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Although fraud impacts all demographic groups, recent research shows that Hispanics are more likely to lose money in digital scams. In fact, a 2025 Pew Research Center survey revealed that 73% of adults in the U.S. have experienced an online scam, and 32% experienced one in the last year.
These scams often exploit trust, language, or a sense of urgency to deceive, but with the right information, it’s possible to detect and avoid falling victim to them. Below, Chase highlights the most common scams affecting the Latino community and shares practical tips to protect your safety and financial well-being.
Grandparent Scam:
Older adults are often a frequent target of scams due to being more vulnerable. According to AARP, 41% of Latinos over 50 have been victims of scams. Often, scammers impersonate family members through calls, even using artificial intelligence, to simulate an emergency and obtain money or personal information.
Tip: If you receive an urgent call or message saying a family member is in danger, do not act immediately or send money. Hang up and call your family member directly using a number you know. Remember: scammers create urgency so you don’t think calmly.
Romance Scams:
Scammers use fake profiles on dating apps or social media to gain the trust of their victims and then manipulate them into giving money or personal information.
Tip: Be suspicious if someone you only know online or by phone asks for money, gifts, or personal information quickly. Verify the authenticity of their photos and profiles by searching online and pay attention to inconsistencies in their stories or urgent excuses.
Impersonation Scams:
Scammers impersonate legitimate organizations such as banks, government agencies, or even immigration agents. They seek to alert people to a problem or urgent situation in order to trick them into giving their personal information or money.
Tip: If you are unsure who contacted you, call the official number on the website. Never share confidential information such as passwords, account numbers, or personal data. Additionally, you can use free identity monitoring tools like Chase Credit Journey to receive alerts about unusual activity. You do not need to be a Chase customer to use this service.
Holiday Shopping Scams:
The end-of-year celebrations are approaching, and scammers take advantage of the increase in online shopping by sending fake emails, offering deals that are too good to be true, or requesting payments outside of secure platforms. These scams can include fictitious package deliveries, fraudulent sellers, and fake gift cards.
Tip: Before buying or opening a link, always confirm the information on the company’s official page. Make your purchases only on trusted sites and use payment methods that offer protection, such as credit cards.
