Unscrupulous scammers are increasingly adopting highly sophisticated methods that mirror legitimate business practices and harness technologies like AI, making fraud even harder to spot. At the same time, ongoing economic pressures and the pace of modern life are making consumers more at risk of becoming victims. PissedConsumer.com has compiled a list of the top scam predictions consumers should be aware of in 2026. This list is based on the thousands of online reviews and complaints that consumers submitted to our site over the last 12 months. Alongside this list, we explain how each scam works, why these schemes continue to spread, and the very real risks they present for consumers. Key Insights In 2026, scams will become increasingly difficult to spot. Modern scammers closely mirror legitimate businesses, using professional branding, familiar communication strategies, and AI-driven tools to appear trustworthy. The promise of low-cost carries the highest risks. Free trials, subscriptions, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, and bonus-led promotions can often lead to hidden fees, recurring charges, and difficult cancellation policies. Scams promising greater convenience are increasingly catching people off guard. Fraud increasingly exploits busy lifestyles and urgency, making experienced consumers just as likely to be targeted as more vulnerable people. The List of Scams, Fraud, and Consumer Issues for 2026 Consumer reviews posted to PissedConsumer.com throughout 2025 highlight thousands of consumer issues relating to fraud and scam trends. Understanding how these scams work, recognizing the red flags, and knowing how to verify legitimacy will become essential skills for anyone wanting to avoid being ripped off. In this article, we’ll break down the key scams by category, share real-world examples from real consumers, and provide actionable guidance to help you stay safe in 2026. 1. E-Commerce Fraud Escalation E-commerce fraud is expected to grow in 2026 as scammers exploit weak seller verification on popular online marketplaces and social networks to drive impulse purchases. In 2025, thousands of online reviews on PissedConsumer demonstrated how difficult it can be to distinguish trusted retailers from fraudulent sellers. Many of these scams have no obvious red flags. They succeed by mirroring genuine e-commerce experiences, complete with professional branding, persuasive sales language, and familiar checkout processes. With so much at risk, it really pays dividends to check every click before parting with your money. How do e-commerce scams work? E-commerce scams typically begin with attractive product listings designed to prompt quick buying decisions. These listings may feature: Extremely low prices or “free” items. Limited-time offers and countdown timers. Vague or misleading product descriptions. Hidden fees added late in the checkout process. Once the transaction is complete, buyers might receive fake or substandard products, items that do not match the product description, or nothing at all. In some cases, unauthorized recurring fees may be taken from the customer’s account or credit card, sometimes weeks later, making the fraud even harder to trace. Temu features prominently in PissedConsumer reviews about misleading “free gift” promotions. In many cases, these offers are tied to conditions that aren’t clearly disclosed, or as this review highlights, the advertised gifts never arrive. Was told I won 6 free gifts and to select my gifts then on the last item selected, it says to claim your free gifts make a one time purchase. I did that and never received my free gifts. Instead they ultimately made me make multiple purchases ranging in the hundreds of dollars bit never once did I ever get to claim 1 free gift. How to protect yourself from e-commerce fraud Verify sellers' accounts and reviews before making a purchase, especially if the deal you are viewing seems “too good to be true.” Check all product details and look out for unexpected fees during the checkout process to avoid any surprises. Look for trusted “Verified” labels or seller reputation scores (and double-check them). Avoid sales platforms without clear refund policies or guarantees. 2. Hidden Fees and “Free Trial” Hooks Illicit “free trial” offers, hidden fees, and service-charge scams are expected to increase sharply in 2026. These scams thrive on confusing the consumer, with the true cost of the service rarely being disclosed upfront. Meanwhile, cancellation terms will be buried in fine print that most consumers will never see. The reviews on PissedConsumer show that what often appears to be a simple trial or one-time offer can be bundled with long-term contracts, cancellation penalties, or unexpected fees. How do hidden-fee and free-trial scams work? These schemes typically begin with an attractive offer designed to reduce consumer hesitation. Common tactics may include: “Free trials” that automatically convert into paid memberships. Service fees are disclosed only after checkout. High cancellation or early-termination charges. Vague billing descriptions that hide recurring costs. Once enrolled in programs, consumer experience tells us that it is often difficult to exit the scheme without incurring additional fees. Avoid hidden fees, service-charge scams & free trial hooks Check the small print for hidden fees associated with supposed free trials or promotional offers. Research companies on PissedConsumer.com for complaints about surprise charges or hard-to-cancel services. Confirm all upfront fees for services before paying. Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unexpected charges after initial trials. 3. Subscription and Membership Traps Selling everything from vinyl records to toilet paper, subscription and membership-based business models have surged in recent years. As the popularity has grown, so too has their appeal to scammers looking to exploit opportunities to capture recurring payments and exploit consumer inattention. What makes this type of consumer fraud so dangerous is its subtlety. Unlike one-off scams, subscription traps will often involve small, recurring charges that can go unnoticed for many months. By the time consumers realise they are being charged, cancelling the service and getting a refund can be very difficult. How subscription & membership traps work? Subscription and membership scams typically begin with a discounted offer, designed to encourage quick sign-ups. Common tactics include: Free trials that automatically convert into paid plans. Promises of “one-time” purchases that later become recurring charges. Cancellation links hidden deep within account settings. Customer support delays designed to push users past renewal dates. Many consumers tell us that they believed they had successfully cancelled their subscriptions, only to find that charges continue to reappear on their bank and credit card statements Lipozene, a subscription-based weight-loss supplement, has generated a high volume of complaints on PissedConsumer, with customers frequently highlighting difficulties cancelling subscriptions and ongoing charges, as demonstrated in this review. I have asked numerous times to stop sending me this product, and I am still receiving the shipment. Either stop this, or I will put my attorney on this matter. I will also cancel my credit card and call it fraud. Please stop all shipments. Avoid subscription & membership traps Read all terms and conditions carefully, noting auto-renewals, cancellation policies, and looking for hidden fees. Set calendar reminders for renewals or cancellations (and don’t ignore them). Use trackable payment methods like credit cards with fraud protection. Confirm options for opting out before subscribing. If not clear, DO NOT SUBSCRIBE! 4. Frauds Targeting Seniors and Immigrants When communication breaks down or becomes difficult, the risk of consumer fraud rises. Therefore, it’s not surprising that scammers are increasingly targeting specific groups who may be more vulnerable than others. These groups often include seniors and immigrants. The scammers will use fraud tactics which are designed to exploit language barriers, unfamiliar systems and procedures, and the financial vulnerability of those targeted. These scams often succeed not because the scammer’s tactics are sophisticated, but because support systems fail the people who need them most. How do senior scams work? These consumer scams in 2026 will typically involve a mix of impersonation and forced urgency. Fraudsters may pose as: Financial institutions or remittance services. Government agencies or immigration authorities. Customer support representatives for well-known brands. Using carefully scripted messages or calls in a consumer’s native language, scammers quickly establish trust and encourage victims to act before they can seek help. As artificial intelligence improves, these messages will increasingly sound more natural and authoritative, and so become more believable. How to protect yourself from this scam Educate yourself on scams targeting vulnerable communities, including seniors, immigrants, or non-native speakers. Share this information with any friends or colleagues who may benefit from this advice. Verify callers claiming to be relatives, service providers, or government officials. Get help from trusted family or advisors when unsure. Be cautious about any unexpected or urgent payment requests. Share your experience 5. Account Takeovers and Cybersecurity Threats Account takeover fraud will often unfold unseen. Victims may not realise their accounts have been compromised until personal details are changed, payment methods are misused, or services are locked without warning. Reviews from PissedConsumer in 2025 highlight a considerable increase in phishing attacks, social media account hijacks, and impersonation scams. Many of these scams are made more convincing through the increased use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. How do account takeover scams work? These attacks will typically begin with the theft of personal information through phishing emails, fake login pages, or fake customer support messages. Once scammers gain access to your accounts and personal details, they may: Change account passwords and recovery details. Lock the original owner out entirely. Use trusted accounts to scam friends or followers. Access connected services such as payment apps or cloud storage. In more advanced cases, deepfake audio or video is used to impersonate friends or family members, increasing the likelihood that victims will trust fraudulent requests. It’s not just personal information that’s at risk when social media accounts are hacked. With many small businesses relying on sites like Facebook and Instagram to promote their products and services, there is also a real risk of financial and reputational loss from Facebook scams, as demonstrated by this recent review of Facebook highlights. Hackers ran unauthorized ad campaigns, charging more than $2,300 to my account.Despite providing evidence and repeatedly contacting Meta, my ad account was disabled and I was denied access without a fair resolution.This situation has caused me significant financial and professional harm, as my page was my main source of clients. Safeguard against cybersecurity threats Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all online accounts and devices. Use strong, unique passwords and never reuse them across different platforms. Ignore unsolicited requests for personal information or login details. Monitor account activity for suspicious logins or unauthorized transactions. 6. Delivery Scams The growing popularity of online shopping has created numerous opportunities to scam consumers by sending fraudulent shipping notifications, creating fake tracking links, or demanding payments for customs or handling fees that don’t exist. These scams exploit consumers' expectations of timely deliveries and their tendency to act quickly when alerted to a potential issue to prevent delays. How do delivery and logistics scams work? These scams often involve convincing messages that appear to come from legitimate delivery companies or online retailers. Common scam tactics include: Fake shipping notifications claiming a package is delayed or held. Phishing emails asking for customs, handling, or “release” fees to be paid. Disappearing packages where payment is made but items are not delivered. Fraudulent tracking links that harvest personal or financial information. By imitating genuine logistics companies, scammers seek to create a sense of urgency that encourages consumers to pay fees or click on unsafe links. Source: idtheftcenter.org Stay safe from fake deliverys and logistics scams Verify tracking numbers directly with carriers. Don’t pay extra fees like customs charges unless you are expecting them and they can be verified. Confirm any delivery details if tracking doesn’t match your order. Use secure payment methods, such as a credit card with fraud protection. 7. Online Gambling, Sweepstakes & Virtual Asset Fraud As mobile casino apps and virtual gaming services become more popular, online gambling and sweepstakes platforms are expected to remain a major source of consumer fraud in 2026. Consumer reviews on PissedConsumer show recurring issues with unclear withdrawal rules, withheld winnings, and game mechanics that appear designed to prevent users from cashing out. Consumers often invest significant time and money playing these games before discovering that promised payouts are delayed, restricted, or denied altogether. What makes these scams especially damaging is that they often target and impact vulnerable people in financial difficulty. How do online gambling and sweepstakes scams work? These scams will typically lure users in with free credits, welcome bonuses, or claims of guaranteed winnings. Common tactics include: Bonus offers are tied to high wagering requirements. Withdrawal thresholds that are difficult or impossible to meet. Vague or changing terms governing payouts. Delays or denials are framed as “account reviews” or “verification checks”. By the time consumers realise the odds are stacked against them, their funds are often locked into platforms with limited opportunity to withdraw them. Online casino games like The Money Factory are regularly called out for delays in paying out winnings, as highlighted in this review (#6884388): I'm still waiting to receive what I won on 8/31/2025. I've never had to wait this long to receive my winnings. The money factory is becoming a joke and should be reported to the better business bureau for stealing people's money. Be Cautious with Online Gambling, Sweepstakes & Virtual Assets Research platforms for licensing and reputation to ensure legitimacy before depositing any funds. Avoid offers that seem “too good to be true.” Never pay to claim your winnings. Legitimate platforms don’t charge fees to release funds. Read the small print on bonuses or reward programs carefully. 8. AI and Deepfake Scams AI and deepfake scams are poised to become one of the most sophisticated and cynical forms of consumer fraud in 2026. By using AI-generated audio and video, scammers can easily impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members, colleagues, or company representatives, and then manipulate victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive personal information to access online accounts. How do AI and deepfake scams work? Deepfake scam trends in 2026 will increasingly involve creating fake audio or video messages that appear to come from someone the victim knows and trusts. Common approaches include: Requesting urgent money transfers or financial assistance. Impersonating executives or colleagues for corporate scams. Creating synthetic identities to bypass verification checks. Posing as “help desk” or customer service representatives via video calls. These scams exploit trust, urgency, and the increasing reliance on digital communication, making them more compelling and increasingly difficult to spot. Source: reddit.com How to stay safe from AI & deepfake scams Be skeptical of unsolicited video/audio calls requesting money or personal info. Verify identities through trusted channels before acting. Check the provider's identity and avoid unusual requests. Enable MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) on accounts storing sensitive personal data. 9. Job Scams The growing demand for flexible working conditions and remote jobs has created opportunities for fraudsters to steal money or personal information from job seekers. These scams, which often promise easy income, are particularly cruel because they prey on people who are actively looking to improve their financial situation, making potential victims more likely to overlook red flags in the hope of securing that dream career. How do job scams work? Job scams will often involve fake job offers or completely misrepresented work opportunities. Common scams include: Requests for upfront fees for training, equipment, or software. Unrealistic promises of high earnings or flexible schedules. Misuse of personal information for identity theft or unauthorized transactions. Unjust suspensions or withholding of earnings on “gig” platforms. Victims may only realise the fraud after investing considerable time, money, or sensitive data, at a time when they can least afford it. How to avoid job scams Verify job offers before providing money, equipment, or personal info. Research employers by checking company registration details, reviews, and actual work history. Avoid “money-mule” schemes or tasks involving transferring funds for others. Watch out for high-pay, low-work promises or upfront training fees. 10. BNPL Phishing Scams We expect Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services and micro-credit to become prime targets for scams in 2026. As more consumers seek to use flexible payment methods to manage expenses, fraudsters will seek to exploit the convenience and trust associated with these services to steal personal and financial information. These scams are particularly difficult to spot because they often involve small, seemingly innocuous charges that will often go completely unnoticed until they accumulate, leaving victims with unauthorized debts or compromised accounts. How do BNPL and micro-credit phishing scams work? Fraudsters will use deceptive messages, emails, or fake websites to trick consumers into: Authorizing payments for “free” or promotional offers. Providing personal or banking information to activate BNPL accounts. Clicking on links that appear to be from legitimate lenders or platforms. Entering verification codes that grant access to accounts. Consumers should remember that even small, unauthorized micro-charges can lead to larger financial risk when left unchecked. How to avoid BNPL & micro-credit phishing scams Check BNPL or micro-loan providers for licensing and reviews. Read contracts carefully, looking for hidden fees and unclear repayment terms. Avoid unsolicited links. Always access providers directly. Monitor statements for unauthorized or small recurring charges. Share your experience How to Avoid Falling Victim to a Scam in 2026 There’s little doubt that scammers will be getting sharper, faster, and harder to spot in 2026. By watching for the red flags featured in this article and staying informed, you’ll reduce your risk and gain control over your personal and financial security. Here’s how to stay one step ahead of the scammers. Verify everything: Confirm legitimacy before sharing personal or financial information. Monitor your accounts: Check bank and credit card statements for unusual charges or recurring payments. Question unsolicited contact: Always double-check emails, telephone calls, or social media messages asking for money or personal information. Report suspicious activity: Notify online platforms, banks, or consumer protection organizations of potential scams promptly to prevent further fraud. Keep devices updated: Security patches and software updates help to close the vulnerabilities scammers exploit. Stay informed: Follow consumer forums, reviews, and platforms like PissedConsumer.com to learn about emerging scams. Use trusted payment methods: Credit cards offer fraud protection. Avoid services with weak security or unclear policies. Shared Stories Protect Everyone The scam alerts highlighted in this report show that many modern scams succeed not just because consumers are careless, but because scams are deliberately designed to look legitimate, routine, and low-risk. When consumers understand how these scams work, learning to recognize early warning signs, and question offers that rely on urgency or confusion, the scammers lose their advantage. If you’ve been a victim of fraud, misleading business practices, or unethical customer service, sharing your experience matters. When you write a review on PissedConsumer, you help expose scammers' behaviour, warn others before they’re affected, and share the evidence that keeps consumers safer.