EXCLUSIVE: Tech expert reveals the three biggest phone scams currently conning millions of Americans

Scams are like a game of swiping that never ends – they keep coming.

Our mission here at DailyMail.com is clear and straightforward: to provide you with the knowledge, you should be scam smart, not scam sorry.

Here are three phone scams that are growing in popularity across the United States and are set to arrive in your city:

1. Prepare the delivery script

You get a text that appears to be from USPS.

“Click here,” it says, “Your package cannot be delivered until you update your address.”

It doesn’t have to be a holiday rush to expect packages.

That’s why scammers impersonating USPS are so dangerous.

They send you a text message with a link to update your address, otherwise your package will be forgotten.

To make you act quickly, there is a sense of urgency.

When you click on the link, you may be shown a site requesting your personal information or login credentials, including your password.

● No Link, No Problem: Real USPS notifications won’t spam you with spam links.

● Protect your information: Protect your personal data like a lioness fiercely, and without hesitation protecting her cubs.

● Log in to confirm: If in doubt, go to the official website where you purchased the item. Log in to your account and check your orders. You will usually find the tracking number there.

If you click on the link by mistake, hackers can download malware onto your device.

Once installed, the malicious code can scan your device for sensitive information (such as your bank account or credit card numbers), spy on you, or encrypt your device and demand payment to unlock it.

2. Gas station skimmer alerts

Currently trending in Colorado, this message comes as an email warning you about credit card skimmers targeting victims at local gas stations.

The Colorado State Patrol issued an alert last month, assuring the public that the emails were fake and urging them not to click on any links.

The subject line of these emails is usually “Warning: Recent Contactless Payment Processor Scam.”

The text of the message lists the names of the gas stations that were allegedly hacked.

All you have to do is click on their infamous link to determine if a nearby station is affected or not.

Do so, and you could be exposed to malware, keyloggers, or worse.

● Just delete: Treat these emails like any other piece of junk in your life, and throw them in the trash immediately.

● Scan before you swipe: Always scan payment terminals. Fraudsters often install physical skimmers that can grab your card information.

● Pushing from within: If something doesn’t seem right, push from within in a generally safer place. It is also unlikely that the skimmers will be placed in full view of gas station employees.

Knowledge is your best armor against the scammers and digital thieves of the world. You have to be a hawk – always alert and always vigilant. Pass this on to family and friends because there’s no such thing as being too prepared.

3. Your day in court

Police in several cities, including Amarillo, Texas, are warning about this clever scam. Your phone rings and the caller ID says it’s the police.

The ominous voice on the other end says you’re in big trouble for failing to appear in court, and there’s a warrant out for your arrest.

The caller says you can settle the whole matter over the phone and pay the fine.

They may ask you to send money via BitCoin, gift cards, or use an app like Venmo.

● Always Ask: Legitimate law enforcement agencies work by the book, which doesn’t include handling legal fines over a phone call.

● Caller ID can be spoofed: Scammers are skilled at spoofing caller IDs to make it look like an official organization is calling.

● Research and report: If you have suspicions, find the official contact for your local police and contact them directly to verify any allegations.

● Gift cards? Scammers often demand payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or cash apps. Your local police will never ask for these payment methods.

“Know that jury summonses and failure-to-appear notices will be delivered to your home via regular mail,” New Jersey Attorney General Josh Stein shared.

“Law enforcement or government officials will not contact you and threaten you with arrest or fines for failing to appear for jury service.”