Scam category
Multi-channel phishing scams
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.
Category activity
“phishing email”
↑ 215%Watch for
- Multiple communication channels reference the same urgent issue within a short time window.
- A caller or texter claims to be following up on an email you received, adding pressure to act now.
- Each message provides just enough detail about the others to seem coordinated and official.
Common searches
OpenScam News Feed
email then phone call combo scam
Scammers send a phishing email followed by a phone call referencing the email to add legitimacy, pressuring the victim into acting on the fraudulent request.
Treat unsolicited phone calls that reference emails as suspicious — hang up and call the organization directly using their official number.
Business professionals
U.S.
text then email follow-up scam
A smishing text alerts the victim to a problem, followed by a detailed phishing email with a malicious link or attachment, using the text to prime the victim to expect the email.
Be suspicious when a text message and email arrive about the same topic from unknown sources.
All consumers
U.S.
social media then DM scam
Scammers build credibility through public social media interactions before moving to private DMs where they execute phishing attacks, romance scams, or investment fraud.
Be cautious of new contacts who engage publicly before quickly moving to private messages.
Online users
U.S.
QR code to phishing site scam
Malicious QR codes placed on flyers, parking meters, restaurant menus, or in emails redirect scanners to phishing websites that steal credentials or install malware.
Preview the URL before opening it — most phone cameras show the destination before you tap.
All consumers
U.S.
voicemail then text scam
Scammers leave an urgent voicemail and follow up with a text containing a malicious link, using the voicemail to make the text appear legitimate.
Never click links in text messages prompted by unsolicited voicemails.
Older adults
U.S.
mail then phone call scam
Scammers send an official-looking letter by postal mail, then call to follow up, using the physical letter as proof of legitimacy to extract payment or personal information.
Verify any letter by contacting the organization directly using contact information from their official website — not from the letter.
Older adults
U.S.
chatbot to phishing link scam
A fake customer support chatbot on a legitimate-looking website builds trust through conversation before directing the user to a phishing page to verify their account or process a refund.
Only use chatbots on verified official websites — check the URL matches the real company's domain.
Online users
U.S.
fake app notification then email scam
A push notification from a malicious app warns of a security issue, followed by a phishing email with instructions to resolve it, creating a convincing multi-channel attack.
Open the official app directly from your home screen rather than clicking links in emails referencing notifications.
Online users
U.S.
search ad to fake site scam
Scammers buy search engine ads for popular services, placing fake websites above legitimate results where they capture login credentials and payment information.
Skip sponsored search results and scroll to organic listings, or type the URL directly into your browser.
All consumers
U.S.
video call then credential harvest scam
Scammers set up a video call posing as IT support, a vendor, or colleague, then share a screen link or chat message during the call that leads to credential theft.
Never enter credentials while sharing your screen in a video call.
Business professionals
U.S.
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