One well-used scam is calling grandparents telling them their grandchild is under arrest and they need to send money.
Some people actually fall for it.
Someone calling from the IRS with an Indian accent is also a big tell for a scam.
I got two different e mails once, from a supposed Air Force friend, and also my sister, saying they were in trouble in Spain, and needed money. I called both of them on the phone, and asked them if they were in Spain? They said no, so I told them, they might want to change their passwords. I assume that would help, but I didn’t even know that for sure.
I also get e mails all the time, saying things like, we are ready to ship your order, but need your address. No deal.
Where I live has become a very popular place for people to retire to. I know that scammers can obtain information about the demographics of a given area, which is why this area was subject to that scam a number of years ago, the years before we had caller ID.
Grandson calls and needs money because he is in jail or has been involved in an accident. Sadly, there was a woman around here who lost $20K this way.
I received 2 calls like that, but I knew it was a scam, especially since at the time I had only one grandson, and he was an infant at the time.