Scams targeting creators and online sellers

Never install remote access software at the request of someone who contacted you unsolicited

Verify the survey through the agency website before participating.

Do not click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS does not initiate contact by email.

Verify any executive request for tax data by calling the executive directly using a known phone number.

Monitor your business credit reports regularly for unauthorized accounts.

Hang up and call your state tax agency directly using the number on its official website.

Check the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool at irs.gov before hiring any company.

Trust only the balance shown inside your actual bank or payment app.

Do not send money back until the original payment is final and visible.

Open device settings directly and review security alerts there.

Review app consent requests directly from the official admin console before approving anything.

Log into the Shopify admin from your saved bookmark and review alerts there.

Open the PayPal business dashboard directly and review alerts there, not from a message link.

Never click links in unexpected Prime renewal messages — go directly to amazon.com and check your membership status.

Only contact Amazon support through the official app or website — never search for phone numbers online.

Do not click any links — log into your Amazon account directly at amazon.com and check 'Your Orders' for the supposed purchase.

Never click links in AWS notification emails — go directly to the AWS Management Console at console.aws.amazon.com.

Never click links in PayPal alert emails — open a browser and go directly to paypal.com to check your account status.

Never release goods based on a buyer's screen — always verify the payment has arrived in your own PayPal account or email.

PayPal will never ask you to submit tax documents or verify business details through an email link — always use the PayPal Business dashboard directly.

Zelle does not have account tiers, business upgrades, or premium accounts that require fees — this is always a scam.

Verify all payment requests by calling the vendor or client at a known phone number — do not use contact information from the email requesting payment.

Verify business legitimacy before paying — check the company's official website for their accepted payment methods.

Never release goods based on a screenshot — always verify that the payment appears in your own Cash App activity feed.

Check your subscription status directly at account.microsoft.com, never through email links.

Know that Google does not charge for business profile verification and rarely makes unsolicited calls about it.

Check your billing status directly at ads.google.com — never through email links.

Never share verification codes with anyone — they are meant only for you.

Always verify a business phone number by checking their official website before calling a number from Google Maps.

Check monetization status directly in YouTube Studio at studio.youtube.com — not through email links.

Check Creativity Program eligibility directly in the TikTok app under Creator tools.

Never pay an invoice you did not expect — verify with the supposed sender through a separate communication channel.

File missing package claims only through the official USPS website at usps.com/help or at your local post office.

Never click tracking links in emails — copy the tracking number and enter it directly at ups.com.

Log in to your UPS My Choice account by typing ups.com directly into your browser.

Verify any UPS Store communication by calling the specific store location directly using the number listed on theupsstore.com.

Never open unexpected attachments — UPS does not send shipping labels via unsolicited email.

Verify your shipment directly at fedex.com using your tracking number.

If you did not place a FedEx Office order, ignore and delete the email.

Verify any FedEx invoices by logging in to your FedEx Billing Online account at fedex.com.

Access your FedEx account billing by navigating directly to fedex.com.

Use only official recovery tools and treat helper DMs as suspect.

Use the platform's official admin recovery path and avoid remote-control sessions.

Use the platform's in-app support center instead of message links.

Check account quality from the Meta dashboard before clicking anything.

Use only the platform's official recovery flow and keep support inside the real app or site.

Verify any giveaway through the brand's official verified account and website

Recognize that no legitimate investment can guarantee to multiply your money — any such promise is a scam

Use Facebook checkout for buyer protection and avoid paying through external payment apps

Verify any job offer by contacting the company directly through their official careers page or HR department

Grow your channel organically — fake subscribers provide zero real engagement and harm your channel's algorithmic performance

Research any unfamiliar online store before purchasing — check reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot or the BBB

Research any product or investment independently before purchasing, regardless of who promotes it

Check your Creator Fund status directly in the TikTok app under Creator tools — never through external links.

Verify brand deals by checking the company's official website and contacting them through their listed business email.

Do not send TikTok gifts or share gift card codes to strangers based on giveaway promises.

TikTok sends security notifications through the app — check your inbox within the TikTok app directly.

Never share sensitive personal information like your address, date of birth, or ID numbers in a video resume.

Be skeptical of any challenge promising easy money — legitimate contests have verifiable sponsors and published rules.

Do not click links in DMs or comments from accounts you do not know.

Never invest based solely on social media influencer recommendations — always do independent research.

Never click links in LinkedIn connection requests from people you do not recognize.

LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments.

Verify all W-2 requests by calling the executive directly using a known phone number — never respond to the email.

Access your tax transcript only through irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript — never through emailed links.

Consult a trusted, independent tax professional about ERC eligibility before engaging any promoter.

Verify any charity's tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at irs.gov/charities.

Never sign up for paid services under pressure at a seminar — take materials home and research the company first.

Complete the FAFSA for free at studentaid.gov — it is the only official site and never charges a fee.

Verify all product recalls at cpsc.gov or the manufacturer's official website before taking any action.

Document the inflated prices with photos and receipts and report to your state attorney general, as price gouging is illegal in most states during declared emergencies.

Apply for SBA disaster loans only at sba.gov/disaster or by visiting a local SBA disaster center — the SBA never charges application fees.

Do not send money to anyone who cannot verify identity outside the romance narrative.

Never rely on email notifications alone — always verify payments by logging into your PayPal account directly.

Access the admin console directly at admin.google.com — never through email links.

Only obtain Ozempic or semaglutide through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.

Consult your healthcare provider before starting any detox program — healthy kidneys and liver already detoxify your body.

Review permissions before installing.

Sign in from the hotel's app or website directly to verify your points.

Open the airline app or site directly and review security events there.

Verify the supplier's business registration, physical address, and trade references before placing orders.

Review all invoices against actual purchase orders — never pay without verifying the service was ordered.

Be skeptical of any SEO company that guarantees specific rankings — legitimate agencies discuss strategy, not guaranteed outcomes.

Never pay upfront fees to secure a loan — legitimate lenders deduct costs from loan proceeds or charge at closing.

Verify any compliance requirement directly with the government agency referenced in the notice.

Establish a policy that only authorized personnel can approve supply orders, and never confirm orders with unknown callers.

Research the awarding organization independently — check for reviews, Better Business Bureau complaints, and verifiable past winners.

Hang up and call your local BBB directly using the number from bbb.org to verify any communication.

Always renew domains directly through your current registrar's website — never through unsolicited notices.

Require all advertising commitments to be in writing with authorized signatures before any work begins.

Sign out of all sessions and rotate passwords after suspected browser compromise.

Use the storage provider app or website directly to review security alerts.

Remember that real courts serve legal notices by mail or in person — never by email.

Apply for building permits only through your city or county's official government website or in person at the permit office.

File business registrations only through your state's official Secretary of State .gov website.

File taxes only through IRS-authorized e-file providers listed at irs.gov or use IRS Free File.

Dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company immediately

Report counterfeit products to the brand's official anti-fraud department

Use reverse image search on product photos before purchasing from unfamiliar stores

Only purchase through platforms with buyer protection such as official marketplace checkout

Use review analysis tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta to assess review authenticity

Document the difference between the advertised and received product with photos

Never send money to anyone claiming an accidental overpayment without verifying through your bank directly

Verify coupons directly on the retailer's official website or app before using them

Research the seller and product independently before purchasing from social media ads

Use Facebook's built-in checkout and shipping protection for all Marketplace transactions

Do not participate — writing fake reviews violates FTC guidelines and marketplace terms of service.

Never pay out of pocket for a job opportunity — legitimate employers do not require this.

Verify the offer by contacting the brand directly through their official website.

Decline the offer and report the seller to Amazon for review manipulation.

Do not pay — extortion payments almost always lead to repeated demands.

Read recent reviews and look for specific, detailed feedback rather than generic praise.

Verify the company independently — search for its name plus the word scam before signing up.

Report the unsolicited package to the marketplace — Amazon has a dedicated brushing report form.

Reverse image search testimonial photos to check if they are stock images.

Verify the account handle character by character and check for the verified badge.

Only buy from sellers with established history and verified reviews — check the seller profile before purchasing.

Report the unsolicited packages to Amazon customer service and check your account for unauthorized access.

Sellers should photograph and weigh all outgoing shipments and use tracking with signature confirmation.

Always use PayPal's Goods and Services option for any purchase — the small fee provides full buyer protection.

Never refund overpayments to a different account or by a different payment method — refund only through PayPal's built-in refund feature to the original sender.

Request signature confirmation for purchases over 750 USD and document unboxing with video.

Check your bank's Zelle transaction history directly — Zelle does not send emails requiring account upgrades or fees to receive payments.

Venmo is designed for payments between people who know and trust each other — do not use it for transactions with strangers.

Only use Venmo for purchases when the seller has a business profile with purchase protection enabled.

Do not pay — report the fake reviews to Google through your Business Profile by flagging each one as inappropriate.

Research sellers and read reviews before purchasing — check for patterns of complaints about product quality.

Never accept payment for more than the agreed price — this is the hallmark of an overpayment scam.

For Craigslist, prefer local cash transactions — if you must ship, create and pay for the label yourself.

Record a video when opening packages from unknown sellers as proof of what was received.

Never pay for eBay items outside of eBay's managed payments system.

Read the full item description carefully, especially for high-value items at below-market prices.

Use eBay's Authenticity Guarantee program for eligible categories like watches, sneakers, and handbags.

Review the bidding history for patterns — look for accounts that repeatedly bid on the same seller's items.

eBay does not offer a vehicle purchase protection escrow program — any reference to it is a scam.

eBay gift cards can only be used on ebay.com — they are never a valid payment method for anything else.

Set a carrier account PIN.

Go directly to the tax authority website instead of using message links.

Open the courier site manually and check tracking there.

Decline third-party shipping payments arranged entirely by the buyer.

Do not enter game credentials into third-party trade or verification pages.

Verify any customs issue through the courier or customs agency directly.

Use only the platform's native checkout or a payment method with real buyer protection.

Check the shipment directly with the courier or customs office using a trusted channel.

Do not click links in unsolicited delivery texts — check package status directly at usps.com.

Track packages only through the official ups.com website or UPS mobile app.

Never pay delivery fees through links in text messages — check fedex.com directly with your tracking number.

Check your orders by logging in directly at amazon.com — never through email links.

Verify customs charges directly through the official DHL website using your tracking number.

Verify delivery attempts by entering any tracking number directly on the carrier's official website.

Contact the shipping carrier directly if you believe there is a genuine address issue with a package.

Verify any customs charges by contacting the shipping carrier or customs broker directly.

Manage delivery preferences only by logging in directly through the carrier's official website or app.

Never open email attachments from unknown senders or unexpected shipping notifications.

USPS does not charge redelivery fees and does not request payment via text message — delete the message immediately.

Track packages only by entering the tracking number directly at usps.com — never click tracking links in emails.

USPS does not contact recipients via text to verify addresses — if there is an address issue, USPS returns the package to the sender.

USPS collects customs duties at the time of delivery or through an official notice mailed to your address — never through email or text links.

USPS does not threaten to destroy packages via text or email — they send official written notices through the mail.

USPS handles postage-due items by attaching a notice to the physical mail piece and collecting payment upon delivery or at the post office — never through online links.

Do not click any links — go directly to ups.com and enter your tracking number manually.

Contact UPS directly through the official website or phone number to verify any customs charges.

Verify any delivery attempt by entering the InfoNotice number at ups.com or calling 1-800-742-5877.

Verify any COD shipment by calling UPS at 1-800-742-5877 before making any payment.

Manage package rerouting only through the official UPS website or UPS My Choice app.

Check your actual shipment status directly on ups.com using your real tracking number.

Do not click links in text messages — check shipment status directly at fedex.com.

Contact FedEx directly at 1-800-463-3339 to verify any customs charges.

Log in to fedex.com directly to check your delivery status — do not use links from emails.

Do not call back numbers from suspicious voicemails — use the official FedEx number 1-800-463-3339.

Always track packages by going directly to fedex.com and entering the number manually.

Check for legitimate delivery exceptions by logging in to fedex.com directly.

Never invest based on a romantic contact's recommendation.

Reverse image search the profile and pause before sending anything.

Verify with a live video call and outside social proof before believing the story.

Verify through an independent hospital number before believing any emergency.

Treat unsolicited legal recovery outreach as suspicious and verify the firm through public registries.

Treat offshore contractor money stories as suspicious until the identity is independently proven.

Do not pay any fee to receive money from a stranger who claims to be setting up support.

Assume direct romantic or financial outreach from famous figures is fraudulent unless proven through official channels.

Only trust the actual payment app or bank balance, not screenshots.

Use only major payment tools or in-person transactions you can verify.

Stop communicating — do not send money, and do not send additional images.

Keep local sales simple and refuse add-on financial errands.

Do not scan QR codes on unexpected delivery notices — check your tracking directly with the retailer or carrier.

Research the company's income disclosure statement — if available, it will show that most participants earn little or nothing.

Never read one-time codes to inbound callers.

Always navigate to freelance platforms by typing the URL directly — never through ads or email links.

Avoid deposits for pets that cannot be verified in person or through trusted rescues.

Avoid handing capital to unlicensed mentors from social media.

Never pay for a pet you cannot verify in person or through a legitimate adoption organization.

The official marketplace will never cold-call asking for payment or SSN.

Use the free credit monitoring offered by breached companies or annualcreditreport.com.

Visit the breeder in person or request a live video call with the specific puppy.

Legitimate pet shipping companies provide all-inclusive quotes upfront.

Verify registration numbers directly with the AKC, UKC, or CKC before purchasing.

Meet the animal in person before paying any adoption fee.

Check your state and local laws — many exotic animals are illegal to own without permits.

Verify any government relief program through official .gov websites or by calling the agency directly.

Apply for SBA disaster loans only through sba.gov or by calling the SBA directly at their published number.

Apply for healthcare coverage only through healthcare.gov or your state's official marketplace.

Do not buy a report from a site chosen by the other party in a private sale.

Check for auto-renewal settings immediately after any subscription purchase.

Buy software only from official vendor websites or authorized resellers.

Verify the seller's name matches the name on the vehicle title.

Never send a deposit for a vehicle you have not seen and inspected in person.

Never buy a vehicle sight-unseen, no matter how good the deal seems — insist on seeing it in person.

Never send a rental deposit before a verified viewing and lease.

Verify the landlord's identity by checking property ownership records at the county assessor's office.

Always navigate directly to Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace — never click enrollment links in emails

The government does not contact people to offer free money — any such contact is a scam.

Legitimate government grants are listed on grants.gov and never require application fees.

Verify any relief program through official government websites — usa.gov, sba.gov, or your country's equivalent.

HUD does not call individuals to offer grants — contact your local HUD office directly at hud.gov for legitimate programs.

Research any grant opportunity through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at mbda.gov.

Verify any grant notification directly through the funding agency's official website and your institution's grants office.

FEMA never charges application fees for disaster assistance — apply directly at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.

Access state grant programs only through official .gov websites — never through links in unsolicited emails.

Search for legitimate scholarships through your school's financial aid office, the Department of Education, or studentaid.gov.

Research women-owned business programs through the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership at sba.gov.

Always use a VPN on public WiFi — it encrypts all traffic and prevents interception.

Assume send-to-receive crypto giveaways are fraudulent and report the channel.

Demand independently verifiable performance and test withdrawal before trusting a platform.

Enroll in health insurance only through healthcare.gov or your state's official marketplace.

Reverse-image search testimonial faces to check if they are AI-generated or stolen from other sources.

Verify all wire instructions by calling your attorney at the number on their business card or official website.

Purchase textbooks only from your campus bookstore, Amazon, Chegg, or other established resellers with buyer protection.

Only purchase furniture you can inspect in person, and meet in a public place on campus.

Void the check and stop communicating if a job asks you to purchase gift cards.

Never accept a check for more than the selling price.

Never deposit unsolicited checks from unknown senders.

Call the issuing bank directly using a number from their official website to verify any cashier's check.

Use gel pens or security ink when writing checks, as they are resistant to chemical washing.

Research any new employer through your state's business registration database before accepting payment.

Remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email to ask for personal information or payment.

File your tax return as early as possible each year to reduce the window for fraud.

Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payment to claim a prize.

Register warranties only through the manufacturer official website by navigating directly rather than clicking email links

Never click links in unsolicited warranty expiration emails and instead log in to your account directly on the manufacturer website

Ask to see the company's income disclosure statement and calculate typical annual earnings after expenses.

Ask for the income disclosure statement and calculate median earnings after required product purchases.

Ask for verified trading records (not screenshots) showing consistent profits from the signals or strategies.

Compare the products to similar items available in retail stores to evaluate the price premium.

It is okay to say no — a real friend will respect your decision without pressuring you.

Always ask for and read the company's income disclosure statement before joining.

Compare CBD product pricing and third-party lab testing to non-MLM brands available in stores.

Compare the offered rate, including all fees, to your current utility rate before switching.

Compare the cost per serving to retail meal replacements and supplements.

Never invest in inventory you cannot return — check the return policy before purchasing.

Compare the monthly plan cost to simply paying for legal consultations as needed.

Always verify bank account change requests by calling the vendor at a number from your existing records

Require in-person or phone verification for any direct deposit changes using a known employee phone number

Verify any attorney-initiated payment requests by calling the law firm using independently sourced contact information

Verify all new suppliers through independent research and phone confirmation before making any payments

Verify NFT collection contract addresses through the official project website before purchasing

Use the tax authority's official website instead of the text.

Buy through official resale tools that transfer tickets in-platform.

Use only the official ticketing transfer flow and avoid rushed peer-to-peer ticket payments.

Purchase transit passes only from official transit authority websites, apps, or authorized retail locations

Always verify banking detail changes by calling the vendor directly using a phone number from your records — not from the email.

Check your actual registrar account directly to verify your domain's renewal status and expiry date.

Verify every invoice against purchase orders and approved vendor lists before authorizing payment.

Instruct staff to never provide equipment or ordering details to unsolicited callers.

Maintain a central registry of all software subscriptions and cross-reference every invoice against it.

Verify all cloud invoices by logging directly into your provider's billing console — AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure all have online billing dashboards.