Scam category
DNA and ancestry scams
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.
Category activity
“DNA test scam”
↑ 15.3%Watch for
- A free DNA test kit offer asks for your credit card to cover shipping, then charges recurring fees.
- An ancestry site requests far more personal data than needed, including government ID numbers.
- Results arrive suspiciously fast or contain generic information unrelated to your actual heritage.
Common searches
fake DNA testing kit scam
Scammers sell counterfeit or nonexistent DNA testing kits online, collecting payment and personal genetic data without providing legitimate results.
Only purchase DNA testing kits from established, well-reviewed companies with CLIA-certified labs.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
ancestry subscription trap scam
Websites offer free ancestry searches that require credit card information for verification, then quietly enroll users in expensive recurring subscriptions that are difficult to cancel.
Read all terms and conditions before entering payment information for any free trial.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
genetic health report upsell scam
After a legitimate or fake DNA test, scammers contact consumers offering expensive genetic health reports that provide generic or medically meaningless advice.
Consult a licensed genetic counselor or your doctor before paying for genetic health interpretations.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
fake heritage discovery scam
Scammers contact people claiming their DNA results reveal a connection to royalty, a wealthy family, or an unclaimed inheritance, then charge fees to pursue the claim.
Treat any unsolicited claim of wealthy or royal ancestry as a scam — legitimate genealogists do not cold-contact people.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
DNA data selling scam
Unscrupulous DNA testing companies or data brokers harvest and sell consumers' genetic data to third parties — including insurers and advertisers — without informed consent.
Read the full privacy policy and data-sharing terms before submitting DNA to any testing service.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
relative matching phishing scam
Scammers send emails posing as DNA testing services claiming a new relative match has been found, directing victims to fake login pages that steal their credentials.
Never click login links in emails — go directly to the testing company's website by typing the URL in your browser.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
ethnic heritage award scam
Victims receive notices claiming they have been selected for a prestigious ethnic or cultural heritage award, requiring fees for the ceremony, plaque, or certificate.
Research any organization offering unsolicited awards by checking with established cultural institutions.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
genealogy research service scam
Fraudulent genealogy researchers charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for family history research that produces fabricated, plagiarized, or freely available public records.
Hire genealogists credentialed through recognized bodies like the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
fake adoption search scam
Scammers target adopted individuals by claiming to have found their birth parents through DNA matching, charging large fees for fabricated search results.
Work with licensed adoption search agencies or your state's adoption registry for legitimate searches.
Adopted individuals
U.S.
DNA diet plan scam
Companies sell expensive personalized diet and nutrition plans claiming to be based on DNA analysis, but the recommendations are generic and not scientifically supported by the test results.
Consult a registered dietitian before following any DNA-based diet plan.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
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