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Hello Reader,
Scammers are getting really, really good at what they do. And in 2026, they're not just sending sketchy emails from random addresses anymore. They're impersonating tools and platforms you use every day. Things that feel totally routine and safe. That's exactly what makes them so dangerous.
So today, we are breaking down three scams that are actively circulating right now, what they look like, and exactly what to do if you come across them.
Please share this email with someone you love, because awareness is one of the most powerful forms of protection.
Scam #1: The Evite (fake party invite) scam
You open your inbox and see an invitation. A birthday party, a baby shower, a celebration of life from someone whose name you recognize. You click to RSVP. And just like that, you've walked into a trap.
This is one of the fastest-growing scams of 2026. Scammers are sending fake digital invitations that look exactly like real ones from platforms like Evite, Paperless Post, and Punchbowl, complete with real branding, familiar formatting, and even a name you recognize as the sender. That name might belong to a friend whose email account was hacked without them even knowing it.
According to the FTC, consumers lost $15.9 billion to scams in 2025 alone, up from $12.5 billion the year before. And scams like this one are a big reason why.
Why it works
It plays on our desire to feel included. A party invitation is the last place most of us expect to be scammed, so our guard is way down. By the time we realize something's off, we may have already entered our login credentials on a fake site, handed over personal information, or allowed malware to be installed on our device.
What to look for
- The sender's email address looks slightly off, check past the display name to the actual address
- The invite is unexpected or out of character for that person
- Hovering over the link shows a URL that doesn't match evite.com, paperlesspost.com, or punchbowl.com
- The page asks you to log in or create an account just to view the invite
- Something just feels... off
What to do
- Do not click any links in the email
- If you already clicked, clear your browser cache and cookies and run an antivirus scan
- Report it as phishing in your email account
- If the invite appears to be from a friend, notify them. Their account may be compromised
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Scam #2: The DocuSign scam
If you've ever signed a contract, a lease, an offer letter, or any kind of legal document online, you've probably used DocuSign. It's everywhere, and that's exactly why scammers love it.
Cybersecurity researchers tracked a 250% spike in fake DocuSign-related phishing attacks in the second half of 2025 alone. These emails mimic DocuSign so convincingly that even careful, tech-savvy people are clicking. And the newer versions? They're using DocuSign's actual infrastructure, meaning the email genuinely passes security checks and lands right in your inbox without being flagged as spam.
How the scam shows up
You get an email that looks exactly like a DocuSign notification. It says something like "Please review and sign this document" or "Your document is ready." The DocuSign logo is there. The yellow Review Document button is there. Everything looks routine.
When you click, one of a few things happens: you're taken to a fake login page that steals your credentials, you're asked to approve permissions that give the scammer access to your accounts, or a PDF with a QR code tries to route you to a malicious site.
Some versions include a fake invoice from a trusted brand like Microsoft, PayPal, or Norton, claiming a subscription was renewed, and pressure you to call a fake customer service number.
Red flags to watch for
- You weren't expecting a document to sign
- The email has a PDF attachment. Real DocuSign emails never include attachments for signing
- The sender's address doesn't end in docusign.com or docusign.net
- The email greets you as "Dear Customer" instead of your name
- There's urgency or pressure, "act within 24 hours" or your account will be suspended
- There's a QR code asking you to scan it
What to do
- Don't click anything in the email, go directly to docusign.com and log in to check if a real document is waiting
- Forward suspicious emails to spam@docusign.com
- If you entered your credentials, change your passwords immediately from a clean device
- Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts
- Report it to the FTC and your email provider
Scam #3: The fake invoice scam
This one is especially important if you run a business, do any freelance work, or manage household finances. The fake invoice scam is one of the most costly fraud schemes out there and it's evolving fast.
Here's how it works: you receive an invoice that looks completely legitimate. It may appear to be from a vendor you actually work with, a subscription service you use, or even your internet or utility provider.
The invoice looks real. The logo is right. The format is familiar. But the bank account or payment details have been quietly swapped out. You pay and the money goes straight to the scammer.
In more sophisticated versions, scammers create an entire fake email thread between you and a vendor, sometimes even faking a message from your own CEO approving the payment. There's a fake discount thrown in to create urgency. By the time you realize what happened, the money is gone.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates businesses lose about 5% of their annual revenue to fraud each year, and invoice scams are one of the biggest drivers. For small business owners and freelancers, one bad payment can be devastating.
Common versions to know
A vendor you work with suddenly emails new payment instructions; the bank account has "changed"
- An invoice arrives for a subscription renewal you didn't authorize (Norton, PayPal, and Geek Squad are common ones)
- An "overdue" invoice arrives with threats of service shutdown to create panic and rush you into paying
- Unsolicited products show up, followed by a bill for items you never ordered
What to do
- Always verify new or changed payment instructions by calling the vendor directly using a number you look up yourself, not one from the invoice
- Slow down when there's urgency. Scammers count on panic
- Check invoices carefully for unfamiliar vendors, incorrect contact info, or payment details that don't match your records
- If you use accounting software, set up a verification step for any new payees or changed bank details
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
The bottom line
These scams work because they look normal. They show up in trusted platforms, use familiar branding, and arrive at moments when we're busy and moving fast. The best protection isn't perfection. It's slowing down long enough to ask: did I expect this? Does something feel off?
If the answer is yes to either of those, pause before clicking, paying, or sharing any information.
You can report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Both are free and take just a few minutes.
Share this with a friend, a family member, or anyone in your life who could use the heads up.
Because protecting your money is part of building wealth
Clever Girl Millionaire specifically highlights that the idea that building real, lasting wealth isn't just about saving and investing. It's about protecting what you've worked hard to create. Scams, financial traps, and money mistakes can quietly undo years of progress if we're not paying attention.
If you haven't picked up a copy yet, you can find Clever Girl Millionaire wherever books are sold. And if you already have it—thank you so much!
📺 On YouTube (Go deeper on scams to avoid!)
Here's a YouTube video on 7 influencer scams you need to avoid—fake gurus, passive income lies, overpriced coaching programs, and more. If you or someone you know has ever been tempted by social media money promises, this one is a must-watch.
Tune into the Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel for more great videos!
Talk soon ❤️
Team CGF
P.S. If you haven't already, check out our 30+ free courses, 40+ free worksheets, and our 1-on-1 coaching offerings!
