Find the scam type you are dealing with.

Marketplace fraud usually mixes urgency, off-platform payment pressure, and fake proof of payment. This page groups the marketplace scams already tracked inside OpenScam.

AI impersonation scams use cloned voices, deepfaked identity signals, or synthetic authority to push victims into urgent action before they verify what is real.

Employment fraud often looks polished because it borrows real company language, recruiter names, and onboarding steps. The common pattern is an early ask for money, documents, or urgency.

Smishing works because people react faster to texts than emails. This category collects scam patterns that start with urgent SMS messages and move toward fake login pages or identity checks.

Recovery fraud appears after the first scam and preys on people who are already trying to fix a loss. The most common pitch is that a specialist can recover funds for a fee.

Travel fraud usually shows up when a booking feels time-sensitive. Fake host messages, off-platform payment requests, and last-minute verification asks are the common warning signs.

Romance scams rarely begin with a direct financial ask. They start with emotional trust, move into isolation, and then introduce a money problem, investment pitch, or fabricated emergency.

Investment scams often use controlled dashboards, fake gains, and pressure to increase deposits. Some are cold outreach campaigns, while others are wrapped inside a longer relationship scam.

Government impersonation scams use public fear, official language, and urgency to pressure people into paying a fine, sending identity data, or avoiding a fake legal problem.

Identity theft scams are often discovered after the fraud happened. The public search intent is usually about strange bills, tax issues, medical records, or accounts opened in someone else's name.

Account takeover scams focus on access first and theft second. Search demand usually comes from people trying to understand suspicious login alerts, MFA code requests, or hacked accounts.

Brand impersonation is the single largest category of consumer fraud. Scammers clone the logos, email templates, and website layouts of trusted companies to trick people into entering credentials or making payments. These attacks work because they exploit the trust you already have in brands you use every day.

Online shopping scams use professional-looking storefronts, stolen product photos, and prices that seem too good to pass up. Victims either receive counterfeit or low-quality items, or nothing at all. These scams spike during holiday shopping seasons and viral product trends.

Package delivery scams impersonate shipping carriers with fake tracking notifications, missed delivery alerts, and customs fee demands. The texts and emails look authentic because scammers copy real carrier formatting. They work especially well because most people are expecting a package at any given time.

Social media scams exploit the trust between friends, followers, and influencers. Attackers hack accounts to message contacts with fake emergencies, run fraudulent giveaways that harvest personal data, and create impersonation profiles to build rapport before asking for money. The social proof built into these platforms makes the scams more convincing.

Rental scams prey on the urgency of housing searches. Scammers copy real listings, pose as landlords or property managers, and collect deposits or first month's rent before disappearing. In competitive rental markets, the pressure to act fast makes victims skip the verification steps that would expose the fraud.

Cryptocurrency scams exploit the complexity and irreversibility of blockchain transactions. Victims are lured by guaranteed returns, fake exchanges, or social media hype into sending funds to wallets controlled by scammers. Once crypto is transferred, there is no chargeback, no bank to call, and no recovery path in most cases.

Tech support scams begin with a pop-up warning, a phone call, or a search result that connects you to a fake technician. The scammer convinces you that your computer is infected or compromised, then requests remote access to diagnose the problem. From there they install malware, steal files, or charge hundreds for fake repairs.

Email phishing is the gateway to most online fraud. Attackers send emails that mimic banks, employers, software providers, or government agencies, directing victims to fake login pages that capture credentials in real time. Spear phishing targets specific individuals using personal details scraped from social media or data breaches.

Rideshare scams take advantage of the trust riders place in app-based transportation. Scammers impersonate drivers to pick up riders outside the app, manipulate fare structures with fake surge pricing, or send phishing messages claiming account issues. Drivers are also targeted with fake rider accounts and payment reversal schemes.

Real estate wire fraud targets the largest financial transaction most people ever make. Scammers monitor email chains between buyers, agents, and title companies, then send spoofed wire instructions at the moment of closing. Victims wire their entire down payment to a criminal account, and the funds are typically moved offshore within hours.

Gift card scams are a favorite payment method for fraudsters because gift cards are nearly impossible to trace or reverse once redeemed. Scammers posing as government agents, tech support, or even your boss demand payment in gift cards, then ask you to read the numbers over the phone. Other schemes involve tampering with cards on store racks to steal balances.

Fake review scams operate on both sides. Consumers are recruited with offers to get paid for writing five-star reviews, which is itself a scheme to collect personal data and banking details. On the other side, brushing scams send unsolicited packages to your address so sellers can post verified purchase reviews under your name.

Auto purchase scams thrive on platforms where buyers and sellers connect directly. Scammers create compelling listings with stolen photos, below-market prices, and urgent backstories to pressure quick payment. Escrow fraud, title washing, and VIN cloning add layers of deception that can leave buyers with stolen vehicles or no vehicle at all.

AI deepfake scams use synthetic video and audio to impersonate real people in real time. Scammers create convincing video calls that appear to show your boss, family member, or business partner asking for an urgent wire transfer. The technology has become accessible enough that even low-skill criminals can generate convincing fakes.

Toll road text scams send mass SMS messages claiming you have an unpaid toll balance that will result in fines or license suspension. The texts mimic real toll authorities like EZPass, SunPass, or TxTag and include a link to a phishing site that collects credit card information. These scams explode in waves, targeting millions of phone numbers at once.

QR code scams, also called quishing, place malicious QR codes in physical and digital spaces where people expect legitimate ones. Scammers paste fake codes over parking meters, restaurant table tags, and event flyers. Scanning the code sends you to a phishing site that mimics a payment portal, capturing your credit card or login credentials.

Financial relief scams exploit economic hardship by impersonating government agencies offering grants, loan forgiveness, or stimulus payments. Scammers create official-looking applications that collect Social Security numbers, bank details, and fees for programs that do not exist. These scams peak during recessions, pandemics, and policy changes.

Business email compromise is one of the most financially damaging forms of cybercrime. Attackers gain access to or spoof corporate email accounts, then send convincing instructions to employees, vendors, or clients to redirect payments. A single BEC attack can steal hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the fraud often goes undetected for days or weeks.

Lottery and prize scams inform victims they have won a large sum of money, then demand fees for taxes, processing, or insurance before the prize can be released. The fundamental rule is simple: you cannot win a contest you never entered. Yet these scams persist because the emotional pull of a large payout overrides logical evaluation.

Charity scams surge after natural disasters, mass tragedies, and during the holiday giving season. Scammers create fake charities with names that closely resemble real organizations, set up fraudulent GoFundMe campaigns, or impersonate established nonprofits in phone calls and emails. Your donation goes directly to the scammer instead of the cause.

Subscription scams use dark patterns to lock consumers into recurring charges they did not knowingly agree to. A free trial requires a credit card, then automatically converts to a paid subscription buried in fine print. Cancellation processes are intentionally confusing, routed through phone calls that never connect, or hidden behind multiple account pages.

Debt collection scams use fear and intimidation to pressure victims into paying debts they do not owe. Scammers obtain personal information from data breaches, then call claiming to represent a collections agency with threats of arrest, lawsuits, or wage garnishment. Real debt collectors must follow strict rules under the FDCPA; scammers ignore all of them.

Insurance scams target consumers during open enrollment periods, after life events, or through cold calls offering deals that sound too good to be true. Scammers sell fake policies that provide no coverage, impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information, or use bait-and-switch tactics to enroll people in plans they did not choose.

Pet scams exploit the emotional bond people feel with animals. Scammers post adorable photos of puppies or kittens that do not exist, collect deposits and shipping fees, then vanish. The pet never arrives, and the money is gone. These scams spike around holidays and back-to-school season when families are most likely to search for a new pet.

Utility scams rely on fear of losing essential services. Scammers impersonate electric, gas, or water companies and claim your account is past due with an immediate disconnection scheduled. Victims are pressured to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency within minutes. Real utility companies do not operate this way.

Student loan scams target borrowers who are desperate for relief. Fraudsters impersonate the Department of Education or claim inside access to forgiveness programs that do not exist. They charge upfront fees for services that are free through official channels, and many victims end up deeper in debt with their personal data compromised.

Medicare and health scams target seniors and the uninsured during open enrollment periods. Scammers pose as Medicare representatives, offer free genetic testing kits, or promise lower premiums in exchange for your Medicare number. Once they have it, they bill for services never rendered or sell your identity on the black market.

Check and money order scams exploit the delay between when a bank makes funds available and when a check actually clears. Scammers send a check that looks real, the victim deposits it, and the bank temporarily shows the funds. The scammer then asks for a portion back via wire or gift card. Days later, the check bounces and the victim owes the full amount.

Moving scams catch people at their most vulnerable: mid-move with all their possessions loaded on a truck. Rogue movers give a low estimate, load your belongings, then demand a much higher price before unloading. Some disappear with everything. Others hold your items hostage in a warehouse until you pay inflated storage fees.

Timeshare and vacation scams prey on owners trying to exit expensive contracts and travelers hunting for deals. Resale scammers promise a buyer is ready and charge listing or closing fees that lead nowhere. Fake vacation packages offer luxury trips at impossible prices, then hit victims with hidden fees or deliver nothing at all.

Contractor scams surge after natural disasters when homeowners are desperate for repairs. Storm chasers go door-to-door offering cut-rate repairs, collect large deposits, then do shoddy work or disappear entirely. Outside of disaster zones, fake contractors target elderly homeowners with unnecessary repairs, inflated bids, and pressure to sign immediately.

IRS and tax scams peak during filing season but run year-round. Scammers impersonate IRS agents, threaten arrest for unpaid taxes, and demand immediate payment by gift card or wire. Phishing emails mimic IRS notices to steal Social Security numbers and banking details. The real IRS initiates contact by mail, never by phone or email demanding immediate payment.

Robocall scams use automated dialers to reach millions of numbers per day at near-zero cost. The most common variants claim your car warranty is expiring, your Social Security number has been suspended, or your bank account has been compromised. These calls are designed to transfer you to a live operator who extracts payment or personal information.

Sextortion scams use fear and shame to extract payment. The most common form is an email claiming the sender has recorded you through your webcam and will distribute the footage unless you pay in Bitcoin. Most of these emails are bluffs sent to millions of addresses using leaked password databases. Real sextortion involving actual images is a serious crime that should be reported to law enforcement immediately.

Grandparent scams target elderly people by impersonating a grandchild in distress. The caller claims to be in jail, in a car accident, or stranded abroad and begs for immediate financial help. They plead with the grandparent not to tell other family members. With AI voice cloning, these calls now sound increasingly convincing even to cautious targets.

Military scams exploit the trust and respect people have for service members. Romance scammers steal photos of real soldiers and build emotional relationships online, eventually asking for money to cover leave travel, satellite phone bills, or early discharge fees. Separately, scammers target veterans with fake VA benefit offers, pension buyout schemes, and predatory lending disguised as military programs.

Fake ticket scams thrive around sold-out concerts, sporting events, and festivals. Scammers create convincing duplicate tickets, sell them on social media or unofficial resale sites, and disappear once the buyer pays. Victims discover the fraud only at the gate when their barcode has already been scanned or was never valid. Losses range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per incident.

Warranty scams are among the most persistent phone and mail fraud schemes in the country. Robocalls warn that your vehicle warranty is about to expire and push you to purchase expensive coverage that either does not exist or excludes virtually every real repair. Similar scams target homeowners with fake appliance and home warranty renewals that collect monthly premiums but deny every claim.

Fake app scams trick users into downloading applications that steal data, charge hidden subscription fees, or impersonate legitimate services. Fleeceware apps offer a free trial, then charge exorbitant weekly fees after the trial ends. Fake banking and crypto apps mimic real institutions to harvest login credentials. Even official app stores struggle to catch every fraudulent listing before it reaches users.

Ponzi and pyramid schemes promise high, consistent returns but pay existing investors with new investor money rather than actual profits. Pyramid schemes add a recruitment layer: you earn by signing up others rather than selling a real product. Both inevitably collapse when recruitment slows, leaving the vast majority of participants with losses. Modern versions disguise themselves as crypto platforms, forex trading groups, or social media investment clubs.

Fake airdrop scams lure cryptocurrency users with promises of free tokens. Victims connect their wallet to a malicious site to claim the airdrop, which triggers a transaction that drains their real assets. Other variants send worthless tokens directly to your wallet with a URL embedded in the transaction data, leading to phishing sites designed to steal your seed phrase or private keys.

Elder financial abuse is often committed by people the victim knows and trusts: family members, caregivers, or financial advisors. It includes unauthorized use of bank accounts, manipulation of power of attorney, coerced changes to wills, and outright theft. Victims may not report it due to shame, confusion, or dependence on the abuser. This category also covers scammers who specifically target isolated seniors through phone, mail, and online channels.

Small business scams target entrepreneurs and office managers who handle payments and vendor relationships. The most common tactic is sending a fake invoice that looks like it comes from a real vendor, hoping it gets paid without verification. Directory listing scams trick businesses into paying for worthless online listings. Others impersonate government agencies to collect fake registration or compliance fees.

Fake government grant scams promise free money from the government in exchange for a small processing or application fee. Scammers impersonate agencies like the FTC, SBA, or HHS and contact victims by phone, email, or social media. No legitimate government grant requires an upfront fee, and the government does not call people to offer unsolicited grant money. Victims lose their fees and expose their bank account information.

Health product scams sell false hope. They promise miracle cures for serious diseases, rapid weight loss without diet or exercise, and anti-aging results that defy biology. These products are often marketed through fake doctor testimonials, fabricated clinical studies, and social media ads that disappear before regulators can act. At best, victims waste money. At worst, they delay proven medical treatment for dangerous conditions.

Fake antivirus scams start with a frightening pop-up or browser alert claiming your computer is infected with viruses. The warning urges you to download security software or call a support number immediately. The software is either useless scareware that charges a subscription, or actual malware that steals your data. The phone number connects to a call center where operators charge hundreds of dollars to fix problems that never existed.

Dating verification scams exploit the real concern people have about meeting strangers online. Fraudsters create convincing fake safety-check or age-verification sites, then pressure matches into entering personal details or credit card numbers under the guise of proving they are real. The sites look official but exist only to harvest credentials and billing data.

Fake scholarship scams prey on students and parents who are under real financial pressure. Scammers advertise guaranteed scholarships or grants, then charge application fees, processing fees, or require sensitive financial information. Legitimate scholarships never require upfront payment to apply.

WiFi and hotspot scams exploit the trust people place in public internet access. Attackers set up rogue access points that mimic legitimate networks at airports, hotels, and cafes. Once connected, victims unknowingly route all traffic through the attacker, who can intercept passwords, session tokens, and payment details in real time.

Fake invoice scams rely on busy people approving payments without scrutiny. Scammers send professional-looking invoices for services never ordered: domain renewals, directory listings, office supplies, or software subscriptions. The amounts are often kept small enough to slip past casual review but large enough to be profitable at scale.

HOA and condo scams exploit the fact that homeowners are conditioned to pay association dues without question. Scammers send fake payment notices, special assessment demands, or management company communications with updated wire instructions. Because real HOA fees are mandatory, victims often pay before verifying.

DNA and ancestry scams capitalize on the growing consumer interest in genetic heritage. Fraudsters offer free or heavily discounted DNA test kits that harvest sensitive biological and personal data. Others create fake ancestry platforms that collect family details, historical records, and identity information under the guise of building a family tree.

Fake government website scams replicate the look and feel of official agency sites to steal personal information, charge unnecessary service fees, or harvest credentials. These sites often rank in search ads above real government pages and charge processing fees for services that are free or far cheaper through actual government portals.

Multi-channel phishing scams are more convincing than single-channel attacks because each touchpoint validates the others. A victim might receive an email alert, then a follow-up text message, then a phone call from someone who references both previous contacts. This layered approach breaks down skepticism by creating the illusion of a legitimate, multi-department response.

Tax season scams surge between January and April each year, exploiting the stress and urgency of tax filing deadlines. Criminals impersonate the IRS, send fake W-2 requests to employers, create fraudulent tax preparation services, and file returns using stolen identities to redirect refunds. The time pressure of filing season makes people less careful than usual.

Holiday shopping scams exploit the seasonal rush when people are buying gifts under time pressure and hunting for deals. Fake online stores pop up with too-good-to-be-true Black Friday prices, package delivery phishing spikes as people expect shipments, and gift card fraud increases as scammers know cards are being purchased in bulk.

Back-to-school scams target students and parents during the expensive transition into a new academic year. Fraudsters sell textbooks they never ship, list fake student housing, offer counterfeit school supplies, and impersonate universities to collect enrollment deposits. The seasonal urgency and high costs make victims less likely to verify before paying.

Summer travel scams surge as families book vacations and airfares climb. Scammers create fake rental listings with stolen photos, sell nonexistent airline tickets at steep discounts, and impersonate travel agencies to collect deposits for trips that never materialize. The excitement of planning a vacation often overrides the caution people normally exercise.

Natural disaster scams appear within hours of a major event, preying on both victims seeking help and donors wanting to contribute. Fraudsters impersonate FEMA agents to collect personal data, pose as licensed contractors to collect upfront repair deposits, and launch fake crowdfunding campaigns using real disaster footage. The chaos and urgency after a disaster create ideal conditions for fraud.

Senior-targeted scams are specifically designed to exploit the trust, isolation, and unfamiliarity with technology that some older adults experience. Criminals impersonate Medicare representatives, announce fake sweepstakes winnings, pose as grandchildren in distress, and run tech support schemes. These scams cause billions in losses annually and often go unreported due to embarrassment.

Student-targeted scams exploit the financial vulnerability and inexperience of college and university students. Scammers offer fake campus jobs that require equipment purchases, sell textbooks they never deliver, send student loan phishing emails that mimic real servicers, and create fake tutor or study-group schemes. Students are often targeted through university email addresses and campus social media groups.

Immigrant-targeted scams exploit the fear, unfamiliarity with local systems, and language barriers that newcomers face. Scammers impersonate immigration officers threatening deportation, charge fees for free government forms, offer fake legal representation, and run fraudulent translation services. Victims are often reluctant to report these crimes out of fear that contact with authorities could affect their immigration status.

Remote worker scams have grown alongside the shift to distributed work. Scammers post convincing remote job listings that require equipment purchases, send fake home office supply invoices, and create phishing schemes that impersonate HR departments or collaboration tools. The isolation of remote work makes it harder for targets to verify legitimacy through casual office conversations.

Parent and family scams weaponize the protective instincts of caregivers. Scammers call parents claiming their child has been in an accident or arrested, send fake school communications requesting emergency payments, or offer fraudulent child safety registrations that harvest family data. The emotional intensity of a perceived threat to a child short-circuits normal verification behavior.

Misinformation scams monetize outrage and fear by packaging false or misleading content as breaking news, then funneling emotionally activated audiences toward fraudulent donations, fake merchandise, or data-harvesting sign-ups. These operations blur the line between propaganda and financial fraud, using political polarization and social media algorithms as amplification tools.

Pig butchering scams are long-duration fraud operations where scammers invest weeks or months building a genuine-feeling relationship before steering victims toward fake investment platforms. The name comes from the practice of fattening the pig before the slaughter: small initial investments show fake profits, encouraging ever-larger deposits until the victim is drained and the scammer vanishes. These scams combine romance fraud with investment fraud and often involve cryptocurrency.

Romance and investment fraud merges two of the most damaging scam categories into a single attack. Victims are drawn in through a romantic connection, then gradually guided toward investment platforms controlled by the scammer. Unlike pure romance scams that ask for direct gifts, these operations create the illusion of a shared financial future, making victims feel like partners rather than targets.

Extension fraud exploits the broad permissions that browser extensions can request. Malicious extensions disguise themselves as useful tools like ad blockers, VPNs, or productivity aids, then quietly harvest browsing data, inject ads, steal credentials, or redirect searches. Because extensions operate with elevated browser access, a single install can compromise every site a victim visits.