Audience page
Scams targeting small businesses
Small businesses get targeted where there is operational pressure: invoices, payroll, vendor changes, platform support, account ownership, and urgent payment approval. These scams work because small teams move fast and often have fewer review layers.
Common searches
Why this audience gets targeted
- Small teams often combine finance, operations, and admin responsibilities into one role, which reduces separation of duties.
- Scammers know urgent vendor, payroll, or ad-account requests can slip through when the business is moving fast.
- A business context makes fake authority easier because messages can sound operational instead of obviously emotional.
What to check first
- Verify invoice, bank-detail, payroll, and ad-account changes through a second known channel.
- Treat any urgent vendor or executive request that skips the normal approval chain as suspicious.
- Confirm platform support contacts from the official dashboard, not from search results or random messages.
Tax refund verification phishing scam
A fake refund or filing problem message pressures the victim to verify tax identity through a counterfeit government portal.
Go directly to the tax authority website instead of using message links.
Tax filers
U.S.
Fake boss wire approval voice note scam
A finance employee receives a convincing voice note from what sounds like the CEO approving an urgent same-day wire.
Call the executive or use the internal approval flow before sending funds.
Finance teams
Global
Deepfake payroll change voice note scam
A payroll administrator receives a voice note from what sounds like the CFO asking for a confidential executive payroll update.
Freeze the change until the executive confirms through the normal payroll process.
Payroll staff
Global
Interview task equipment cheque scam
A fake employer sends a cheque for equipment during the interview stage and asks the candidate to forward part of the money to a vendor.
Do not deposit employer cheques tied to urgent vendor payments.
Students
U.S.
Payroll onboarding direct-deposit phishing scam
A fake HR portal appears during onboarding and captures banking, tax, and identity documents before the job is confirmed.
Confirm onboarding links with the employer through a public number or known email.
New hires
Global
Tax agency refund text link scam
A text says a refund or filing issue needs immediate identity confirmation through a mobile link.
Use the tax authority's official website instead of the text.
Tax filers
U.S.
Utility disconnection warning text scam
A text says electricity or gas will be disconnected within hours unless a payment is made through a mobile link.
Contact the utility using the number on your statement.
Households
U.S.
Payroll correction text phishing scam
An employee receives a text saying payroll failed and that banking details need immediate confirmation to avoid a pay delay.
Contact payroll through your employer's real HR portal.
Employees
Global
Hacked Instagram recovery scam
After an account compromise, a supposed recovery expert promises to restore the profile faster than official support for an upfront fee.
Use only official recovery tools and treat helper DMs as suspect.
Creators
Global
Chargeback specialist fee scam
A consultant offers to dispute card charges or investment losses for a sizable upfront retainer and vague promises.
Ask your bank or card issuer directly about chargeback options before hiring anyone.
Small businesses
Global
Business page recovery service scam
A business whose social page was hijacked is targeted by a service promising fast admin restoration for a fee or remote access.
Use the platform's official admin recovery path and avoid remote-control sessions.
Small businesses
Global
Airline rebooking payment call scam
A traveler searching for support reaches a fake airline agent who charges rebooking or seat-protection fees over the phone.
Use the airline app or official number from your itinerary.
Travelers
Global
Session cookie theft account takeover scam
A phishing page steals browser session tokens so attackers can enter accounts without triggering a normal password prompt.
Sign out of all sessions and rotate passwords after suspected browser compromise.
Professionals
Global
One-time passcode support call scam
A fake support agent says they are stopping suspicious activity and needs the latest one-time passcode to secure the account.
Never read one-time codes to inbound callers.
Bank users
Global
Meta business page takeover scam
A fake policy or copyright notice steals admin credentials and locks a business out of its page or ad account.
Check account quality from the Meta dashboard before clicking anything.
Small businesses
Global
Hotel loyalty account takeover scam
A loyalty member receives a fake points-expiry notice that leads to account takeover and stolen reward balances.
Sign in from the hotel's app or website directly to verify your points.
Frequent travelers
Global
Census or survey data harvest scam
A fake government survey or census call collects identity, household, or banking data under the banner of compliance.
Verify the survey through the agency website before participating.
Households
Global
Business license renewal scam
A small business gets a renewal notice or call demanding immediate payment to keep permits or registrations active.
Confirm renewal requirements with the actual registry or city office.
Small businesses
U.S.
W-2 identity theft scam
A fake executive or HR request leads staff to send employee tax forms or identity records to an attacker.
Verify executive data requests through a second channel before sending records.
HR teams
U.S.
Payroll tax link text scam
A text tells the employee there is a payroll or tax mismatch that must be corrected immediately through a mobile link.
Contact payroll through your employer's official HR portal or known contact method.
Employees
Global
Instagram recovery helper scam
A victim locked out of Instagram is approached by a helper who promises fast recovery in exchange for payment, email access, or login codes.
Use only the platform's official recovery flow and keep support inside the real app or site.
Creators
Global
Chargeback specialist fee scam
A recovery service promises to reverse payments through insider banking knowledge, but asks for an upfront fee and sensitive transaction data first.
Open disputes directly with your bank or payment provider instead of paying a middleman first.
Fraud victims
Global
Stolen phone data recovery scam
After a phone is stolen, a fake support agent promises to restore data or locate the device if the victim signs in to a special portal or pays a fee.
Use the device maker's official recovery tools instead of any message claiming a shortcut.
Travelers
Global
Airline rebooking fee scam
A fake airline support flow says your flight changed and a fast rebooking payment is required to keep your seat.
Open the airline app or booking portal directly and review your itinerary there.
Travelers
Global
Sugar dating verification fee scam
A match says they want to send support or begin an arrangement, but first the victim must pay a small verification or transfer-release fee.
Do not pay any fee to receive money from a stranger who claims to be setting up support.
Students
Global
Microsoft 365 admin consent scam
A fake Microsoft security or compliance workflow asks a business user or admin to approve an app request that silently grants attacker access.
Review app consent requests directly from the official admin console before approving anything.
IT admins
Global
Shopify admin security reset scam
A store owner gets a fake security or policy reset notice that steals credentials and takes over the store admin panel.
Log into the Shopify admin from your saved bookmark and review alerts there.
Online stores
Global
PayPal Business security center scam
A merchant sees a fake PayPal security center page that captures credentials, approval flows, and sometimes bank confirmation steps.
Open the PayPal business dashboard directly and review alerts there, not from a message link.
Small businesses
Global
Biometric ID update scam
A fake public-service message says your national ID, passport, or residence record needs a biometric refresh and asks for payment or identity uploads.
Check document-renewal requirements from the official government website, not the message.
Immigrants
Global
fake refund overpayment shopping scam
Scammers posing as sellers or customer support claim they accidentally refunded too much and ask victims to return the difference, but the original refund was fake.
Never send money to anyone claiming an accidental overpayment without verifying through your bank directly
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake virus popup alert scam
Alarming browser popups claim your computer is infected and urge you to call a fake tech support number, leading to remote access exploitation and payment demands.
Force-close the browser using Task Manager or Activity Monitor without calling any number
Older adults
U.S.
cold call tech support scam
Scammers call victims unprompted, claiming to be from a major tech company, and warn of a fictitious security issue to gain remote access or extract payment.
Hang up immediately as legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited support calls
Older adults
U.S.
remote access exploitation tech support scam
Scammers convince victims to install remote access software under the guise of tech support, then use it to steal banking credentials, files, and personal data.
Never install remote access software at the request of someone who contacted you unsolicited
Older adults
Global
fake antivirus software scam
Scammers distribute fake antivirus programs through deceptive ads or downloads that either do nothing, display fake threats to demand payment, or contain actual malware.
Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites
Non-technical users
Global
Microsoft impersonator tech support scam
Scammers impersonate Microsoft support via calls, emails, or popups, claiming your Windows license or account is compromised and demanding payment or remote access.
Microsoft never makes unsolicited tech support calls or sends unsolicited security warnings with phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
Apple impersonator tech support scam
Scammers pose as Apple Support via calls or emails, claiming your Apple ID is compromised or your iCloud account has been breached, to steal credentials or money.
Apple never calls you unsolicited to ask for your password or verification codes
Apple users
U.S.
tech support refund overpayment scam
Scammers claim you are owed a refund for a tech support subscription, then pretend to accidentally deposit too much and ask you to return the difference.
Never allow remote access to process a refund as legitimate companies do not operate this way
Older adults
U.S.
screen-sharing bank access trap scam
Scammers use screen-sharing during fake tech support sessions to watch victims log into bank accounts, then take control to transfer money.
Never log into financial accounts during any screen-sharing session initiated by an incoming caller
Older adults
U.S.
fake blue screen of death scam
Malicious websites or software trigger a fake Windows blue screen error with a tech support phone number, tricking victims into calling scammers.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
fake subscription renewal notification scam
Scammers send fake emails or calls claiming your antivirus, software, or tech support subscription is about to auto-renew for a large amount, urging you to call to cancel.
Check your actual subscriptions through the software company's official website or your bank statements
Non-technical users
Global
CEO wire transfer fraud
Scammers impersonate a company's CEO or executive via email, urgently requesting a large wire transfer to an account they control.
Verify any unusual wire transfer request by calling the executive directly using a known phone number
Finance teams
Global
vendor invoice payment redirect scam
Scammers impersonate a trusted vendor and send a fake notice that banking details have changed, diverting legitimate invoice payments to a fraudulent account.
Always verify bank account change requests by calling the vendor at a number from your existing records
Accounts payable teams
Global
payroll direct deposit redirect scam
Scammers impersonate an employee via email and request that their direct deposit payroll information be changed to a fraudulent bank account.
Require in-person or phone verification for any direct deposit changes using a known employee phone number
HR departments
U.S.
W-2 tax form data harvest scam
Scammers impersonate executives or HR leaders via email to request bulk W-2 or tax information for all employees, enabling identity theft at scale.
Never email W-2 data or bulk employee information based on an email request alone
HR departments
U.S.
attorney impersonation BEC scam
Scammers pose as a company's legal counsel or an external attorney, claiming a confidential legal matter requires an urgent wire transfer.
Verify any attorney-initiated payment requests by calling the law firm using independently sourced contact information
Finance teams
U.S.
supplier impersonation payment fraud
Scammers create fake supplier identities or compromise real supplier email accounts to submit fraudulent invoices for goods or services never provided.
Verify all new suppliers through independent research and phone confirmation before making any payments
Procurement teams
Global
merger and acquisition confidential BEC scam
Scammers impersonate executives or advisors involved in a pending deal, using the secrecy inherent in M&A transactions to authorize urgent, fraudulent wire transfers.
Verify all M&A-related payment requests through pre-established secure communication channels
CFOs
U.S.
veteran and military charity scam
Fraudulent organizations use names similar to legitimate veteran charities to solicit donations, with most or all funds going to the operators rather than veterans.
Verify veteran charities on Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance before donating
Donors
U.S.
auto-renewal trick subscription scam
A product quietly enables auto-renewal during checkout, then charges a higher rate when the initial term ends without adequate notice.
Check for auto-renewal settings immediately after any subscription purchase.
Online subscribers
U.S.
software license subscription scam
A website sells fake or unauthorized software licenses at a discount, then charges recurring fees for products the buyer never receives or cannot activate.
Buy software only from official vendor websites or authorized resellers.
Small business owners
U.S.
Snapchat account takeover scam
Scammers trick Snapchat users into sharing login credentials or verification codes through fake support messages, then lock them out and use the account for further fraud.
Never share verification codes with anyone — Snapchat will never ask you to share codes with friends
Young adults
U.S.
fake check overpayment scam
A buyer sends a check for more than the agreed price and asks the seller to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the selling price.
Sellers
U.S.
mystery shopper check scam
Victims receive an unsolicited check with instructions to deposit it and evaluate a wire transfer service by sending money back.
Never deposit unsolicited checks from unknown senders.
Job seekers
U.S.
cashier's check fraud
Scammers produce convincing counterfeit cashier's checks that initially pass bank verification but are later returned as fraudulent.
Call the issuing bank directly using a number from their official website to verify any cashier's check.
Sellers
U.S.
check washing scam
Criminals steal mail containing checks, use chemicals to erase the payee and amount, then rewrite them for larger sums to different recipients.
Use gel pens or security ink when writing checks, as they are resistant to chemical washing.
Small business owners
U.S.
payroll check scam
Scammers posing as employers send fake payroll checks to new hires, then request the employee return a portion for equipment or supplies.
Research any new employer through your state's business registration database before accepting payment.
Job seekers
U.S.
stimulus check fraud
Scammers impersonate government agencies and claim victims must pay a fee or verify personal information to receive a stimulus payment.
Remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email to ask for personal information or payment.
Sellers
U.S.
tax refund check scam
Fraudsters file fake tax returns using stolen personal information to intercept refund checks or direct deposits.
File your tax return as early as possible each year to reduce the window for fraud.
Job seekers
U.S.
prize check advance fee scam
Victims receive a check along with a letter claiming they won a prize but must pay taxes or fees upfront to claim their winnings.
Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payment to claim a prize.
Sellers
U.S.
hostage furniture moving scam
A moving company loads belongings onto a truck, then refuses to deliver unless the customer pays a dramatically inflated price.
Under federal law, movers must deliver for no more than 110 percent of a binding estimate — know this before moving day.
Relocating workers
U.S.
tax refund phishing email scam
An email impersonating the IRS or a tax software company claims you are owed a refund and directs you to a fake website to steal your personal and financial information.
Do not click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS does not initiate contact by email.
Taxpayers
U.S.
W-2 employer phishing scam
Scammers impersonate a company executive via email and request that HR or payroll send employee W-2 forms, exposing names, SSNs, and income data for mass identity theft.
Verify any executive request for tax data by calling the executive directly using a known phone number.
Small business owners
U.S.
EIN identity theft scam
Criminals use stolen business information to obtain a fraudulent Employer Identification Number or hijack an existing one to file fake tax returns and open fraudulent accounts.
Monitor your business credit reports regularly for unauthorized accounts.
Small business owners
U.S.
state tax agency impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate a state department of revenue or taxation, claiming you owe state taxes and demanding immediate payment to avoid penalties or legal action.
Hang up and call your state tax agency directly using the number on its official website.
Taxpayers
U.S.
tax debt settlement scam
A company promises to settle your IRS tax debt for pennies on the dollar, charges large upfront fees, and then provides little or no actual help with the IRS.
Check the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool at irs.gov before hiring any company.
Taxpayers
U.S.
USPS redelivery text scam
A text message impersonating USPS claims a package could not be delivered and provides a link to schedule redelivery, which leads to a phishing site that steals personal information.
Do not click links in unsolicited delivery texts — check package status directly at usps.com.
Online shoppers
U.S.
UPS tracking phishing email scam
A phishing email impersonates UPS with a fake tracking update or delivery failure notice, directing victims to a spoofed website to steal login credentials or financial information.
Track packages only through the official ups.com website or UPS mobile app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
DHL customs payment scam
A message posing as DHL claims your international package is held at customs and requires a fee to be released, directing you to a fraudulent payment portal.
Verify customs charges directly through the official DHL website using your tracking number.
Online shoppers
U.S.
address verification delivery scam
A text or email claims a package cannot be delivered because your address is incomplete and asks you to verify it through a phishing link that collects your full personal information.
Contact the shipping carrier directly if you believe there is a genuine address issue with a package.
Online shoppers
U.S.
package held at customs scam
Scammers send messages claiming your international package is stuck at customs and you must pay a fee or provide identification to release it, leading to financial theft or identity fraud.
Verify any customs charges by contacting the shipping carrier or customs broker directly.
Online shoppers
U.S.
delivery preference update scam
A phishing email or text asks you to update your delivery preferences or notification settings through a fake carrier portal, capturing your login credentials.
Manage delivery preferences only by logging in directly through the carrier's official website or app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
shipping label phishing scam
An email with an attachment labeled as a shipping label, invoice, or receipt contains malware that infects your device when opened.
Never open email attachments from unknown senders or unexpected shipping notifications.
Online shoppers
U.S.
tech support gift card payment scam
A fake tech support agent claims your computer is infected or your account is compromised and demands payment in gift cards to fix the issue.
Legitimate tech companies never demand payment in gift cards — hang up or close the pop-up.
Older adults
U.S.
influencer sponsorship scam
Scammers impersonate brands and offer content creators fake sponsorship deals, then request upfront fees for shipping, samples, or contracts that never materialize.
Verify the offer by contacting the brand directly through their official website.
Content creators
U.S.
fake Yelp review extortion scam
Scammers threaten small businesses with a flood of fake 1-star Yelp reviews unless the business pays them to stop.
Do not pay — extortion payments almost always lead to repeated demands.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake testimonial service scam
Companies sell fabricated customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies to businesses, enabling them to deceive potential customers with manufactured social proof.
Reverse image search testimonial photos to check if they are stock images.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake airline ticket booking scam
Scam websites or social media ads offer extremely cheap airline tickets, collect payment and personal data, then provide fake confirmation numbers that do not correspond to any real reservation.
Book flights directly through the airline website or use well-known travel aggregators with established reputations
Travelers
U.S.
fake theater ticket scam
Scammers sell fraudulent tickets to popular Broadway, West End, or touring theater productions through unofficial websites and street vendors.
Buy tickets only from the theater box office or authorized resellers listed on the production official website
Concertgoers
U.S.
phone screen protection plan scam
Scammers sell fake or worthless phone screen protection plans through pop-up ads, SMS, or in-person kiosk sales, collecting monthly fees for coverage that does not exist.
Purchase device protection only through your carrier, the phone manufacturer, or a well-known insurer like Asurion or AppleCare
Phone users
U.S.
Google Play Store clone app scam
Malicious clone apps on Google Play copy the branding and functionality of popular apps to harvest user data, inject ads, or install additional malware.
Download apps only from verified developer accounts and check that the developer matches the official company
Android users
U.S.
fake VPN app scam
Malicious apps posing as free VPN services actually log user browsing data, inject ads, or route traffic through servers controlled by the scammer.
Use only well-established VPN providers with transparent privacy policies and third-party security audits
Smartphone users
U.S.
fake QR scanner app scam
Malicious QR code scanner apps request excessive permissions and display aggressive ads or install malware, despite smartphones having built-in QR scanning capability.
Use your phone built-in camera QR scanning feature rather than downloading a third-party scanner app
Smartphone users
U.S.
fake supplier scam
A fraudulent supplier offers products at below-market prices, collects payment, and either delivers counterfeit goods, inferior products, or nothing at all.
Verify the supplier's business registration, physical address, and trade references before placing orders.
Small business owners
U.S.
directory listing scam
A company sends an invoice or renewal notice for a business directory listing that was never ordered, pressuring the business to pay for a worthless or nonexistent listing.
Review all invoices against actual purchase orders — never pay without verifying the service was ordered.
Small business owners
U.S.
SEO guarantee scam
An SEO company guarantees first-page Google rankings for a fixed fee, collects payment, and delivers either nothing, black-hat tactics that get the site penalized, or fabricated reports.
Be skeptical of any SEO company that guarantees specific rankings — legitimate agencies discuss strategy, not guaranteed outcomes.
Small business owners
U.S.
business loan advance fee scam
A fraudulent lender guarantees approval for a business loan but requires upfront fees for processing, insurance, or collateral — after payment, the loan never materializes.
Never pay upfront fees to secure a loan — legitimate lenders deduct costs from loan proceeds or charge at closing.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake government compliance notice scam
Businesses receive official-looking letters or emails claiming they must pay a fee or file paperwork to comply with a government regulation that is either fake or already handled by existing filings.
Verify any compliance requirement directly with the government agency referenced in the notice.
Small business owners
U.S.
office supply overcharge scam
A caller claims to confirm an existing supply order and ships unrequested products at inflated prices, then aggressively invoices the business.
Establish a policy that only authorized personnel can approve supply orders, and never confirm orders with unknown callers.
Small business owners
U.S.
vanity award scam
A company informs a business they have won a prestigious award, then charges fees for a trophy, plaque, or event attendance — the award has no real selection criteria.
Research the awarding organization independently — check for reviews, Better Business Bureau complaints, and verifiable past winners.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake BBB accreditation scam
Scammers impersonate the Better Business Bureau and contact businesses offering accreditation, threatening negative ratings, or charging fees for listing improvements that the real BBB never initiated.
Hang up and call your local BBB directly using the number from bbb.org to verify any communication.
Small business owners
U.S.
domain name renewal scam
A company sends a deceptive notice urging a business to renew or transfer its domain name at an inflated price, designed to look like an official renewal from the current registrar.
Always renew domains directly through your current registrar's website — never through unsolicited notices.
Small business owners
U.S.
advertising insertion order fraud
A scammer sends a business an insertion order or invoice for advertising in a publication, directory, or event program that the business never agreed to.
Require all advertising commitments to be in writing with authorized signatures before any work begins.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake Lyft support call scam
A caller posing as Lyft support contacts drivers or riders claiming there is an account issue, then steals login credentials or payment information.
Never provide passwords, verification codes, or payment details to inbound callers — Lyft and Uber will never ask for these by phone.
Rideshare users
U.S.
free money from government scam
Scammers claim the government is giving away free grants to individuals, requiring only a small processing fee — no such program exists, and the fee is the scam.
The government does not contact people to offer free money — any such contact is a scam.
Low-income households
U.S.
small business grant application fee scam
A fake organization offers small business grants but requires an application fee, using professional websites and fake testimonials to appear legitimate.
Legitimate government grants are listed on grants.gov and never require application fees.
Low-income households
U.S.
pandemic relief grant scam
Scammers exploit public awareness of pandemic relief programs by offering fake COVID-19 recovery grants, collecting personal information and fees from applicants.
Verify any relief program through official government websites — usa.gov, sba.gov, or your country's equivalent.
Low-income households
U.S.
HUD housing grant scam
Scammers impersonate HUD or local housing authorities, offering grants for home purchases or repairs in exchange for upfront fees or personal information.
HUD does not call individuals to offer grants — contact your local HUD office directly at hud.gov for legitimate programs.
Low-income households
U.S.
minority business grant scam
Scammers target minority business owners with fake grants designed specifically for underrepresented entrepreneurs, collecting fees and personal data.
Research any grant opportunity through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at mbda.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
research grant impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate research funding agencies like the NSF or NIH, sending fake award notifications that require fees or personal information to claim.
Verify any grant notification directly through the funding agency's official website and your institution's grants office.
Low-income households
U.S.
FEMA grant advance fee scam
After a natural disaster, scammers pose as FEMA representatives offering disaster relief grants that require an upfront fee to process.
FEMA never charges application fees for disaster assistance — apply directly at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Low-income households
U.S.
state grant phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate state government agencies, directing recipients to fake portals that harvest credentials and personal information under the guise of a grant application.
Access state grant programs only through official .gov websites — never through links in unsolicited emails.
Low-income households
U.S.
education grant scam
Scammers contact students or parents claiming they qualify for an education grant or scholarship that requires a fee to apply or a tax payment to receive.
Search for legitimate scholarships through your school's financial aid office, the Department of Education, or studentaid.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
women-owned business grant scam
Fake grant programs claim to offer funding exclusively for women-owned businesses, collecting application fees and personal information from female entrepreneurs.
Research women-owned business programs through the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership at sba.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
miracle weight loss pill scam
Ads promote a pill that guarantees dramatic weight loss without diet or exercise changes, using fake before-and-after photos and fabricated clinical study claims.
Be skeptical of any weight loss product that promises results without diet or exercise — the FDA has not approved any pill that does this.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
celebrity-endorsed supplement scam
Fraudulent ads use deepfakes or fabricated quotes from celebrities to promote unproven health supplements, creating a false sense of credibility.
Verify celebrity endorsements through the celebrity's official social media accounts or website.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
browser popup virus alert scam
A full-screen browser popup mimics a Windows or macOS system alert, claiming your computer is infected and urging you to call a phone number or download software immediately.
Force-close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) or Force Quit (Cmd+Option+Esc) — do not call the number.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake Windows Defender alert scam
A webpage or popup imitates a Windows Defender notification, warning of detected threats and directing the user to call a support number or download a removal tool.
Close the browser tab or force-quit the browser — real Windows Defender alerts never appear in a browser.
Non-technical users
U.S.
tech support popup scam
A persistent browser popup warns of a critical security issue and instructs you to call a toll-free number, where scammers charge for unnecessary remote support services.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake Norton renewal email scam
A phishing email impersonates Norton LifeLock with a fake invoice for annual renewal, directing you to call a number where scammers attempt to gain remote access to your computer.
Do not call the number — go to norton.com directly and check your account for any active subscriptions.
Non-technical users
U.S.
mobile security app scam
A fake mobile security app on an unofficial app store or sideloaded APK claims to protect your phone but actually collects personal data, displays intrusive ads, or subscribes you to premium services.
Uninstall the app immediately and review all app permissions in your phone's settings.
Non-technical users
U.S.
video chat verification scam
A dating match insists on verifying identity through a specific video chat app that requires payment or downloads malware onto your device.
Suggest a mainstream video app like FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet — a legitimate person will agree.
Online daters
U.S.
premium membership phishing scam
A message claiming to be from a dating app offers a free premium membership upgrade via a link that leads to a phishing page designed to steal your login credentials.
Only upgrade your dating app membership through the official app or website — never through external links.
Online daters
U.S.
vendor invoice spoofing scam
Scammers impersonate a company's existing vendor and send a fake invoice with updated banking details, diverting legitimate payments to a fraudulent account.
Always verify banking detail changes by calling the vendor directly using a phone number from your records — not from the email.
Small business owners
U.S.
domain renewal invoice scam
A fake invoice arrives by mail or email urging you to renew your domain name through an unauthorized registrar at an inflated price, sometimes transferring your domain away.
Check your actual registrar account directly to verify your domain's renewal status and expiry date.
Small business owners
U.S.
SEO services invoice scam
An unsolicited invoice for SEO or website listing services is sent to businesses that never ordered them, hoping the accounts payable team will pay without questioning it.
Verify every invoice against purchase orders and approved vendor lists before authorizing payment.
Small business owners
U.S.
office supplies invoice scam
Scammers send fake invoices for office supplies such as toner, paper, or printer cartridges that were never ordered, targeting businesses that process many similar invoices.
Instruct staff to never provide equipment or ordering details to unsolicited callers.
Small business owners
U.S.
subscription service invoice scam
A fake invoice for a software subscription or SaaS product is sent to businesses, mimicking real services like cloud storage, CRM tools, or collaboration platforms.
Maintain a central registry of all software subscriptions and cross-reference every invoice against it.
Small business owners
U.S.
cloud hosting invoice scam
A fake invoice claiming to be from AWS, Google Cloud, or another hosting provider demands payment for services, targeting companies that use multiple cloud vendors.
Verify all cloud invoices by logging directly into your provider's billing console — AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure all have online billing dashboards.
Small business owners
U.S.
advertising invoice scam
A fake invoice for advertising services — such as a Yellow Pages listing, online directory, or Google Ads — is sent to businesses that never authorized the purchase.
Read every invoice carefully, including fine print — look for disclaimers indicating it is a solicitation, not a bill.
Small business owners
U.S.
trademark registration invoice scam
After filing a trademark, businesses receive fake invoices from unofficial entities demanding payment for trademark registration, monitoring, or publication services.
Only pay trademark fees through the official trademark office website (USPTO.gov in the US) or through your registered attorney.
Small business owners
U.S.
annual report filing fee scam
A company receives an official-looking notice demanding payment for its annual report filing, but the notice comes from a private company charging far more than the actual government fee.
File your annual report directly through your state's Secretary of State website to pay only the actual government fee.
Small business owners
U.S.
government compliance invoice scam
A fake invoice demands payment for mandatory government compliance services such as labor law poster updates, OSHA certifications, or ADA compliance reviews that were never ordered.
Verify any compliance requirements directly with the relevant government agency — OSHA, DOL, or your state's labor department.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake HOA maintenance vendor scam
Scammers pose as maintenance vendors approved by the HOA, collecting upfront payment from homeowners for landscaping, painting, or repairs that never get completed.
Verify any vendor by checking with your HOA board or management company before paying.
Homeowners
U.S.
HOA board embezzlement scam
A corrupt HOA board member or treasurer diverts association funds into personal accounts, often through inflated vendor contracts or fictitious expenses.
Request annual independent financial audits and attend board meetings to review financial reports.
HOA members
U.S.
DNA diet plan scam
Companies sell expensive personalized diet and nutrition plans claiming to be based on DNA analysis, but the recommendations are generic and not scientifically supported by the test results.
Consult a registered dietitian before following any DNA-based diet plan.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
invoice attachment malware scam
An email with a fake invoice attachment installs malware when opened, giving attackers access to the victim's computer and network.
Never open attachments from unknown senders — verify invoices by contacting the vendor directly.
Office workers
U.S.
unsubscribe link trap scam
Phishing emails include a malicious unsubscribe link that, when clicked, confirms your email address is active and leads to credential theft or malware installation.
Do not click unsubscribe in emails from unknown senders — mark the email as spam instead.
Office workers
U.S.
reply-chain hijacking scam
Attackers compromise an email account and insert malicious messages into existing email threads, exploiting the trust established in ongoing conversations.
Be cautious of unexpected attachments or links even in existing email threads.
Office workers
U.S.
fake court summons email scam
An email claims you have been issued a court summons and must click a link to view the details, leading to malware installation or credential theft.
Remember that real courts serve legal notices by mail or in person — never by email.
Citizens
U.S.
fake building permit website scam
Scam websites pose as local government permit offices, charging homeowners and contractors for building permits that are never filed or processed.
Apply for building permits only through your city or county's official government website or in person at the permit office.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake business registration website scam
Fraudulent websites mimic Secretary of State or business registration portals, charging inflated fees for LLC formations, EIN applications, or annual filings that are never processed.
File business registrations only through your state's official Secretary of State .gov website.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake tax filing portal scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate IRS or tax authority portals, tricking taxpayers into entering Social Security numbers, income data, and banking details for identity theft and fraudulent refund claims.
File taxes only through IRS-authorized e-file providers listed at irs.gov or use IRS Free File.
Citizens
U.S.
chatbot to phishing link scam
A fake customer support chatbot on a legitimate-looking website builds trust through conversation before directing the user to a phishing page to verify their account or process a refund.
Only use chatbots on verified official websites — check the URL matches the real company's domain.
Online users
U.S.
search ad to fake site scam
Scammers buy search engine ads for popular services, placing fake websites above legitimate results where they capture login credentials and payment information.
Skip sponsored search results and scroll to organic listings, or type the URL directly into your browser.
All consumers
U.S.
video call then credential harvest scam
Scammers set up a video call posing as IT support, a vendor, or colleague, then share a screen link or chat message during the call that leads to credential theft.
Never enter credentials while sharing your screen in a video call.
Business professionals
U.S.
Amazon fake customer service number scam
Scammers post fake Amazon customer service phone numbers on search engines and social media. When victims call, the fake agents request remote access to their computer or demand payment via gift cards.
Only contact Amazon support through the official app or website — never search for phone numbers online.
Older adults
U.S.
Amazon order confirmation phishing scam
You receive an email or text confirming a large purchase you never made, with a link to 'cancel' the order that leads to a phishing site designed to steal your Amazon credentials and payment information.
Do not click any links — log into your Amazon account directly at amazon.com and check 'Your Orders' for the supposed purchase.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Amazon fake return refund scam
Scammers contact Amazon sellers or buyers claiming a return was never received or a refund is owed, manipulating the process to keep both the product and the money.
Sellers should photograph and weigh all outgoing shipments and use tracking with signature confirmation.
Amazon sellers
U.S.
Amazon Web Services phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate AWS, claiming account suspension, billing issues, or security alerts, directing cloud service users to fake login portals that steal credentials and compromise business infrastructure.
Never click links in AWS notification emails — go directly to the AWS Management Console at console.aws.amazon.com.
Developers
U.S.
PayPal invoice scam
Scammers send real PayPal invoices for products or services you never ordered — such as cryptocurrency purchases or tech support — hoping you will call the embedded phone number and hand over personal information or remote access.
If you receive an invoice for something you did not buy, do not call the phone number — log into PayPal directly and decline the invoice.
PayPal users
U.S.
PayPal account limitation phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your PayPal account has been limited or suspended due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that harvests your credentials.
Never click links in PayPal alert emails — open a browser and go directly to paypal.com to check your account status.
PayPal users
U.S.
PayPal overpayment refund scam
A buyer 'accidentally' overpays a seller through PayPal using a stolen credit card or bad check, then asks the seller to refund the excess — when the original payment reverses, the seller loses both the product and the refunded amount.
Never refund overpayments to a different account or by a different payment method — refund only through PayPal's built-in refund feature to the original sender.
Online sellers
U.S.
fake PayPal app scam
Scammers show in-person sellers a fake PayPal app with a fabricated payment confirmation screen, making it appear that payment was sent when no real transaction occurred.
Never release goods based on a buyer's screen — always verify the payment has arrived in your own PayPal account or email.
In-person sellers
U.S.
PayPal business account phishing scam
Targeted phishing emails impersonate PayPal Business communications, warning of compliance issues, tax form requirements, or payment holds to trick business owners into surrendering account credentials.
PayPal will never ask you to submit tax documents or verify business details through an email link — always use the PayPal Business dashboard directly.
Small business owners
U.S.
PayPal fake payment confirmation scam
A buyer sends a forged PayPal confirmation email to a seller to make it appear that payment has been sent, tricking the seller into shipping goods before discovering no actual payment was received.
Never rely on email notifications alone — always verify payments by logging into your PayPal account directly.
Online sellers
U.S.
fake Zelle notification scam
Scammers send fake Zelle payment notifications via email or text claiming someone sent you money, with a phishing link to 'accept' the payment that leads to a credential-stealing website.
Zelle payments are deposited automatically if you are enrolled — there is no need to click a link to accept payments.
Zelle users
U.S.
Zelle account upgrade phishing scam
An email or text claims you need to upgrade your Zelle account to a business or premium tier to receive a pending payment, directing you to a phishing site that steals your banking credentials.
Zelle does not have account tiers, business upgrades, or premium accounts that require fees — this is always a scam.
Zelle users
U.S.
Zelle unauthorized transfer alert scam
A fake fraud alert warns of an unauthorized Zelle transfer from your account, directing you to call a number or click a link that connects you to a scammer posing as bank support.
Do not respond to fraud alert texts — call your bank directly using the official number on your card or bank statement.
Bank customers
U.S.
Zelle support impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Zelle customer support on social media or fake websites, offering to help resolve payment issues but instead stealing credentials or tricking victims into sending money.
Zelle does not have its own customer support — all Zelle issues are handled by your bank's customer service.
Zelle users
U.S.
Zelle business payment scam
A scammer posing as a client or vendor requests business payments via Zelle, exploiting the fact that Zelle transfers are instant and irreversible — once sent, the money cannot be recovered through the platform.
Verify all payment requests by calling the vendor or client at a known phone number — do not use contact information from the email requesting payment.
Small business owners
U.S.
Venmo stolen credit card payment scam
A buyer pays for goods using Venmo funded by a stolen credit card. When the card owner disputes the charge, Venmo reverses the payment — the seller loses both the product and the money.
Venmo is designed for payments between people who know and trust each other — do not use it for transactions with strangers.
Marketplace sellers
U.S.
Venmo support phishing scam
Scammers impersonate Venmo customer support on social media or via phone, offering help with account issues while stealing login credentials or convincing victims to send test payments.
Venmo support will never ask for your password or ask you to send a payment to verify your account.
Venmo users
U.S.
fake Venmo link in text message scam
Scammers send SMS messages with fake Venmo links claiming you received a payment, your account is locked, or your identity needs verification — the link installs malware or leads to a credential-stealing site.
Never click links in unexpected text messages claiming to be from Venmo — open the app directly to check your account.
Venmo users
U.S.
Cash App fake customer support scam
Scammers pose as Cash App support agents on social media, phone, or fake websites, requesting login credentials, PINs, or sign-in codes to 'resolve' account issues while actually stealing account access.
Cash App support is only available through the app itself — tap the profile icon and select 'Support.' There is no official Cash App phone number for customer support.
Cash App users
U.S.
Cash App fake payment screenshot scam
A buyer sends a doctored Cash App screenshot showing a completed payment, convincing the seller to hand over goods — but no actual payment was ever sent.
Never release goods based on a screenshot — always verify that the payment appears in your own Cash App activity feed.
Marketplace sellers
U.S.
fake App Store purchase alert scam
A fraudulent email claims you made an expensive App Store purchase you did not authorize, urging you to click a cancellation link that leads to a credential-stealing site.
Check your actual purchase history in the App Store app or at reportaproblem.apple.com.
iPhone users
U.S.
fake AppleCare warranty scam
Scammers call or email claiming your AppleCare warranty is expiring, pressuring you to renew immediately through a fraudulent payment process.
Hang up on unsolicited calls about AppleCare — Apple does not make outbound warranty renewal calls.
iPhone users
U.S.
FaceTime screen recording scam
Scammers initiate a FaceTime call, trick the victim into sharing sensitive information on screen, then use the recording for blackmail or identity theft.
Never share your screen on FaceTime with anyone you did not initiate the call with.
Young adults
U.S.
fake Apple support call scam
Robocalls or live callers impersonate Apple Support, claiming your iCloud account has been breached and requesting remote access to your device or payment to fix the issue.
Hang up immediately — Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.
Older adults
U.S.
Find My iPhone ransom scam
After compromising an Apple ID, scammers use Find My to remotely lock the victim's iPhone or Mac and display a ransom message demanding payment to unlock it.
Contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com with proof of ownership to regain access to your account.
iPhone users
U.S.
Windows license expired popup scam
A fake browser popup claims your Windows license has expired and you must call a support number or pay immediately to reactivate, leading to tech support fraud.
Close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) if the popup cannot be dismissed normally.
Windows users
U.S.
Microsoft 365 renewal phishing scam
A phishing email claims your Microsoft 365 subscription is expiring and you must update your payment information, redirecting to a fake Microsoft login page.
Check your subscription status directly at account.microsoft.com, never through email links.
Business professionals
U.S.
Teams meeting invite phishing scam
A fake Microsoft Teams meeting invitation arrives by email, and clicking the join link leads to a credential harvesting page disguised as the Teams login.
Hover over the meeting link before clicking to verify it points to a legitimate Microsoft domain.
Business professionals
U.S.
fake Microsoft support call scam
A caller claiming to be from Microsoft says they have detected a virus or security problem on your computer and requests remote access to fix it for a fee.
Hang up immediately — Microsoft will never call you unsolicited about your computer.
Older adults
U.S.
OneDrive sharing notification phishing scam
A fake OneDrive sharing notification email claims someone shared a document with you, but the link leads to a credential-stealing page.
Verify the sender by contacting them through a separate channel before clicking any shared document link.
Business professionals
U.S.
Windows Defender alert popup scam
A fake browser popup mimics a Windows Defender alert claiming your computer is infected, urging you to call a fraudulent support number immediately.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and use Task Manager to force-close the browser — do not call the number.
Windows users
U.S.
Azure billing phishing scam
IT administrators receive fake Azure billing alerts claiming unusual charges or failed payments, leading to credential theft through a fake Azure portal login.
Verify billing directly at portal.azure.com — never use links from email notifications.
IT administrators
U.S.
Google Business Profile verification scam
Scammers posing as Google contact business owners claiming their Google Business Profile needs immediate verification or will be removed from search results.
Know that Google does not charge for business profile verification and rarely makes unsolicited calls about it.
Small business owners
U.S.
Google Ads billing scam
Advertisers receive fake Google Ads billing notifications about failed payments or suspicious charges, leading to phishing pages that steal account credentials.
Check your billing status directly at ads.google.com — never through email links.
Digital marketers
U.S.
fake Google review extortion scam
Scammers threaten to flood a business with fake negative Google reviews unless the business pays a fee, or offer to remove existing negative reviews for a price.
Do not pay — report the fake reviews to Google through your Business Profile by flagging each one as inappropriate.
Small business owners
U.S.
Google Workspace admin phishing scam
IT administrators receive fake Google Workspace notifications about policy changes, license issues, or security alerts, leading to admin credential theft.
Access the admin console directly at admin.google.com — never through email links.
IT administrators
U.S.
Google Maps business listing scam
Scammers create or hijack Google Maps business listings with fake phone numbers, intercepting calls meant for legitimate businesses to redirect customers or steal information.
Always verify a business phone number by checking their official website before calling a number from Google Maps.
Consumers
U.S.
Chrome extension malware scam
Malicious Chrome extensions disguised as useful tools steal browsing data, inject ads, or capture credentials from every website the victim visits.
Review installed extensions regularly at chrome://extensions and remove any you do not recognize or no longer use.
Chrome users
U.S.
Craigslist romance through personal ads scam
Scammers use Craigslist personal ads or community sections to initiate fake romantic relationships, eventually requesting money for emergencies, travel, or medical bills.
Never send money to someone you have not met in person, regardless of how strong the emotional connection feels.
Older adults
U.S.
LinkedIn connection request phishing scam
Attackers send connection requests with phishing links disguised as shared documents or professional resources, leading to credential-harvesting pages.
Never click links in LinkedIn connection requests from people you do not recognize.
Professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn verification badge scam
Phishing messages offer to help users get a 'verified' badge on LinkedIn, directing them to fake sites that steal credentials or charge fraudulent fees.
LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments.
Professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn endorsement-for-access scam
Scammers offer to endorse your LinkedIn skills in exchange for clicking a link or downloading a file, which installs malware or leads to a credential-harvesting page.
Never download files or click links from LinkedIn connections you do not know personally.
Professionals
U.S.
fake Coinbase Wallet app scam
Counterfeit Coinbase Wallet apps published on unofficial app stores or promoted through ads steal seed phrases and drain cryptocurrency holdings.
Only download Coinbase Wallet from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store — verify the developer is Coinbase Inc.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Coinbase customer support impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Coinbase support agents via phone calls, social media, or fake support websites to trick users into sharing login credentials or granting remote access to their devices.
Coinbase support will never call you first, ask for your password, or request remote access to your device.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
fake Coinbase Pro upgrade scam
Scammers promote a fraudulent 'Coinbase Pro upgrade' through emails or ads, tricking users into transferring cryptocurrency to a fake platform where funds are stolen.
Coinbase merged Coinbase Pro into its main platform as Advanced Trade — there is no separate upgrade process requiring fund transfers.
Active traders
U.S.
Coinbase Commerce invoice scam
Fraudulent invoices sent via Coinbase Commerce or mimicking its interface trick businesses and individuals into paying for goods or services they never ordered.
Never pay an invoice you did not expect — verify with the supposed sender through a separate communication channel.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake Uber support call scam
Scammers call Uber riders or drivers claiming to be from Uber support, requesting login credentials or payment information to resolve a fabricated account issue.
Uber support communicates primarily through the app — hang up on unsolicited calls claiming to be from Uber.
Uber riders
U.S.
Uber gift card payment for ride scam
Fake Uber drivers or scammers posing as Uber support demand payment via gift cards instead of the app, often targeting elderly passengers or those unfamiliar with the platform.
Uber never requests payment through gift cards — all ride payments are processed through the app.
Older adults
U.S.
fake Airbnb support scam
Scammers impersonate Airbnb customer support via phone calls, emails, or fake help websites to steal login credentials, payment information, or trick users into making off-platform payments.
Contact Airbnb support only through the official app or airbnb.com — never through phone numbers found in Google search results.
Travelers
U.S.
USPS tracking number phishing scam
Phishing emails provide a fake USPS tracking number and link, directing recipients to a spoofed tracking page that installs malware or steals personal information.
Track packages only by entering the tracking number directly at usps.com — never click tracking links in emails.
Online shoppers
U.S.
USPS postage due notice scam
Fake postage due notifications arrive via email or text claiming additional postage is required for a package, directing victims to pay a small fee on a phishing website.
USPS handles postage-due items by attaching a notice to the physical mail piece and collecting payment upon delivery or at the post office — never through online links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
UPS tracking update phishing email
A phishing email mimics UPS tracking notifications with a fake tracking number and a link that installs malware or captures login credentials.
Never click tracking links in emails — copy the tracking number and enter it directly at ups.com.
Online shoppers
U.S.
UPS customs clearance fee scam
A message claims your UPS international shipment is held at customs and you must pay a clearance fee via a link, which is a phishing page designed to steal payment information.
Contact UPS directly through the official website or phone number to verify any customs charges.
International shoppers
U.S.
The UPS Store impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate The UPS Store via email or phone, offering fake notary, printing, or mailbox services to collect personal documents and payment information.
Verify any UPS Store communication by calling the specific store location directly using the number listed on theupsstore.com.
Small business owners
U.S.
UPS shipping label email malware scam
A phishing email claims to contain a UPS shipping label attachment, but the file is malware disguised as a PDF or ZIP that installs a trojan or ransomware on the victim's computer.
Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email.
Small business owners
U.S.
UPS driver impersonation scam
A person wearing a UPS-like uniform arrives at a home or business claiming a COD payment is required, additional fees are owed, or requesting a signature on a device that captures personal information.
Verify any COD shipment by calling UPS at 1-800-742-5877 before making any payment.
Homeowners
U.S.
FedEx Express customs fee scam
A phishing email claims your FedEx Express international shipment requires a customs clearance payment before delivery, directing to a fake payment portal.
Contact FedEx directly at 1-800-463-3339 to verify any customs charges.
International shoppers
U.S.
FedEx Office phishing scam
A phishing email impersonates FedEx Office, claiming a print order or document is ready for pickup with a link that installs malware or harvests login credentials.
If you did not place a FedEx Office order, ignore and delete the email.
Small business owners
U.S.
FedEx commercial invoice phishing scam
A phishing email targets businesses with a fake FedEx commercial invoice attachment that contains malware or links to a credential-harvesting portal.
Verify any FedEx invoices by logging in to your FedEx Billing Online account at fedex.com.
Small business owners
U.S.
FedEx account billing scam
A phishing email claims there is an issue with your FedEx shipping account billing, directing you to a fake portal to update payment information.
Access your FedEx account billing by navigating directly to fedex.com.
Small business owners
U.S.
FedEx delivery exception notification scam
A phishing message claims a delivery exception has occurred on your FedEx shipment, urging you to click a link to resolve the issue — leading to a fake site that steals credentials or installs malware.
Check for legitimate delivery exceptions by logging in to fedex.com directly.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Zillow mortgage rate bait scam
Deceptive ads or emails promise unrealistically low mortgage rates through Zillow, collecting personal and financial information from hopeful borrowers.
Compare mortgage rates on trusted sites like zillow.com, bankrate.com, or your own bank.
Homebuyers
U.S.
fake eBay invoice email scam
A phishing email mimics an eBay invoice for a purchase you never made, prompting you to click a link to dispute or cancel the charge, which leads to a credential-harvesting page.
Check your eBay purchase history by logging in directly at ebay.com — do not click email links.
eBay users
U.S.
Robinhood free stock promotion scam
Fake ads or messages promise free stocks from Robinhood, directing victims to phishing sites that collect personal information and Robinhood login credentials.
Robinhood referral promotions are only available through the official app and website at robinhood.com.
Young adults
U.S.
Robinhood support impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Robinhood customer support on social media, forums, or phone calls, convincing users to share credentials or grant remote access to their devices.
Contact Robinhood support only through the Help section within the official Robinhood app.
Robinhood users
U.S.
W-2 phishing scam targeting employers
Cybercriminals send spoofed emails to company payroll or HR departments posing as executives, requesting all employee W-2 forms, which are then used for mass identity theft.
Verify all W-2 requests by calling the executive directly using a known phone number — never respond to the email.
HR professionals
U.S.
tax transcript request phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate the IRS or tax software providers, directing victims to fake sites where they enter credentials to download a tax transcript, which is then used for identity theft.
Access your tax transcript only through irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript — never through emailed links.
Taxpayers
U.S.
employee retention credit scam
Aggressive promoters convince businesses they qualify for the Employee Retention Credit when they do not, charging large upfront fees and filing fraudulent claims that trigger IRS audits and penalties.
Consult a trusted, independent tax professional about ERC eligibility before engaging any promoter.
Small business owners
U.S.
charitable donation receipt fraud
Scammers sell fake charitable donation receipts to taxpayers seeking inflated deductions, or fraudulent charities issue inflated receipts for minimal donations to enable tax fraud.
Verify any charity's tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at irs.gov/charities.
Taxpayers
U.S.
black friday fake deal scam
Scammers create fake online stores or social media ads offering impossibly low Black Friday prices on popular electronics and brand-name goods, then steal payment information or ship counterfeit items.
Verify deals by going directly to the retailer's official website rather than clicking social media ads.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake shipping notification scam
Scammers send fake shipping notifications via text or email impersonating carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS during the holidays, leading victims to phishing sites or malware downloads.
Do not click links in unexpected shipping notifications — track packages directly on the carrier's official website.
Online shoppers
U.S.
laptop deal phishing scam
Phishing ads and emails target students with fake back-to-school laptop deals from major brands, leading to credential theft or purchase of nonexistent products.
Purchase electronics only from authorized retailers or your school's official technology store with education pricing.
College students
U.S.
disaster loan advance fee scam
Scammers pose as SBA disaster loan agents or private lenders, promising fast approval for disaster relief loans in exchange for upfront application fees that are never refunded.
Apply for SBA disaster loans only at sba.gov/disaster or by visiting a local SBA disaster center — the SBA never charges application fees.
Small business owners
U.S.
computer repair door-to-door scam
Individuals go door to door offering computer repair or virus removal services to seniors, then install malware, steal data, or charge exorbitant fees for unnecessary work.
Never allow unsolicited visitors access to your computer — legitimate tech companies do not make door-to-door service calls.
Seniors
U.S.
fake study abroad program scam
Fraudulent companies advertise study abroad programs that collect thousands in fees for housing, tuition, and visa assistance but provide no actual program or support upon arrival.
Only use study abroad programs vetted by your university's international programs office.
College students
U.S.
remote job equipment purchase scam
New remote hires are told to purchase equipment from a specific vendor using a company check that later bounces, leaving the employee out of pocket for the full amount.
Legitimate employers provide equipment directly or reimburse after verified purchase — they never send checks to buy from unknown vendors.
Remote workers
U.S.
payroll redirect scam targeting remote workers
Scammers compromise or impersonate an employee's email and send payroll or HR a request to change direct deposit information, diverting paychecks to the scammer's account.
Always verify direct deposit change requests through a phone call to the employee using a known number, not the one in the email.
Remote workers
U.S.
highway camera violation text scam
Fraudulent texts claim a highway camera captured the recipient's vehicle committing a violation, with a link to view the photo and pay the fine, which actually leads to a malware or phishing site.
Do not click links to view alleged violation photos — legitimate citations arrive by mail.
Drivers
U.S.
business card QR code scam
Scammers distribute fake business cards with QR codes at networking events or public places that lead to malware downloads or credential-harvesting phishing sites.
Search for the person and company online independently rather than scanning the QR code.
Professionals
U.S.
tariff relief application scam
Scammers exploit confusion around tariff changes by impersonating government agencies offering fake tariff relief applications that collect Social Security numbers and financial information.
Verify any government relief program through official .gov websites or by calling the agency directly.
Small business owners
U.S.
small business disaster loan scam
Scammers impersonate the SBA or state agencies, offering fake disaster relief loans to small business owners and collecting application fees and sensitive business financial data.
Apply for SBA disaster loans only through sba.gov or by calling the SBA directly at their published number.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake celebrity death clickbait scam
Viral social media posts falsely report a celebrity's death to generate clicks on links that lead to malware downloads, phishing sites, or ad-fraud pages.
Verify any celebrity death news by checking reputable news outlets before clicking social media links.
Social media users
U.S.
Energy and utility MLM scheme
An energy company uses MLM recruitment to sell electricity or gas plans, with agents earning more from signing up new agents than from providing competitive energy rates.
Compare the offered rate, including all fees, to your current utility rate before switching.
Homeowners
U.S.
Legal services MLM scheme
A company sells prepaid legal service plans through MLM recruitment, where agents earn more from signing up new agents than from the legal plans providing value to members.
Compare the monthly plan cost to simply paying for legal consultations as needed.
Adults
U.S.
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