Audience page
Scams targeting young adults
Young adults are prime targets because they are building credit, signing leases, and making online purchases independently for the first time. Scammers exploit inexperience with contracts, urgency around deals, and trust in social-media recommendations.
Common searches
Why this audience gets targeted
- Young adults are often managing finances, credit, and legal contracts independently for the first time.
- Social media trust and impulse buying make fake giveaways, influencer promotions, and flash-sale scams effective.
- Scammers know younger people are more likely to transact digitally and less likely to verify through traditional channels.
What to check first
- Verify giveaways, promotions, and influencer deals through the official brand site, not a DM or story link.
- Never share your SSN, ID photos, or banking details for a prize, deposit, or verification you did not initiate.
- Treat any offer that requires urgency, secrecy, or upfront payment as a red flag.
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
Sugar dating verification fee scam
A match promises an allowance but first requests verification payments, subscription fees, or gift cards to activate the arrangement.
Treat any payment-before-payment arrangement as fraud.
Students
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
Synthetic identity loan scam
A lender or credit-builder program uses a partially fake identity footprint to open accounts that later surface as fraud against the victim.
Review your credit reports and dispute unfamiliar applications quickly.
Young adults
U.S.
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
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.
SMS prize alert text message scam
Scam text messages claim you have won a prize or gift card and include a link to a phishing website designed to steal personal information.
Never click links in unsolicited text messages claiming you have won a prize
Smartphone users
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
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
free trial subscription trap scam
A product advertises a free trial but buries auto-renewal terms in fine print, then charges a full subscription fee after a short window.
Set a calendar reminder before any trial expires.
Online subscribers
U.S.
fitness app subscription scam
A fitness or wellness app charges premium subscription fees after a brief trial, often using biometric or fingerprint confirmation tricks to authorize payments.
Review subscription charges in your app store account settings regularly.
App users
U.S.
fake debt collector call scam
A caller impersonates a debt collector and pressures the victim to pay a debt that either does not exist or is not legitimately owed to the caller.
Request a written debt validation letter — legitimate collectors are required to provide one under the FDCPA.
People with debt
U.S.
wage garnishment threat debt scam
A scammer threatens to garnish the victim's wages through their employer unless a debt — often fabricated — is paid immediately.
Know that real wage garnishment requires a court order — you would be notified in writing.
Employed adults
U.S.
student loan forgiveness scam
Scammers pose as government or loan servicer representatives, charging upfront fees for student loan forgiveness applications that are actually free.
Apply for forgiveness programs directly at studentaid.gov at no cost.
Students
U.S.
payment app debt demand scam
A scammer posing as a debt collector demands immediate payment via Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or similar peer-to-peer platforms, which offer no buyer protection.
Legitimate debt collectors do not accept payment via peer-to-peer apps.
Young adults
U.S.
fake Zillow listing rental scam
Scammers copy real property listings from Zillow and repost them at below-market rent, then collect deposits from multiple victims for a property they do not own.
Reverse image search listing photos to check if they appear on other sites.
Renters
U.S.
roommate scam
A person posing as a prospective roommate sends a check for more than the agreed amount and asks the victim to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount from a stranger.
Students
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.
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.
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
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.
title washing auto scam
A salvage or flood-damaged vehicle's title is laundered through states with lax title laws to remove the salvage brand, then resold as clean.
Always run a vehicle history report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System at vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov.
Car buyers
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.
online car deposit scam
A seller lists an attractive vehicle at a below-market price and requests a deposit to hold it, then disappears after receiving payment.
Never send a deposit for a vehicle you have not seen and inspected in person.
Car buyers
U.S.
lemon laundering scam
A vehicle that was bought back by the manufacturer under a state lemon law is resold without disclosing its defect history.
Run a full vehicle history report and look specifically for manufacturer buyback or lemon law records.
Car buyers
U.S.
phantom vehicle listing scam
A completely fabricated vehicle listing uses stolen photos and descriptions to collect deposits from buyers for a car that does not exist.
Reverse-search listing photos before contacting the seller.
Car buyers
U.S.
dealer add-on fraud
A dealership adds unwanted products or services — such as paint protection, fabric coating, or VIN etching — to the final purchase price without clear consent.
Read every line of the purchase agreement and refuse to sign until all charges are explained.
Car buyers
U.S.
webcam blackmail email scam
A mass-sent email claims the sender hacked your webcam and recorded you during intimate activity, demanding cryptocurrency payment to prevent release of the footage.
Do not reply or send any payment — these are mass-sent with no actual footage.
Adults
U.S.
teen social media sextortion scam
Predators target minors on social media, build trust through conversation, solicit explicit images, then threaten to share them unless the victim pays or provides more content.
Stop all communication with the scammer immediately — do not pay or send more images.
Teenagers
U.S.
dating app recording threat scam
A match on a dating app lures the victim into a video call, captures intimate moments, then threatens to share the recording unless a payment is made.
Do not pay — payment rarely stops the threats and often leads to increased demands.
Young adults
U.S.
password reveal sextortion email scam
An email includes one of your real passwords in the subject line and claims a hacker used it to access your device and record compromising footage.
Do not pay — the scammer has only your leaked password, not access to your device.
Adults
U.S.
compromised photos sextortion threat scam
A scammer claims to have obtained intimate photos from your phone or cloud storage and threatens to distribute them unless you pay.
Do not pay or engage — most of these threats are bluffs with no actual photos.
Adults
U.S.
deepfake sextortion scam
Scammers use AI deepfake technology to create realistic but fabricated explicit images or videos of the victim from their public photos, then demand payment to prevent distribution.
Do not pay — the images are fabricated and paying does not guarantee deletion.
Teenagers
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.
sextortion via gaming platform scam
Predators target gamers — often minors — through in-game chat or Discord, build trust through shared gaming, then solicit and weaponize explicit images.
Stop all contact with the person and do not comply with any demands.
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.
closing wire instruction hijack scam
Hackers intercept or spoof emails between homebuyers and title companies, sending fraudulent wire instructions that redirect the closing funds to a criminal's account.
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company at a phone number from their official website — never from the email itself.
Homebuyers
U.S.
title company impersonation scam
Scammers create fake email addresses and websites that closely mimic a real title company, sending buyers fraudulent closing documents and wire instructions.
Verify the sender's exact email domain character by character before acting on any wire instructions.
Homebuyers
U.S.
down payment redirect scam
A fraudulent email intercepted during a real estate transaction redirects the buyer's down payment to a criminal's account by providing altered wiring details.
Never wire money based solely on email instructions — always confirm by phone using a known, verified number.
Homebuyers
U.S.
earnest money theft scam
Scammers intercept real estate communications and send fake instructions for the earnest money deposit early in the transaction, stealing funds before closing even begins.
Verify earnest money instructions directly with your real estate agent and the escrow company by phone.
Homebuyers
U.S.
real estate agent email compromise scam
Hackers breach a real estate agent's email account and use it to send fraudulent wire instructions to the agent's active clients, leveraging the trusted relationship.
Always verify financial instructions through a separate communication channel — call your agent on their known phone number.
Homebuyers
U.S.
property tax payment redirect scam
Scammers send fake property tax notices directing homeowners to pay overdue or delinquent taxes to a fraudulent account, often threatening liens or penalties for non-payment.
Verify any tax notice by contacting your county tax assessor's office directly using the number from their official website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
HOA fee redirect scam
Scammers impersonate a homeowners association and send emails with updated payment instructions, redirecting HOA dues to a criminal's account.
Verify any payment change by contacting your HOA management company or board president directly by phone.
Homebuyers
U.S.
fake concert ticket resale scam
Scammers list counterfeit or nonexistent concert tickets on resale sites and social media, collecting payment and then disappearing or sending invalid barcodes.
Buy tickets only from official box offices or verified resale platforms like Ticketmaster Resale or StubHub that guarantee authenticity
Concertgoers
U.S.
music festival ticket fraud
Scammers sell fake wristbands or digital passes for popular music festivals, often using stolen images of real wristbands to appear legitimate.
Use only the official festival resale or transfer platform to purchase secondhand passes
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.
fake photo editor app scam
Scam photo editing apps lure users with free filters and features, then demand expensive subscriptions, harvest photos, or install adware on the device.
Check app permissions before installing and deny access to data the app does not need for its core function
Smartphone users
U.S.
crypto Ponzi scheme
Fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platforms promise guaranteed high returns but pay early investors with new investor funds, eventually collapsing and leaving most participants with total losses.
Be extremely skeptical of any investment promising guaranteed returns, as all legitimate investments carry risk
Investors
U.S.
forex trading pool scam
Scammers recruit investors into unregistered forex trading pools promising consistent monthly profits, but use new deposits to pay existing members while pocketing the majority.
Verify any forex fund manager or trading pool is registered with the CFTC and NFA at nfa.futures.org/basicnet
Investors
U.S.
MLM recruitment scam
Pyramid schemes disguised as multi-level marketing opportunities focus primarily on recruiting new participants rather than selling actual products, with the vast majority of members losing money.
Request and review the company income disclosure statement before joining, paying attention to what percentage of participants earn a profit
Job seekers
U.S.
gifting circle scam
Participants are told to give a cash gift to join a circle with the promise of receiving a larger payout when they recruit enough new members, which is an illegal pyramid scheme.
Understand that gifting circles are illegal pyramid schemes regardless of what they are called
Low-income households
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.
blessing loom scam
The blessing loom is a pyramid scheme presented as a board or flower diagram where participants pay to enter and are promised a large payout when enough new members join below them.
Recognize that the blessing loom is an illegal pyramid scheme regardless of the language used to describe it
Low-income households
U.S.
high-yield investment program (HYIP) scam
HYIPs are fraudulent online investment platforms that promise extraordinarily high returns, sometimes 1-10 percent daily, funded entirely by new investor deposits in a classic Ponzi structure.
Understand that returns of 1 percent per day would be 3,678 percent annually, which is impossible for any legitimate investment
Investors
U.S.
binary options scam
Fraudulent binary options platforms manipulate trades so customers always lose, refuse withdrawals, and often operate from offshore locations with no regulatory oversight.
Trade binary options only on CFTC-regulated exchanges such as Nadex in the United States
Investors
U.S.
crowdfunding Ponzi scheme
Scammers use crowdfunding platforms or create their own to collect funds for fictional projects, using new contributions to pay fake returns to early backers before disappearing.
Research the project team independently and verify their identities and past work before backing a campaign
Investors
U.S.
age verification link scam
A dating app match sends you a link to an external site claiming you need to verify your age before meeting, which harvests your credit card information.
Never click external links sent by matches — legitimate dating apps handle verification within the app.
Online daters
U.S.
identity verification phishing scam
A dating app match asks you to verify your identity through a third-party website that collects personal information including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Never share your Social Security number or government ID through a link sent by a dating match.
Online daters
U.S.
safe dating website redirect scam
A match on a dating app suggests moving the conversation to a 'safe dating website' that requires registration with a credit card, which then charges hidden fees.
Stay on the original dating platform — there is no legitimate reason to move to an unknown external site.
Online daters
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.
dating safety ID scam
A match demands you obtain a 'dating safety ID' or 'hookup clearance' through a website that charges your credit card for a worthless verification badge.
Recognize that no legitimate dating platform requires a separate safety ID — this is always a scam.
Online daters
U.S.
photo verification scam
A dating app match asks you to verify your photos through an external site that collects your selfie and personal data for identity theft or deepfake creation.
Use only the built-in verification features of dating apps — Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge all have native photo verification.
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.
date location check-in scam
A dating match asks you to check in at a specific venue through a link before your date for safety purposes, but the link is a phishing page that steals your personal data.
Share your location with a trusted friend using built-in phone features instead of external check-in links.
Online daters
U.S.
STI testing verification scam
A dating match demands you get tested for STIs through a specific website before meeting, which charges for a fake test or collects your health and payment information.
Get STI testing through your own healthcare provider or a reputable clinic — never through a link from a dating match.
Online daters
U.S.
PayPal friends and family payment trick scam
A seller or scammer insists on receiving payment through PayPal's Friends and Family option, which has no buyer protection — if the product never arrives, there is no way to file a dispute or get a refund.
Always use PayPal's Goods and Services option for any purchase — the small fee provides full buyer protection.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Zelle rental deposit scam
A fake landlord lists an apartment at below-market rent and demands a Zelle deposit to hold the unit — once paid, the 'landlord' disappears and the listing turns out to be stolen from a legitimate property.
Never send a rental deposit via Zelle or any peer-to-peer app without first seeing the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity.
Renters
U.S.
Zelle accidental transfer refund request scam
A stranger sends you a Zelle payment and then contacts you claiming it was sent by mistake, asking you to return the money — the original payment was made from a stolen account and will be reversed, leaving you out the refunded amount.
Do not send money back — tell the sender to contact their bank to reverse the payment through official channels.
Zelle users
U.S.
Venmo stranger payment request scam
Random users send Venmo payment requests with urgent or confusing messages, hoping recipients will pay without thinking — often mimicking bills, shared expenses, or guilt-based social engineering.
Decline payment requests from anyone you do not recognize — verify with the person through a separate channel if the name looks familiar.
Venmo users
U.S.
fake Venmo email phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate Venmo, claiming your account needs verification, a payment failed, or your password must be reset, directing you to a fake login page that steals your credentials.
Never click links in emails claiming to be from Venmo — open the Venmo app or go to venmo.com directly.
Venmo users
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.
Venmo payment for goods protection gap scam
Sellers or buyers exploit the fact that Venmo personal payments have no purchase protection, using the platform for transactions where disputes cannot be resolved — leaving the other party with no recourse.
Only use Venmo for purchases when the seller has a business profile with purchase protection enabled.
Online shoppers
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.
Venmo business profile scam
Scammers create fake Venmo business profiles impersonating legitimate companies, accepting payments for goods or services they never deliver while exploiting the trust associated with verified-looking business accounts.
Verify business legitimacy before paying — check the company's official website for their accepted payment methods.
Online shoppers
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.
Venmo accidental payment scam
A stranger sends you money on Venmo and claims it was accidental, asking you to send it back — the original payment was made with a stolen credit card or compromised account and will be reversed.
Do not send money back to anyone you do not know — tell them to contact Venmo support to reverse the payment.
Venmo users
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.
Cash App money flip scam
Scammers promise to multiply your money through a Cash App 'flip' — send them a small amount and they will return a much larger sum. The money is never returned.
There is no legitimate way to multiply money by sending it to a stranger — this is always a scam.
Young adults
U.S.
Cash App clearance fee scam
A scammer claims you have a large incoming Cash App payment that requires a clearance fee or tax payment before it can be deposited to your account — the incoming payment does not exist.
You never need to pay a fee to receive money on Cash App — this is always a scam.
Cash App users
U.S.
Cash App card skimming scam
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs and point-of-sale terminals that capture Cash App card (Cash Card) data, then use the stolen information to make unauthorized purchases or ATM withdrawals.
Inspect card readers before use — wiggle the card slot and check for anything loose or out of place.
Cash App card users
U.S.
fake Cash App boost scam
Scammers send texts or DMs offering exclusive Cash App Boosts (discount codes) that require clicking a link or sharing login credentials — the Boosts are fake and the links lead to phishing sites.
Cash App Boosts are only available within the official Cash App — never through external links or messages.
Cash App 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 account verification phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your Cash App account needs identity verification to avoid suspension, directing you to a fake site that steals your login credentials, Social Security number, and banking details.
Cash App identity verification is only done within the official app — never through email links or external websites.
Cash App users
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.
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.
Apple Pay unauthorized charge scam
A phishing email or text claims there is an unauthorized charge on your Apple Pay account, directing you to a fake dispute page that steals your financial information.
Check your transaction history directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone — do not use links from messages.
Apple Pay users
U.S.
Xbox account compromise scam
Scammers contact Xbox players claiming their account has been compromised, asking for login details or payment to restore access.
Never share your password or two-factor codes with anyone — Xbox Support will never ask for them.
Gamers
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.
Craigslist fake rental listing scam
Scammers post fake rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate real estate sites, collecting deposits and first month's rent from multiple victims for properties they do not own.
Never send money for a rental you have not physically visited — verify the property exists and the 'landlord' owns it.
Renters
U.S.
Craigslist car sale escrow scam
A car listed on Craigslist is offered at a great price with the seller suggesting a fake escrow service to handle the transaction, stealing the buyer's payment.
Never buy a vehicle sight-unseen, no matter how good the deal seems — insist on seeing it in person.
Car buyers
U.S.
Craigslist job posting advance fee scam
Fake job postings on Craigslist require applicants to pay for training, background checks, or equipment before starting, then the job turns out to not exist.
Never pay money to start a job — legitimate employers cover the cost of training and background checks.
Job seekers
U.S.
Craigslist ticket resale scam
Scammers sell fake or duplicate concert, sports, or event tickets on Craigslist, leaving buyers unable to enter the venue.
Buy resale tickets only through verified platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek that offer buyer guarantees.
Concert-goers
U.S.
Craigslist electronics too-good-to-be-true price scam
Listings for popular electronics like iPhones, gaming consoles, or laptops at far below retail price turn out to be stolen goods, counterfeits, or nonexistent items.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is — research fair market prices before buying.
Bargain hunters
U.S.
Coinbase account suspended phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your Coinbase account has been suspended due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that steals your credentials and two-factor codes.
Never click links in emails or texts about account issues — log in directly at coinbase.com to check your account status.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Coinbase Earn impersonator scam
Fake websites and social media posts imitate the Coinbase Earn program, promising free cryptocurrency for completing tasks, but steal credentials or require an upfront deposit that is never returned.
Access Coinbase Earn only through the official Coinbase app or website — the real program never requires a deposit.
New crypto users
U.S.
Coinbase card skimming scam
Fake Coinbase Card management portals capture debit card details, enabling unauthorized transactions and ATM withdrawals linked to victims' crypto balances.
Manage your Coinbase Card only through the official Coinbase app — never through links in emails or messages.
Coinbase Card users
U.S.
Coinbase fake listing alert scam
Scammers announce fake cryptocurrency listings on Coinbase to pump worthless tokens, then dump them after victims buy in based on the false news.
Check official Coinbase channels — blog.coinbase.com and the official Coinbase Twitter/X account — for legitimate listing announcements.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Uber account compromise phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts impersonate Uber, claiming suspicious account activity and directing users to fake login pages that steal credentials and payment information.
Log into your Uber account directly through the official app to check for any issues — do not click links in suspicious messages.
Uber riders
U.S.
Uber Eats delivery scam
Scammers posing as Uber Eats drivers contact customers claiming issues with delivery and ask for payment details or verification codes to 'complete' the order.
Never share verification codes, credit card details, or passwords with anyone claiming to be an Uber Eats driver.
Uber Eats customers
U.S.
Uber lost item fee scam
Dishonest drivers falsely report that a passenger left an item in their car, triggering a cleaning or return fee charged to the passenger's account for an item that was never lost.
Check your Uber receipts after every ride and dispute any unrecognized charges immediately through the app.
Uber riders
U.S.
Airbnb damage claim extortion scam
Hosts file fraudulent damage claims against guests after checkout, submitting fake or pre-existing damage photos to collect repair fees through Airbnb's resolution center.
Photograph the entire property at check-in and check-out to have timestamped evidence of its condition.
Travelers
U.S.
USPS job application scam
Fake job postings claim to recruit USPS mail carriers or clerks, charging applicants fees for applications, background checks, or training that USPS provides at no cost.
Apply for USPS jobs only through the official portal at usps.com/careers — all USPS job applications are free.
Job seekers
U.S.
Zillow fake listing contact form scam
Scammers create fake property listings on Zillow with below-market prices and use the contact form to redirect interested renters or buyers to off-platform communication where they extract deposits or personal information.
Never send money for a rental without touring the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity.
Renters
U.S.
Zillow pre-approval phishing scam
A phishing email or ad claims to offer instant mortgage pre-approval through Zillow, harvesting Social Security numbers, financial records, and personal information.
Apply for mortgage pre-approval only through verified lenders or directly at zillow.com/home-loans.
Homebuyers
U.S.
Zillow rental application fee scam
A fake landlord on Zillow charges non-refundable application fees for a property they do not own, collecting fees from multiple applicants for the same listing.
Verify property ownership through your county's property assessor website before paying any fees.
Renters
U.S.
Zillow fake open house RSVP scam
A phishing email or listing promotes a fake open house event for an attractive property, collecting personal information through a fraudulent RSVP form.
Verify open houses directly with the listing agent by calling the number on their brokerage website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
Zillow fake property management scam
Scammers pose as property management companies on Zillow listings, collecting rent payments and security deposits for properties they have no authority to lease.
Verify the property management company through the property owner or county assessor records.
Renters
U.S.
Robinhood account restricted phishing scam
A phishing email or text claims your Robinhood account has been restricted due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that captures your credentials and enables account takeover.
Check account status by opening the official Robinhood app — never through links in messages.
Retail investors
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 Gold upgrade scam
A phishing email impersonates Robinhood offering a free or discounted Robinhood Gold upgrade, directing users to a fake page that captures payment and login information.
Manage your Robinhood Gold subscription only through the official app or robinhood.com.
Robinhood users
U.S.
Robinhood crypto wallet phishing scam
A phishing campaign targets Robinhood crypto wallet users with fake wallet verification or transfer confirmation emails, capturing login credentials and wallet keys.
Robinhood will never ask for your wallet seed phrase or private keys — this is always a scam.
Crypto investors
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.
Robinhood tax document phishing scam
A phishing email claims your Robinhood tax document (1099) is ready for download, directing you to a fake site that captures your login credentials and Social Security number.
Access tax documents only through the official Robinhood app under Account > Statements & History > Tax Documents.
Robinhood users
U.S.
Robinhood IPO access scam
Scammers promise guaranteed access to hot IPOs through Robinhood in exchange for an upfront fee or deposit, exploiting the hype around initial public offerings.
Robinhood IPO Access is free — never pay anyone for IPO access through any platform.
Retail investors
U.S.
Robinhood referral scam
Scammers promote fake Robinhood referral links on social media and forums that lead to phishing sites or require victims to deposit money to unlock referral rewards that do not exist.
Use referral links only from people you know and trust, and verify the URL goes to robinhood.com.
New investors
U.S.
fake tax software scam
Scammers create counterfeit tax preparation software or fake versions of popular platforms that harvest personal and financial information entered by users.
Only use IRS-authorized e-file providers listed at irs.gov/e-file-providers.
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.
holiday seasonal job scam
Fake job listings promise high-paying seasonal holiday work at major retailers or shipping companies, then steal applicants' personal data or charge upfront fees for nonexistent positions.
Apply for seasonal jobs directly through the retailer's official careers page, not through third-party links.
Job seekers
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.
roommate finder scam
Fake roommate listings on housing boards and apps collect deposits and first-month rent from students for apartments that do not exist or are not controlled by the scammer.
Never send money for housing you have not visited in person or verified through the university's official housing office.
College students
U.S.
fake student discount card scam
Scammers sell worthless student discount cards or memberships that promise savings at major retailers and restaurants but provide no legitimate discounts.
Use free, legitimate student discount platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your school's official discount programs.
College students
U.S.
currency exchange rip-off scam
Unregulated currency exchange booths and apps target summer tourists with extremely unfavorable exchange rates and hidden commissions, costing travelers 10-30% more than fair rates.
Use your bank's ATM abroad for the best exchange rates, and choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups.
International travelers
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.
event ticket QR code scam
Fraudsters sell counterfeit event tickets with QR codes that either do not scan at the venue or redirect to phishing sites when buyers try to verify them.
Buy tickets only from the official venue, promoter, or authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster or StubHub.
Concert-goers
U.S.
student loan pause extension scam
Scammers impersonate the Department of Education or loan servicers, offering fake extensions to student loan repayment pauses in exchange for personal information or upfront fees.
Manage your student loans exclusively through studentaid.gov and your official loan servicer.
Student loan borrowers
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.
crypto trading mentorship pig butchering scam
Scammers pose as successful crypto traders offering mentorship, guiding victims through increasingly larger trades on a fake exchange until their funds are locked and unrecoverable.
Verify any crypto exchange on CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or check if it is registered with FinCEN.
Crypto beginners
U.S.
online gaming marketplace pig butchering scam
Scammers target gamers through fake in-game item marketplaces or gaming investment platforms, building relationships through shared gaming interests before redirecting them to fraudulent financial platforms.
Keep gaming friendships and financial decisions completely separate.
Gamers
U.S.
MLM health supplement recruitment scheme
A health supplement company requires participants to buy inventory upfront and earn primarily through recruiting new sellers rather than product sales, leaving most participants with unsold stock and financial losses.
Research the company's income disclosure statement — if available, it will show that most participants earn little or nothing.
Parents
U.S.
Crypto MLM token recruitment scheme
A cryptocurrency project uses MLM-style recruitment to attract investors who earn commissions by recruiting others, with the token having little real utility or market value.
Verify the token is listed on major exchanges and has real trading volume independent of the recruitment program.
Crypto traders
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.
MLM travel club recruitment scheme
A travel company sells memberships through an MLM structure where the real product is the recruitment opportunity, not discounted travel, and most members never recoup their membership fees.
Compare the travel deals offered to prices on public booking sites like Kayak, Google Flights, or Booking.com.
Travelers
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.
Skincare and beauty MLM recruitment scheme
A beauty or skincare company requires sellers to purchase inventory and recruit new sellers, with most participants unable to sell enough product to cover their costs.
Compare the products to similar items available in retail stores to evaluate the price premium.
Women
U.S.
Insurance and financial services MLM scheme
A financial services or insurance company uses MLM recruitment to sell policies, with agents earning more from recruiting new agents than from providing sound financial advice.
Research the company's reputation with your state insurance department and the BBB.
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.
MLM income claim fraud
MLM companies and their sellers make misleading income claims that suggest typical participants earn significant money, when income disclosures show most earn little or nothing.
Always ask for and read the company's income disclosure statement before joining.
Young adults
U.S.
Weight loss MLM scheme
A weight loss company sells shakes, supplements, or programs through MLM recruitment, making unverified health claims while most sellers lose money on required purchases.
Compare the cost per serving to retail meal replacements and supplements.
Women
U.S.
MLM targeting college students
MLM companies aggressively recruit on college campuses, targeting students with promises of financial independence, flexible schedules, and entrepreneurship experience.
Research the company name before attending any info session — search the company name plus scam or MLM.
College students
U.S.
How to identify an MLM vs a legitimate business
A guide to the key differences between legitimate direct sales businesses and illegal pyramid schemes, including the five warning signs that an opportunity is really an MLM recruitment trap.
Ask: Can I earn a reasonable income selling products without recruiting anyone? If the honest answer is no, it is an MLM.
Job seekers
U.S.
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