Scam types library
Understand how common scams work so they are easier to spot. Each guide explains the trick, the red flags, and the safe next step. To check a specific message, use the message checker.
Account takeover
WhatsApp verification code scam A scammer tries to take over your WhatsApp by getting you to share the 6-digit verification code. Instagram account recovery scam A scammer offers to 'help recover' or 'verify' your Instagram, or impersonates support, to steal your login. Account takeover When a scammer gains control of one of your accounts, often using a stolen password plus a tricked one-time code. OTP scam A scam focused on getting the one-time passcode that protects your account or approves a payment. SIM swap scam A scammer takes control of your phone number by tricking or bribing a carrier into moving it to their SIM, so they receive your calls and one-time codes.
Advance-fee fraud
Lottery or prize scam A scammer claims you have won a lottery or prize and asks for a fee or details to release it. Recovery scam A follow-up scam that targets people who already lost money by promising to recover it for an upfront fee. Upfront fee scam A scam that asks for an upfront payment to unlock a prize, job, loan, or larger sum that never arrives. Loan and debt relief scam A fake lender or 'debt relief' service promises guaranteed approval or reduced debt, then asks for a fee before any money or service appears. Student and scholarship scam A scammer offers a scholarship, grant, admission, or student loan you did not apply for, then asks for a fee or sensitive details to release it.
Business fraud
Donation fraud
Employment fraud
Job offer scam A scammer offers a fake job to collect fees, personal information, or to use you to move money. Work-from-home scam A scammer advertises easy remote work to collect fees or personal information. Task scam A scammer offers small payments for simple online tasks, then pressures you to deposit your own money to 'unlock' bigger earnings. Fake recruiter scam A scammer poses as a recruiter from a known company to collect personal information, fees, or banking details. Visa or job placement scam A scammer offers overseas jobs or visa sponsorship in exchange for fees, with no real placement. Job scam Recruitment fraud that uses fake offers to collect fees, bank details, or 'task' deposits.
Extortion
Fake fees
Delivery scam A scammer pretends a parcel is held or needs a fee, to capture your card details on a fake page. Customs fee scam A scammer claims a package is stuck in customs and demands a fee to release it. Toll payment scam A scammer claims you owe a small unpaid toll and must pay quickly to avoid penalties. Parking fine scam A scammer claims you have an unpaid parking penalty and pressures you to pay through a fake page. Fake delivery scam A fake parcel message asks for a small fee or details to release a delivery, capturing your card or login.
Government impersonation
Tax refund scam A scammer impersonates the tax office, promising a refund or threatening a penalty to collect your details or payment. Government benefit scam A scammer offers a fake government grant, benefit, or relief payment to collect your information or an upfront fee. Police or legal threat scam A scammer pretends to be police, a court, or immigration and threatens arrest or legal action unless you pay. Fake authority scam Messages impersonating tax offices, police, or government bodies that threaten fines or arrest to force payment. Digital arrest scam A scammer impersonates police, courts, customs, or a central bank and pressures you into a secret video call or transfer by claiming you are under investigation or 'digital arrest'.
Impersonation
Bank impersonation scam A scammer pretends to be your bank to make you reveal codes, move money, or share card details. PayPal scam A scammer imitates PayPal to make you log in to a fake page, pay a fake invoice, or call a fake support number. Amazon scam A scammer impersonates Amazon to make you reveal your login, payment details, or call a fake support line. Apple / iCloud scam A scammer impersonates Apple to capture your Apple ID, payment details, or two-factor codes. Google account scam A scammer imitates Google to capture your account login or verification codes. Subscription renewal scam A scammer claims a subscription has renewed or will renew, to make you call a fake number or click a link. AI voice / family emergency scam A scammer fakes a relative's voice or pretends a loved one is in trouble to demand urgent money. Brand impersonation Scammers copy a trusted brand's name, look, and tone to make fake messages seem real.
Investment fraud
Crypto investment scam A scammer promises high, low-risk returns through a fake crypto platform or 'expert' to take your money. Pig butchering scam A long-running scam where the fraudster builds friendship or romance over weeks before introducing a fake investment. Telegram investment group scam A Telegram group or 'mentor' promotes guaranteed profits to lure deposits into a fake scheme. Crypto wallet scam A scam that tries to obtain your wallet seed phrase or a 'verification' transfer to drain your crypto. Pig butchering scam A long-running scam that builds a relationship before steering you into a fake investment.
Message-based fraud
Phishing Phishing is when a scammer pretends to be a trusted person or organisation to trick you into revealing passwords, codes, or financial details, or into clicking a malicious link. Smishing (SMS phishing) Smishing is phishing carried out through SMS text messages, often impersonating delivery companies, banks, or government agencies. Vishing (voice phishing) Vishing is phishing carried out by phone call or voicemail, often impersonating a bank's fraud team, tech support, or a government office. Quishing (QR-code phishing) Quishing is phishing that uses QR codes to direct you to a fake website or payment page. Malware attachment scam A scammer sends an attachment that installs malware to steal data or control your device. QR code scam A scam that uses a QR code to send you to a fake payment or login page.
Online shopping fraud
Marketplace buyer scam A scammer poses as a buyer to trick a seller into shipping goods or refunding an 'overpayment' before any real payment clears. Marketplace seller scam A scammer posts an attractive listing, takes payment outside the platform, and never delivers. Fake payment confirmation scam A scammer sends a forged payment receipt or email so you believe you have been paid. Facebook Marketplace scam Scams on Facebook Marketplace target both buyers and sellers using fake payments, verification-code tricks, and off-platform deals. Rental deposit scam A scammer advertises a property they do not control and takes a deposit before any viewing or contract. Travel booking scam A scammer offers cheap flights, stays, or packages and takes payment for bookings that do not exist. Ticket resale scam A scammer sells event or travel tickets they do not have, often for sold-out events.
Relationship fraud
Tech support fraud
Microsoft tech support scam A scammer claims your computer is infected and offers 'support' to gain remote access or payment. Fake customer support scam A scammer poses as customer support for a bank, retailer, or tech company to gain access, payment, or details. Refund scam A scammer claims you are owed a refund to gain access to your device or bank and then steal money. Remote access scam A scammer convinces you to install remote-control software so they can access your device and accounts.