RVers are prime targets for today’s smartest scams

RVers are perfect targets for scammers. We move between states, use public Wi-Fi, and answer cell phone calls all along the way.

So how can RVers avoid even the savviest scammers? How can we stay safe when new fraud schemes are hatched daily, some even using the help of Artificial Intelligence? Hopefully, these tips can help!

Popular scams

Here are some scams to watch for right now:

Employment bait scams

These start with unsolicited job offers that sound flexible and well-paid. They may offer remote work like “package reshipping,” mystery shopping, or online assistant roles. The scammer may send a fake check for supplies and ask you to buy gift cards. Other scammers may have you move money through your own account. The job disappears once your money is gone, and, in some cases, victims are unknowingly used for money laundering.

Recovery scams

Recovery scams target people who have already lost money to a scam. Criminals pose as law enforcement, government agencies, attorneys, or “fund recovery specialists.” They claim they can get your money back—for a fee. Once paid, the scammers vanish. No legitimate agency charges upfront to recover stolen funds. Law enforcement does not cold-call victims to collect money.

“Digital arrest” ploys

In these scams, callers claim you are under investigation by government officials. They may also claim to have a digital warrant tied to your Social Security number, taxes, or immigration status. Victims are told to stay on the phone, not speak to anyone else, and immediately pay fines through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to avoid arrest. Real authorities do not resolve legal matters this way or demand instant payment.

Romance and emotional cons

Yes, these scams still happen! Scammers build online relationships through dating sites, social media, or even RV and travel forums. (RVtravel.com is very closely monitored and safeguarded to prevent online scams.) Over time, they create emotional attachment, then invent emergencies, business opportunities, or travel problems that require money. These scams often last months and can cause both financial loss and emotional harm, especially to people who travel alone.

Fake tech-support contacts.

These scams begin with pop-up warnings, emails, or calls claiming your computer or phone is infected or compromised. The scammer pretends to be from a well-known company and pressures you to grant remote access or pay for unnecessary “repairs.” Once inside your device, they may steal personal data, install malware, or drain accounts.

Government agency impersonation scams

Scammers pose as representatives from agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or local law enforcement. They claim you owe money, your benefits are at risk, or your identity has been used in a crime. Victims are pressured to provide personal information or make payments using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate government agencies do not demand payment or sensitive information through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails.

Scams are getting more sophisticated

Today’s scams are getting more sophisticated, often using phone, email, and fake websites to deceive people.

Phone scams and robocalls

Caller ID isn’t reliable. Scammers commonly “spoof” phone numbers so a call looks like it’s from a bank, Medicare, or even a local number. They count on you answering and reacting quickly. For instance, saying “yes” to confirm identity, or following instructions to move money or share account access. Never trust an incoming voice call that pressures you for personal info or immediate payment, even if the caller ID looks right.

Unknown phone numbers

If you don’t recognize the number, let voicemail get it. If you pick up and the caller asks for sensitive information, hang up. Immediately. Don’t press buttons to “opt out” of robocalls. That can actually confirm your number is active.

For persistent nuisance calls, use your phone’s built-in blocking tools. iPhones have “Silence Unknown Callers,” many Androids have similar filters, and major carriers offer spam-filtering services. Consider a reputable call-blocking app if you get overwhelmed.

Stay safe on the road

Before sharing any information:

• Pause and breathe. Ask for the caller’s name, agency, and a call-back number. Then hang up and verify independently.
• Never give out account numbers or Social Security numbers or sign anything electronically during an unsolicited call.
• Refuse pressure and threats. Government agencies don’t demand immediate payment by gift card or wire to resolve legal or tax issues.
• Keep a short cheat sheet on your RV dash or stored in your phone with emergency numbers: your bank, credit card fraud line, local police, and the FBI’s IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) reporting link.
• Use unique passwords plus a password manager, enable two-factor authentication for important accounts, and keep device software updated.

These small routines create layers of defense.

Stay safe in campgrounds

Avoiding online and tech support scams while you’re camping: When using campground Wi-Fi, treat it like public Wi-Fi. This means avoid logging into important accounts unless you have a personal hotspot or VPN. Do not click links in unexpected emails or texts.

If a website or pop-up says your device is infected and directs you to call a tech number, close the browser. Then run trusted antivirus software or contact the device manufacturer directly using contact info from their official website.

Help! I’ve been scammed!

If you’ve been scammed, there are immediate steps that can help limit the damage. Stop further payments and contact your bank or credit card company to dispute charges. Then freeze or close affected accounts and change passwords on accounts that might be compromised.

File reports with IC3 and your local police. If identity information was taken, place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus and monitor your credit reports. Keep records of every call, email, and transaction tied to the scam. Those notes will help investigators and creditors.

How to report

There are several ways to report a suspected scam. If it’s an internet or email fraud, file a complaint at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

If the scam involves a business transaction, report to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker in addition to state consumer protection agencies. You can also notify the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) about illegal robocalls and spoofing.

Reporting matters. Aggregated complaints help investigators spot patterns and shut down networks.

A special warning

AI (Artificial Intelligence) has enabled scammers to create fake “crime-report” portals and look-alike sites. Criminals have created phony versions of official complaint portals and even fake federal sites to harvest personal information.

Always check the domain carefully and, when in doubt, go directly to the agency’s homepage by typing the agency name into your browser rather than clicking suspect links. If a reporting site asks for bank or login credentials to “verify” your identity, it’s probably a trap.

Scam alerts

You can receive scam alerts no matter where you travel. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) consumer alerts will provide short, practical updates targeted at older adults. You must sign up for these alerts. Bookmark official agency pages and save the IC3 and BBB reporting links so you can act fast from wherever your travels take you.

Final bit of road wisdom

Trust your gut and check the facts. Scammers aim to make you feel rushed, embarrassed, or flattered.

If something feels off (e.g., an unexpected “too good to be true” job offer, an emotional plea from a “new friend,” or a caller insisting you must pay now), stop. Verify through independent channels, report what happened, and share your experience with other RVers so the whole community gets safer.

Do you think AI will make it more difficult to identify scammers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Make sure you’re signed up for the RVtravel.com Saturday news newsletter, where we often report on recent scams. 

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