Scams are becoming more common—and more convincing. In fact, Americans reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That’s a 25% increase from the year before.
Homeowners are often targeted because they deal with large expenses like mortgages, repairs and utilities. Many scams try to create urgency, fear or confusion. Knowing what to look for can help you protect your home, your money and your personal information.
Homeowners facing foreclosure should be aware of loan modification scams, which often target people already under financial stress.
Some companies advertise guaranteed loan modifications or claim they can stop foreclosure entirely, even though these outcomes cannot be promised.
In many cases, these companies ask for upfront fees or tell homeowners to stop communicating with their lender, which can make the situation worse.
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Scammers may contact homeowners pretending to be a utility company and claim your service will be shut off immediately unless payment is made.
These scams often use urgency and may ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps that are difficult to trace. Real utility companies typically provide notice before shutoffs and do not demand payment this way.
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Homeowners may be approached by individuals offering repair or improvement services, especially after storms or during busy seasons.
These offers may include quick repairs or discounted services, but in some cases the work is incomplete, delayed or done poorly. Some scammers take payment and do not return, leaving homeowners with unfinished work.
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These messages may claim you owe money, are due a refund or can reduce your tax bill for a fee. Because they often look official, these scams can be difficult to recognize.
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Scammers are increasingly using technology to impersonate companies or individuals, making messages appear more realistic than in the past.
This can include emails, phone calls, texts or websites that look legitimate and may request personal or financial information. These scams may seem convincing, especially when they create urgency or appear to come from a trusted source.
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Messages claiming to be from government agencies should be approached with caution.
These may come by email, text or phone and often request payment or personal information. They may also create urgency or use threatening language.
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Some scams begin with a warning that there is a problem with your account.
The message may claim to be from a bank, government agency or fraud department and say your money is at risk. You may be told to transfer funds to another account to “protect” them.
These instructions are a common scam tactic. The Federal Trade Commission warns that anyone telling you to move money to keep it safe is likely a scammer.
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Unexpected messages about packages or deliveries are another common scam.
These messages may say there was a problem delivering a package or that you need to click a link to reschedule delivery. The link may lead to a fake website designed to collect personal or payment information.
These scams often appear to come from well-known delivery companies and may look legitimate at first.
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After a scam, your information may be shared or sold, making you more likely to be contacted again. In these cases, someone may reach out and claim they can help recover lost money, prizes or items—but only if you pay a fee first.
These messages may appear to come from a government agency, law firm or consumer group. In some cases, scammers may even pretend to be connected to the original company or claim they are holding money for you.
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Most scams try to scare you into acting fast. Take a moment. Check the facts. Talk to someone you trust.
Smart steps to stay safe:
You can also test your scam awareness with the American Bankers Association’s “Banks Never Ask That” quiz.
For more tips, the FDIC provides guidance on avoiding scams.
If you believe you’ve been targeted or affected by a scam, there are several ways to report it or get more information:
You can also check your state attorney general’s office for additional reporting options and consumer protection resources. Reporting scams helps agencies track patterns and warn others.
The 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act makes major tax changes affecting homeowners. The SALT deduction cap rises to $40,000 (2025–2029), mortgage interest limits stay at $750,000, and many home energy credits end after 2025. These updates may affect itemizing decisions and deductions. Homeowners should review carefully and seek professional tax advice.
Credit scores weigh heavily on a homeowner's ability to borrow money. This actionable guide provides a month-by-month strategy to improve your credit score steadily over time.
