://redflagbriefing.com/alerts/medicare-call-what-to-do-first-5-minutes/Medicare won't call to sell you anything or ask for your Medicare number out of the blue. A minute-by-minute plan for a suspicious 'Medicare' call.Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTMedicare & healthAlerteditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])What to Do After You've Been Scammed: First-Hour Checklisthttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/what-to-do-after-scam/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/what-to-do-after-scam/Scammed, or clicked a phishing link? Follow this first-hour checklist to stop payments, lock down accounts, report it and avoid follow-up recovery scams.Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTBank & ZelleGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Social Security Scams: Calls, Texts and Emails to Watch Forhttps://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/social-security-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/scams/government-impostor/social-security-scams/Fake Social Security calls, texts and 'statement' emails threaten suspended numbers and arrest. The four signs of a scam and what the real SSA won't do.Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTGovernment impostorsGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Is Your Parent in a Romance Scam? How to Talk About Ithttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/talking-to-a-parent-about-romance-scams/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/talking-to-a-parent-about-romance-scams/Warning signs that a parent's online relationship is a romance scam, and calm, practical ways to talk about it without shame or arguments.Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTRomanceGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])Bitcoin ATM Scams: What to Know Before You Deposit Cashhttps://redflagbriefing.com/guides/crypto-atm-scams-what-to-know/https://redflagbriefing.com/guides/crypto-atm-scams-what-to-know/No real bank or agency will tell you to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM. How the scam works, the FBI's latest numbers, and what to do if it happened.Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMTInvestment & cryptoGuideeditor@redflagbriefing.com ([object Object])