Audience page
Scams targeting social media users
Social media users are targeted through the platforms they trust most. Scams spread as fake giveaways, hacked accounts messaging friends, impersonated influencers, and ads that lead to phishing pages. The social proof built into these platforms makes fraud harder to spot.
Common searches
Why this audience gets targeted
- Social platforms create trust through mutual connections, followers, and verified-looking accounts that scammers exploit.
- Fake giveaways, flash sales, and influencer promotions spread virally before platforms can remove them.
- Account hijacking gives scammers access to a real person's identity and friend list for further fraud.
What to check first
- Enable two-factor authentication on all social accounts and never share login codes with anyone.
- Verify giveaways and promotions through the official brand page, not through DMs or reshared stories.
- If a friend's account sends an unusual request for money or codes, contact them through a different channel to confirm.
Marketplace payment reversal scam
A buyer on a marketplace uses fake payment confirmation, overpayment stories, or refund pressure to get goods without completing a legitimate payment.
Only trust the actual payment app or bank balance, not screenshots.
Casual sellers
U.S.
Romance-led investment scam
A relationship begins on social or dating platforms and gradually shifts toward a fake investing opportunity with fabricated gains and escalating deposits.
Never invest based on a romantic contact's recommendation.
Online daters
Global
Zelle business account upgrade scam
A buyer sends a fake payment email claiming the seller must upgrade to a business account by refunding extra money first.
Trust only the balance shown inside your actual bank or payment app.
Casual sellers
U.S.
Fake shipping insurance buyer scam
A buyer says a courier requires insurance or verification fees before pickup and asks the seller to pay first.
Decline third-party shipping payments arranged entirely by the buyer.
Casual sellers
Global
Marketplace rental deposit scam
A fake landlord advertises a good rental deal on a marketplace and pushes for a deposit before any real viewing or lease.
Never send a rental deposit before a verified viewing and lease.
Renters
Global
Resale ticket screenshot scam
A seller lists concert or sports tickets and sends screenshots or PDFs that have already been sold or were never valid.
Buy through official resale tools that transfer tickets in-platform.
Fans
Global
Pet adoption deposit scam
A listing for a rare pet asks for transport, vaccination, or hold fees before the animal can be seen.
Avoid deposits for pets that cannot be verified in person or through trusted rescues.
Families
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
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
Widowed doctor romance scam
A scammer claims to be a widowed doctor working abroad and builds trust before asking for emergency money.
Reverse image search the profile and pause before sending anything.
Online daters
Global
Military deployment romance scam
A fake service member says military rules block access to money or leave, so the victim needs to send funds or gift cards.
Do not send money to anyone who cannot verify identity outside the romance narrative.
Online daters
Global
Long-distance model romance scam
A glamorous long-distance profile quickly becomes emotionally intense and asks for travel or document money to finally meet.
Verify with a live video call and outside social proof before believing the story.
Young adults
Global
Romance hospital bill scam
A romantic partner claims to be in the hospital or detained after an accident and asks for urgent treatment money.
Verify through an independent hospital number before believing any emergency.
Online daters
Global
Managed forex account scam
A forex mentor offers to manage your money directly, showing screenshots of wins while dodging audited history or regulatory details.
Avoid handing capital to unlicensed mentors from social media.
New traders
Global
Verified badge phishing takeover scam
A message promises badge verification or page appeals but steals the creator's password and session.
Use the platform's in-app support center instead of message links.
Creators
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
Concert ticket transfer scam
A seller offers mobile tickets at a good price, then uses fake transfer screenshots or a fake ticketing email to make the buyer pay quickly.
Use only the official ticketing transfer flow and avoid rushed peer-to-peer ticket payments.
Fans
Global
Fake shipping protection escrow scam
A marketplace deal moves to a fake escrow or shipping-protection service that asks the buyer to release funds before delivery is verified.
Use only the platform's native checkout or a payment method with real buyer protection.
Buyers
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
Romance loss recovery lawyer scam
A victim of a romance scam is approached by a supposed lawyer or investigator who says the case can be reopened for a fee and document package.
Treat unsolicited legal recovery outreach as suspicious and verify the firm through public registries.
Romance scam victims
Global
Oil rig romance scam
A romantic contact claims to be working offshore on an oil rig and asks for help with satellite calls, medical clearances, or emergency travel money.
Treat offshore contractor money stories as suspicious until the identity is independently proven.
Online daters
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
dropshipping extreme markup scam
Stores resell cheap items from wholesale marketplaces at extreme markups, often 5-10x the original price, while advertising them as exclusive or premium products.
Use reverse image search on product photos before purchasing from unfamiliar stores
Online shoppers
U.S.
social media shop scam on Instagram
Scam accounts on Instagram promote products through polished posts and stories, collect payment via direct messages or external links, and never deliver.
Only purchase through platforms with buyer protection such as official marketplace checkout
Social media users
Global
TikTok shop too-good-to-be-true pricing scam
Products advertised on TikTok at unbelievably low prices turn out to be scams, with sellers collecting payment and shipping nothing or sending worthless items.
Research the seller and product independently before purchasing from social media ads
Young adults
U.S.
Facebook Marketplace non-delivery scam
Sellers on Facebook Marketplace list popular items at attractive prices, collect payment through non-reversible methods, and never ship the goods.
Use Facebook's built-in checkout and shipping protection for all Marketplace transactions
Online shoppers
U.S.
social media fake giveaway scam
Fake social media accounts impersonate brands or influencers and run fraudulent giveaways that require victims to share personal data, pay shipping fees, or click phishing links.
Verify giveaways through the brand's official verified account, not through direct messages from unknown accounts
Social media users
Global
disaster relief charity scam
Scammers exploit natural disasters and emergencies by setting up fake charities or impersonating real ones to collect donations that never reach victims.
Donate only through established charities verified on Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or your local government's charity registry
Donors
Global
GoFundMe and crowdfunding fraud
Scammers create fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns with fabricated stories of personal hardship, medical emergencies, or causes to collect donations under false pretenses.
Research the campaign organizer and verify their connection to the stated cause before donating
Donors
Global
fake medical fundraiser scam
Scammers create fraudulent fundraising campaigns for fabricated or exaggerated medical emergencies, exploiting compassion to collect donations they pocket.
Ask for verification such as a hospital social worker's contact information or a CaringBridge page
Donors
Global
crowdfunding community project fraud
Scammers create crowdfunding campaigns for fake community projects such as parks, memorials, or neighborhood improvements, collect donations, and disappear.
Verify that community project campaigns are endorsed by local government or established nonprofits
Donors
U.S.
fake landlord scam
A person poses as the landlord of a property they do not own, showing it to prospective tenants and collecting deposits before the real owner discovers the scheme.
Verify the landlord's identity by checking property ownership records at the county assessor's office.
Renters
U.S.
pet adoption fee scam
A fake rescue or individual advertises pets for adoption, charges an adoption fee, then never delivers the animal or provides a different pet than shown.
Meet the animal in person before paying any adoption fee.
Animal lovers
U.S.
exotic animal scam
Scammers advertise rare or exotic animals for sale online — such as monkeys, big cats, or rare reptiles — collect deposits, and never deliver the animal.
Check your state and local laws — many exotic animals are illegal to own without permits.
Exotic pet enthusiasts
U.S.
Instagram giveaway scam
Fake accounts impersonate brands or influencers and announce fraudulent giveaways that require participants to share personal information, pay a shipping fee, or click malicious links.
Verify any giveaway through the brand's official verified account and website
Social media users
Global
TikTok money flip scam
TikTok videos and DMs promote fake money flipping schemes that claim to multiply your cash through a secret investment method, but simply steal your initial payment.
Recognize that no legitimate investment can guarantee to multiply your money — any such promise is a scam
Young adults
U.S.
Facebook Marketplace catfish scam
Scammers on Facebook Marketplace create fake buyer or seller profiles to trick people into sending payments for items that do not exist or never arrive.
Use Facebook checkout for buyer protection and avoid paying through external payment apps
Social media users
U.S.
Twitter crypto promotion scam
Hacked or impersonator Twitter accounts post fake cryptocurrency promotions promising to double any crypto sent to a wallet address, stealing funds from followers.
Remember that no legitimate person or company will ever ask you to send crypto to receive more back
Social media users
Global
LinkedIn fake recruiter scam
Scammers pose as recruiters on LinkedIn, offering fake job opportunities to collect personal information, Social Security numbers, or upfront training fees from job seekers.
Verify any job offer by contacting the company directly through their official careers page or HR department
Job seekers
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.
YouTube subscriber bot scam
Services sell fake YouTube subscribers and views using bot accounts, violating YouTube's terms of service and putting the buyer's channel at risk of termination.
Grow your channel organically — fake subscribers provide zero real engagement and harm your channel's algorithmic performance
Content creators
Global
Pinterest fake shopping link scam
Scammers create attractive Pinterest pins linking to fraudulent shopping sites that steal payment information or deliver counterfeit goods.
Research any unfamiliar online store before purchasing — check reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot or the BBB
Social media users
U.S.
Reddit investment tip scam
Scammers infiltrate investment subreddits with fake success stories and coordinated posts promoting fraudulent trading platforms or pump-and-dump stocks.
Verify investment advice from Reddit through independent financial research and regulated sources
Social media users
U.S.
influencer promotion scam
Influencers promote fraudulent products, services, or investment schemes to their followers without disclosing they are being paid, or without verifying what they are promoting is legitimate.
Research any product or investment independently before purchasing, regardless of who promotes it
Social media users
U.S.
curbstoner unlicensed dealer scam
An unlicensed dealer poses as a private seller to flip vehicles without disclosing known defects, avoiding dealer regulations and consumer protections.
Verify the seller's name matches the name on the vehicle title.
Car buyers
U.S.
social media DM sextortion scam
A stranger initiates a direct message conversation on Instagram or Snapchat, quickly escalates to exchanging explicit photos, then threatens to share the victim's images with their followers.
Stop communicating — do not send money, and do not send additional images.
Teenagers
U.S.
AI-generated explicit image threat scam
Scammers use AI image generators to create non-consensual explicit images from a victim's social media photos, then threaten to distribute them online or to contacts.
Do not pay or engage with the scammer — compliance leads to escalation.
Teenagers
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.
TikTok product reviewer scam
Scammers recruit TikTok users to promote products in videos with promises of free merchandise and commissions, but products never arrive and personal data is harvested.
Verify the company independently — search for its name plus the word scam before signing up.
Content creators
U.S.
influencer impersonation scam
Scammers create fake accounts mimicking popular influencers and use them to promote fraudulent products, run fake giveaways, or solicit money from fans.
Verify the account handle character by character and check for the verified badge.
Content creators
U.S.
social media cash gifting scam
Cash gifting schemes promoted through Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook promise that sending money to a stranger will result in receiving a larger amount back from future participants.
Never send money to strangers online in exchange for a promise of a larger return
Young adults
U.S.
wallet connect phishing airdrop scam
Scammers create fake airdrop claim sites that prompt users to connect their crypto wallet, then use malicious smart contract approvals to drain all tokens from the wallet.
Never connect your wallet to unknown websites and verify any airdrop through the project official channels
Crypto users
U.S.
fake Ethereum airdrop scam
Scammers impersonate the Ethereum Foundation or Vitalik Buterin to promote fake ETH airdrops that require victims to send ETH first or connect wallets to phishing sites.
Remember that no legitimate cryptocurrency project or figure asks you to send crypto to receive more in return
Crypto users
U.S.
social media airdrop link scam
Fake airdrop announcements on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok use engagement bait to drive clicks to phishing sites that steal wallet credentials or personal data.
Verify any airdrop by checking the project official website and verified social media accounts
Crypto users
U.S.
layer-2 bridge exploit airdrop scam
Fake airdrops impersonate layer-2 scaling solutions and direct users to fraudulent bridge interfaces that steal deposited funds instead of bridging them to another network.
Use bridge interfaces only from the official project website and verify the URL through multiple trusted sources
DeFi participants
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.
fake Ozempic scam
Scammers sell counterfeit or diluted Ozempic (semaglutide) online at discount prices, often through unlicensed pharmacies or social media sellers, posing serious health risks.
Only obtain Ozempic or semaglutide through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.
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.
detox cleanse scam
Products marketed as detox or cleanse programs claim to remove toxins from the body, but contain unproven or potentially harmful ingredients and no scientific evidence of efficacy.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting any detox program — healthy kidneys and liver already detoxify your body.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
fake FDA-approved product scam
A health product falsely claims FDA approval to appear legitimate, when the FDA has never evaluated or approved it — dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before sale.
Understand that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements — only drugs and medical devices go through FDA approval.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
keto pill scam
Pills marketed as putting your body into ketosis without following a ketogenic diet use misleading claims and fake before-and-after results to sell ineffective supplements.
Research any supplement through independent review sites and verify claimed celebrity or TV show endorsements.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
anti-aging cream scam
Skin care products make exaggerated anti-aging claims — erasing wrinkles, reversing aging — using doctored photos and fake dermatologist endorsements to sell overpriced, ineffective creams.
Be skeptical of any skin care product claiming to reverse aging — consult a board-certified dermatologist for proven treatments.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
muscle building supplement scam
Supplements claiming to dramatically increase muscle mass or boost testosterone use fabricated before-and-after photos and fake pro athlete endorsements to sell ineffective or unsafe products.
Look for supplements that disclose exact ingredient amounts rather than hiding behind proprietary blends.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
fake clinical trial results scam
Health products cite fabricated or misrepresented clinical studies to claim scientific backing, using invented journal names or distorted findings from real studies.
Search for the cited study on PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) or ClinicalTrials.gov to verify it exists.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
subscription vitamin trap scam
A personalized vitamin quiz funnels consumers into an expensive monthly subscription that is nearly impossible to cancel, with auto-ship charges that escalate over time.
Read the full subscription terms before providing payment information, especially the renewal price and cancellation policy.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
Venmo charity payment scam
Scammers create fake charity campaigns on social media, soliciting Venmo donations for disaster relief, medical emergencies, or social causes — the money goes directly to the scammer's personal account.
Donate only through verified platforms like GoFundMe or directly through registered charity websites — check Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
Young adults
U.S.
Cash App Friday impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate Cash App's official social media giveaways (like #CashAppFriday), asking victims to send a small payment to 'verify' their account before receiving a larger prize that never comes.
Cash App's official giveaways never require you to send money first — any giveaway asking for payment is a scam.
Social media users
U.S.
Bitcoin investment via Cash App scam
Scammers recruit victims through social media to invest in Bitcoin through Cash App, promising guaranteed returns — victims either send Bitcoin directly to the scammer or lose control of their Cash App account.
No one can guarantee returns on cryptocurrency — guaranteed profit claims are always a scam.
Young adults
U.S.
Cash App sugar daddy scam
Scammers on social media or dating apps offer to be a 'sugar daddy' or 'sugar mommy,' sending a fake Cash App payment and then asking the victim to return a portion or pay a fee before the full amount clears.
Strangers offering free money online are always scammers — no legitimate person sends money to people they do not know.
Young adults
U.S.
YouTube monetization scam
Fake emails claim to be from YouTube's Partner Program, asking creators to verify their monetization status through a phishing link that steals their Google account credentials.
Check monetization status directly in YouTube Studio at studio.youtube.com — not through email links.
YouTube creators
U.S.
TikTok Creator Fund scam
Fake messages claim you have been selected for the TikTok Creator Fund or Creativity Program, directing you to a phishing site to steal your account credentials and payment information.
Check your Creator Fund status directly in the TikTok app under Creator tools — never through external links.
TikTok creators
U.S.
fake brand deal DM scam
Scammers impersonate brands or talent agencies in TikTok DMs, offering sponsorship deals that require the creator to pay upfront fees or share sensitive account access.
Verify brand deals by checking the company's official website and contacting them through their listed business email.
TikTok creators
U.S.
TikTok Shop counterfeit goods scam
Sellers on TikTok Shop or promoted through TikTok videos sell counterfeit or grossly misrepresented products at prices that seem like great deals.
Research sellers and read reviews before purchasing — check for patterns of complaints about product quality.
Online shoppers
U.S.
TikTok live stream gift card scam
Scammers on TikTok Live promise prizes, giveaways, or cash rewards in exchange for viewers sending virtual gifts or purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes.
Do not send TikTok gifts or share gift card codes to strangers based on giveaway promises.
Teenagers
U.S.
TikTok account verification phishing scam
A fake message claims your TikTok account needs verification to avoid suspension, directing you to a phishing page that steals your login credentials.
TikTok sends security notifications through the app — check your inbox within the TikTok app directly.
TikTok users
U.S.
TikTok resume feature exploit scam
Scammers post fake job listings on TikTok encouraging users to submit video resumes, then harvest the personal information shared in those videos for identity theft.
Never share sensitive personal information like your address, date of birth, or ID numbers in a video resume.
Job seekers
U.S.
fake viral challenge prize scam
Scammers create fake TikTok challenges promising cash prizes to participants, then collect personal information or fees from users who believe they have won.
Be skeptical of any challenge promising easy money — legitimate contests have verifiable sponsors and published rules.
Teenagers
U.S.
TikTok adult content bot scam
Bot accounts on TikTok post suggestive comments or send DMs luring users to external adult content sites that steal credit card information or install malware.
Do not click links in DMs or comments from accounts you do not know.
Young adults
U.S.
crypto promotion by fake influencer on TikTok
Fake or compromised TikTok accounts impersonate popular influencers to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, leading followers to lose money on worthless tokens.
Never invest based solely on social media influencer recommendations — always do independent research.
Young adults
U.S.
TikTok Creativity Program impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate TikTok's Creativity Program, offering fake invitations to creators with promises of higher payouts in exchange for personal information or a setup fee.
Check Creativity Program eligibility directly in the TikTok app under Creator tools.
TikTok creators
U.S.
secret santa gift exchange pyramid scam
Social media posts invite people to join a Secret Santa gift exchange where you send one gift and receive 6-36 in return, which is actually an illegal pyramid scheme where most participants lose money.
Do not participate — these gift exchanges are illegal pyramid schemes under federal law regardless of the gift value.
Social media users
U.S.
disaster GoFundMe fraud scam
Scammers create fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns after natural disasters using stolen photos and fabricated stories, pocketing donations meant for disaster victims.
Donate to established disaster relief organizations rather than individual crowdfunding campaigns unless you personally know the recipient.
Donors
U.S.
missing person donation scam
Scammers exploit natural disasters by creating fake fundraisers for supposedly missing persons, using stolen photos and fabricated stories to collect donations from concerned members of the public.
Share missing person reports only from verified sources such as local police departments, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, or official emergency management agencies.
Social media users
U.S.
celebrity crypto endorsement deepfake
AI-generated deepfake videos show celebrities apparently endorsing cryptocurrency investment platforms, luring victims into depositing money on fraudulent exchanges that steal their funds.
Verify any celebrity endorsement by checking the person's official social media accounts and website.
Crypto investors
U.S.
AI-generated news anchor scam
Scammers create fake news broadcasts using AI-generated anchors who report fabricated stories designed to promote fraudulent products, investments, or political disinformation.
Cross-reference any news clip with the official website of the network it claims to represent.
Seniors
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.
AI-generated fake news site scam
Entire news websites are created using AI-generated content to look like legitimate local or national news outlets, publishing fabricated stories to drive traffic to ad-fraud pages or promote scam products.
Check whether the news site has an About page with real editorial staff and contact information.
News readers
U.S.
Instagram lifestyle pig butchering scam
Scammers curate glamorous Instagram profiles showcasing luxury lifestyles funded by alleged investments, then DM targets to build relationships and funnel them into fake crypto or forex platforms.
Be suspicious of strangers on Instagram who DM you about investment opportunities, regardless of how glamorous their profile appears.
Young adults
U.S.
Fitness coaching MLM recruitment scheme
A fitness company sells coaching programs and shakes through a recruitment-heavy MLM structure where most participants pay more for products than they earn from selling.
Ask for the income disclosure statement and calculate median earnings after required product purchases.
Young adults
U.S.
Forex trading MLM recruitment scheme
A company combines forex trading signals or education with an MLM recruitment structure where participants earn more from recruiting traders than from actual profitable trades.
Ask for verified trading records (not screenshots) showing consistent profits from the signals or strategies.
Young adults
U.S.
Social media MLM recruitment pressure
MLM sellers use social media to target friends, followers, and acquaintances with business opportunity pitches disguised as personal messages, creating social pressure to join or buy.
It is okay to say no — a real friend will respect your decision without pressuring you.
Young adults
U.S.
Fashion and clothing MLM scheme
A fashion company sells clothing through an MLM structure where sellers buy inventory upfront, face no-return policies, and earn primarily through recruiting new sellers.
Never invest in inventory you cannot return — check the return policy before purchasing.
Women
U.S.
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