Profession page

Scams targeting drivers and gig workers

Drivers and gig workers are targeted through the apps they depend on for income. Fake ride requests, phantom delivery scams, fraudulent driver bonus offers, and account phishing exploit the financial pressure and app dependency of gig work.

108 scams in this profession viewAll professions

Common searches

gig worker scamuber driver scamdelivery scamdriver bonus scamrideshare phishing

Why this profession gets targeted

  • Gig workers depend on app-based income, making account access and bonus offers powerful leverage for scammers.
  • The high volume of rides and deliveries makes it harder to verify each request individually.
  • Gig platforms change policies frequently, making fake policy update messages more believable.

What to check first

  • Verify any bonus, promotion, or policy change through the official driver app or dashboard β€” not texts or emails.
  • Never share your account login, two-factor codes, or accept rides from passengers who contact you outside the app.
  • Be cautious of riders or customers who ask you to make purchases, deliver cash, or complete tasks outside normal service.
Tech support scams
↑ 64%

fake AppleCare warranty scam

Scammers call or email claiming your AppleCare warranty is expiring, pressuring you to renew immediately through a fraudulent payment process.

What to do first

Hang up on unsolicited calls about AppleCare β€” Apple does not make outbound warranty renewal calls.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Tech support scams
↑ 64%

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.

What to do first

Never share your screen on FaceTime with anyone you did not initiate the call with.

Targets

Young adults

Seen in

U.S.

Tech support scams
↑ 64%

fake Apple support call scam

Robocalls or live callers impersonate Apple Support, claiming your iCloud account has been breached and requesting remote access to your device or payment to fix the issue.

What to do first

Hang up immediately β€” Apple never makes unsolicited phone calls about account problems.

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

U.S.

Tech support scams
↑ 64%

Find My iPhone ransom scam

After compromising an Apple ID, scammers use Find My to remotely lock the victim's iPhone or Mac and display a ransom message demanding payment to unlock it.

What to do first

Contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com with proof of ownership to regain access to your account.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Government impersonation
↑ 52%

Police fine payment link scam

A fake police notice says there is an unpaid fine or investigation and directs the victim to a payment or identity portal.

What to do first

Search for the agency site manually rather than following the notice.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

Global

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

Cash App fake customer support scam

Scammers pose as Cash App support agents on social media, phone, or fake websites, requesting login credentials, PINs, or sign-in codes to 'resolve' account issues while actually stealing account access.

What to do first

Cash App support is only available through the app itself β€” tap the profile icon and select 'Support.' There is no official Cash App phone number for customer support.

Targets

Cash App users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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 β€” the incoming payment does not exist.

What to do first

You never need to pay a fee to receive money on Cash App β€” this is always a scam.

Targets

Cash App users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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.

What to do first

Inspect card readers before use β€” wiggle the card slot and check for anything loose or out of place.

Targets

Cash App card users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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 β€” the Boosts are fake and the links lead to phishing sites.

What to do first

Cash App Boosts are only available within the official Cash App β€” never through external links or messages.

Targets

Cash App users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

Cash App fake payment screenshot scam

A buyer sends a doctored Cash App screenshot showing a completed payment, convincing the seller to hand over goods β€” but no actual payment was ever sent.

What to do first

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

Targets

Marketplace sellers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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.

What to do first

Cash App identity verification is only done within the official app β€” never through email links or external websites.

Targets

Cash App users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

Apple ID locked phishing scam

A phishing email or text claims your Apple ID has been locked due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake Apple login page that steals your credentials.

What to do first

Do not click any links β€” go directly to appleid.apple.com to check your account status.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

iCloud storage upgrade scam

A fake notification warns that your iCloud storage is full and offers a discounted upgrade, leading to a phishing page that harvests payment information.

What to do first

Check your actual iCloud storage through Settings on your Apple device, not through email links.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

fake App Store purchase alert scam

A fraudulent email claims you made an expensive App Store purchase you did not authorize, urging you to click a cancellation link that leads to a credential-stealing site.

What to do first

Check your actual purchase history in the App Store app or at reportaproblem.apple.com.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

iMessage phishing link scam

A text message sent via iMessage impersonates Apple, a delivery service, or a toll agency, containing a malicious link designed to steal login credentials or install malware.

What to do first

Never reply to texts from unknown senders β€” replying enables malicious links in iMessage.

Targets

iPhone users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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.

What to do first

Check your transaction history directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone β€” do not use links from messages.

Targets

Apple Pay users

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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.

What to do first

Log into your Uber account directly through the official app to check for any issues β€” do not click links in suspicious messages.

Targets

Uber riders

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

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.

What to do first

Never share verification codes, credit card details, or passwords with anyone claiming to be an Uber Eats driver.

Targets

Uber Eats customers

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

fake Uber support call scam

Scammers call Uber riders or drivers claiming to be from Uber support, requesting login credentials or payment information to resolve a fabricated account issue.

What to do first

Uber support communicates primarily through the app β€” hang up on unsolicited calls claiming to be from Uber.

Targets

Uber riders

Seen in

U.S.

Brand impersonation scams
↑ 60%

Uber Pro rewards phishing scam

Phishing messages targeting Uber drivers promise bonus rewards, status upgrades, or cash incentives through the Uber Pro program, leading to credential theft.

What to do first

Check your Uber Pro status and rewards only through the official Uber Driver app.

Targets

Uber drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Social media scams
↑ 76%

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.

What to do first

Cash App's official giveaways never require you to send money first β€” any giveaway asking for payment is a scam.

Targets

Social media users

Seen in

U.S.

Social media scams
↑ 76%

Cash App money flip scam

Scammers promise to multiply your money through a Cash App 'flip' β€” send them a small amount and they will return a much larger sum. The money is never returned.

What to do first

There is no legitimate way to multiply money by sending it to a stranger β€” this is always a scam.

Targets

Young adults

Seen in

U.S.

Social media scams
↑ 76%

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.

What to do first

Strangers offering free money online are always scammers β€” no legitimate person sends money to people they do not know.

Targets

Young adults

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Fake job offer advance payment scam

A victim receives what looks like a legitimate remote job offer and is asked to pay upfront for equipment, training, or background checks.

What to do first

Verify the recruiter and company domain independently.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Interview task equipment cheque scam

A fake employer sends a cheque for equipment during the interview stage and asks the candidate to forward part of the money to a vendor.

What to do first

Do not deposit employer cheques tied to urgent vendor payments.

Targets

Students

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Background check fee hiring scam

A candidate is told they passed the interview and only need to pay for a background check through a partner site.

What to do first

Ask the employer to confirm the screening provider from a public company email.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Freelance project unlock fee scam

A freelancer wins a project but is told they must buy a platform license, ID badge, or portfolio review to start.

What to do first

Do not buy access tools or badges to start freelance work.

Targets

Freelancers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Payroll onboarding direct-deposit phishing scam

A fake HR portal appears during onboarding and captures banking, tax, and identity documents before the job is confirmed.

What to do first

Confirm onboarding links with the employer through a public number or known email.

Targets

New hires

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Paid training portal job scam

A fake employer says the role is secured, but the candidate must buy access to a training portal or certification dashboard before day one.

What to do first

Ask the employer to confirm any required platform or certification through a public company email.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Freelance style-guide payment scam

A client offers a freelance role, then says the contractor must purchase a mandatory style guide, briefing pack, or brand kit before work starts.

What to do first

Do not buy starter materials or internal brand kits from a client to begin work.

Targets

Freelancers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Warehouse shift scheduling fee scam

A warehouse role promises immediate shifts, but the worker must first pay for scheduling access, safety clearance, or a badge deposit.

What to do first

Do not pay for scheduling apps, roster access, or badge deposits before a verified contract exists.

Targets

Hourly workers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

Coding test malware job scam

A fake tech employer sends a take-home exercise or coding test that installs malware or steals credentials from the candidate's device.

What to do first

Open interview files in a sandbox and never disable device protections for a candidate task.

Targets

Developers

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

LinkedIn fake recruiter message scam

Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies on LinkedIn, sending unsolicited messages about high-paying job opportunities to harvest personal information or advance fees.

What to do first

Verify the recruiter by checking the actual company's website and calling their HR department directly.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

LinkedIn fake job posting scam

Fraudulent job listings on LinkedIn collect applicant data or trick candidates into paying for equipment, certifications, or background checks that never materialize into real employment.

What to do first

Research the company independently β€” check their official website and look for the job listing there.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

fake Uber job posting scam

Scammers post fake Uber corporate or driver recruitment listings that require applicants to pay for background checks, training, or equipment upfront.

What to do first

Sign up to drive for Uber only through the official website at uber.com/drive or the Uber Driver app.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 80%

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.

What to do first

Apply for USPS jobs only through the official portal at usps.com/careers β€” all USPS job applications are free.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Fake antivirus scams
↑ 100%

mobile security app scam

A fake mobile security app on an unofficial app store or sideloaded APK claims to protect your phone but actually collects personal data, displays intrusive ads, or subscribes you to premium services.

What to do first

Uninstall the app immediately and review all app permissions in your phone's settings.

Targets

Non-technical users

Seen in

U.S.

Travel fraud
↑ 54%

Tour reservation WhatsApp deposit scam

A tour operator contact moves a booking into chat and requests a deposit to hold your place outside the official booking flow.

What to do first

Book tours only through verified operators or trusted platforms.

Targets

Tourists

Seen in

Global

Smishing
↑ 54%

Airport parking fine text scam

A traveler gets a text about an unpaid airport parking fee or violation and is pushed to resolve it through a rushed mobile checkout page.

What to do first

Check airport parking or municipal fines from the public website only.

Targets

Travelers

Seen in

U.S.

Travel fraud
↑ 54%

Airport transfer prepay scam

A transport provider or host pushes for advance payment for an airport pickup that either never happens or routes through a fake payment page.

What to do first

Book transport through the official platform or pay in person only after verification.

Targets

Tourists

Seen in

Global

Fake review scams
↑ 166%

fake Amazon review job scam

A message offers a lucrative work-from-home job writing Amazon reviews, but the real goal is to collect your personal information or get you to make purchases you will never be reimbursed for.

What to do first

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

Targets

Side hustle seekers

Seen in

U.S.

Employment fraud
↑ 100%

Reshipping assistant work-from-home scam

A new hire is told to receive packages at home and forward them using labels provided by the employer.

What to do first

Do not handle goods or forward packages for an employer you cannot verify.

Targets

Job seekers

Seen in

Global

Package delivery scams
↑ 100%

Amazon delivery driver impersonator scam

Scammers pose as Amazon delivery drivers, approaching homes to steal packages, gather personal information, or gain access to residences under the pretense of delivering or verifying an order.

What to do first

Amazon drivers never ask for payment at the door or request personal identification to complete a delivery.

Targets

Homeowners

Seen in

U.S.

Fake app scams
↑ 11%

App Store imposter app scam

Fraudulent apps mimic popular legitimate apps in the Apple App Store using similar names, icons, and screenshots to trick users into downloading malware or paying for useless subscriptions.

What to do first

Verify the developer name before downloading and follow links from the official company website to the correct App Store listing

Targets

Smartphone users

Seen in

U.S.

Fake app scams
↑ 11%

fleeceware subscription trap scam

Fleeceware apps offer minimal functionality for extreme subscription prices, often enrolling users during a deceptively short free trial that auto-converts to charges of up to 200 USD per year.

What to do first

Always cancel subscriptions through your phone settings rather than just deleting the app

Targets

Smartphone users

Seen in

U.S.

Romance and investment fraud
↑ 24%

Romance-led investment scam

A relationship begins on social or dating platforms and gradually shifts toward a fake investing opportunity with fabricated gains and escalating deposits.

What to do first

Never invest based on a romantic contact's recommendation.

Targets

Online daters

Seen in

Global

Recovery fraud
↑ 41%

Romance scam recovery lawyer fraud

A fake lawyer claims they already tracked your romance scammer and only need filing fees to start the recovery.

What to do first

Treat recovery outreach after a romance scam as likely secondary fraud.

Targets

Romance scam victims

Seen in

Global

Romance scams
↑ 41%

Romance gift card emergency scam

A romantic contact says their phone, rent, or food emergency can be solved quickly if you send gift cards or instant payment.

What to do first

Never move money to a romantic contact you have not met and verified.

Targets

Online daters

Seen in

Global

Romance scams
↑ 41%

Romance customs package scam

A romantic contact says they sent a valuable package, but customs, courier, or anti-terror fees must be paid before delivery.

What to do first

Do not pay package release fees for gifts from online-only partners.

Targets

Online daters

Seen in

Global

Romance scams
↑ 41%

Romance-to-forex bait scam

A romantic contact slowly shifts the conversation into a special forex or crypto opportunity that only trusted people can access.

What to do first

Separate emotional relationships from financial decisions entirely.

Targets

Professionals

Seen in

Global

Romance scams
↑ 41%

Inheritance release romance scam

A romantic contact says money is tied up in inheritance, customs, or attorney fees and asks the victim to help unlock it so they can be together.

What to do first

Do not send funds to unlock inheritance, estates, or cross-border transfers for a romantic contact.

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

Global

Identity theft
↑ 17%

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.

What to do first

Review your credit reports and dispute unfamiliar applications quickly.

Targets

Young adults

Seen in

U.S.

Gift card scams
↑ 23%

Apple gift card payment demand scam

Scammers posing as government agencies, utilities, or law enforcement demand payment via Apple gift cards, claiming it is the only way to resolve a fine, debt, or legal issue.

What to do first

No legitimate organization ever demands payment in gift cards β€” hang up immediately.

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

fake Uber driver scam

An unauthorized driver approaches riders claiming to be their Uber, collects cash or takes them to a different destination β€” the rider has no Uber safety protections.

What to do first

Always verify the driver's name, photo, vehicle make/model, and license plate in the app before entering any vehicle.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

surge pricing manipulation scam

Drivers coordinate to create artificial demand in an area by simultaneously going offline, triggering surge pricing, then going back online to collect inflated fares.

What to do first

Wait a few minutes before accepting a surge-priced ride β€” artificial surges typically resolve quickly.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

vomit fee fraud scam

A rideshare driver falsely claims the rider vomited or damaged the vehicle and submits fabricated photo evidence to the platform, which charges a cleaning fee to the rider's account.

What to do first

Take a photo of the back seat when you exit any rideshare vehicle as documentation.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

phantom ride charge scam

A rider's account is charged for a ride that never took place β€” either through account compromise or a driver fraudulently starting and completing a trip without the passenger.

What to do first

Review your rideshare ride history regularly and dispute any trips you do not recognize.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

fake Lyft support call scam

A caller posing as Lyft support contacts drivers or riders claiming there is an account issue, then steals login credentials or payment information.

What to do first

Never provide passwords, verification codes, or payment details to inbound callers β€” Lyft and Uber will never ask for these by phone.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

rideshare account takeover via phishing

Riders receive phishing emails or texts mimicking Uber or Lyft, leading to fake login pages that capture credentials used to hijack accounts and book rides on the victim's payment method.

What to do first

Never click links in texts or emails claiming to be from rideshare companies β€” open the app directly instead.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

driver impersonation at airport scam

An unlicensed driver holds a sign or uses a tablet displaying a passenger's name at airport arrivals, impersonating a pre-booked car service to charge inflated rates or commit robbery.

What to do first

Only use designated rideshare pickup zones and verify the driver and vehicle details in your app before entering.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

inflated route rideshare scam

A rideshare driver intentionally takes a longer route to increase the fare, exploiting riders who are unfamiliar with the area or not monitoring the trip in the app.

What to do first

Follow your trip in the app and speak up immediately if the driver deviates from the suggested route.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

stolen credit card rider scam

Fraudsters use stolen credit card information to create rideshare accounts and book rides, leaving the cardholder with unauthorized charges and the platform with chargeback losses.

What to do first

Monitor your credit card statements for unfamiliar rideshare charges and dispute them immediately.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

rideshare vehicle rental scam

A scammer offers to rent a vehicle to aspiring rideshare drivers at inflated rates with predatory terms, often using a car that does not meet platform safety requirements.

What to do first

Use official rideshare rental programs like Uber's vehicle marketplace or Hertz partnership instead of private listings.

Targets

Rideshare users

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

fake Uber driver at airport scam

Imposters posing as Uber drivers approach travelers at airports, offering rides in unmarked vehicles and charging inflated fares or, in worst cases, committing robbery.

What to do first

Always request your Uber through the app and verify the driver's name, photo, car make/model, and license plate before getting in.

Targets

Travelers

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

Uber surge price manipulation scam

Drivers coordinate to temporarily go offline in busy areas to artificially trigger surge pricing, then go back online to collect inflated fares from passengers.

What to do first

Wait a few minutes before booking when you see sudden surge pricing β€” artificial surges typically resolve quickly.

Targets

Uber riders

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

Uber gift card payment for ride scam

Fake Uber drivers or scammers posing as Uber support demand payment via gift cards instead of the app, often targeting elderly passengers or those unfamiliar with the platform.

What to do first

Uber never requests payment through gift cards β€” all ride payments are processed through the app.

Targets

Older adults

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

Uber rental car bait-and-switch scam

Drivers using Uber Rent or third-party rental vehicles swap confirmed car details at the last minute, arriving in a different vehicle and sometimes charging additional fees off-platform.

What to do first

Never get into a vehicle that does not match the details in your Uber app β€” make, model, color, and license plate must all match.

Targets

Uber riders

Seen in

U.S.

Rideshare scams
↑ 14%

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.

What to do first

Check your Uber receipts after every ride and dispute any unrecognized charges immediately through the app.

Targets

Uber riders

Seen in

U.S.

QR fraud
↑ 27%

QR code parking sticker scam

A fake QR code sticker is placed on a real parking meter or payment point so the victim lands on a fraudulent payment page.

What to do first

Inspect the code physically before scanning.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

U.S.

QR code scams
↑ 27%

parking meter QR code overlay scam

Scammers place fraudulent QR code stickers over legitimate ones on parking meters, redirecting drivers to a fake payment site that steals their credit card information.

What to do first

Check if the QR code appears to be a sticker placed on top β€” peel test it gently.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

U.S.

QR code scams
↑ 27%

EV charging station QR code scam

Fraudulent QR code stickers are placed on electric vehicle charging stations, directing drivers to fake payment sites that steal credit card information instead of activating the charger.

What to do first

Use the charging network's official mobile app rather than scanning QR codes on the station.

Targets

EV owners

Seen in

U.S.

Investment scams
↑ 30%

WhatsApp stock tip group scam

A private chat group pushes coordinated stock buys while fake members post profits to create trust and urgency.

What to do first

Never trade based on private group pressure or unverifiable gains.

Targets

Retail investors

Seen in

Global

Investment scams
↑ 30%

Copy trading WhatsApp group scam

A private group promotes a mentor or analyst whose picks appear to win consistently, then funnels members into fake broker or wallet deposits.

What to do first

Do not fund broker or wallet accounts shared only inside a chat group.

Targets

Retail investors

Seen in

Global

Insurance scams
↑ 25%

car insurance bait and switch scam

An advertised auto insurance quote is far below market rate, but after payment, the actual policy has major exclusions or the insurer is not licensed in the state.

What to do first

Verify the insurer's license through your state Department of Insurance website.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Investment scams
↑ 30%

Bitcoin investment via Cash App scam

Scammers recruit victims through social media to invest in Bitcoin through Cash App, promising guaranteed returns β€” victims either send Bitcoin directly to the scammer or lose control of their Cash App account.

What to do first

No one can guarantee returns on cryptocurrency β€” guaranteed profit claims are always a scam.

Targets

Young adults

Seen in

U.S.

Financial relief scams
↑ 16%

fake stimulus check update scam

Fraudulent messages claim a new stimulus payment is available and direct recipients to a fake IRS portal to verify their identity and banking details, stealing personal and financial information.

What to do first

Know that the IRS never initiates contact via text, email, or social media about stimulus payments.

Targets

Low-income households

Seen in

U.S.

Financial relief scams
↑ 16%

fake healthcare subsidy enrollment scam

Scammers pose as healthcare marketplace navigators or insurance agents, offering fake premium subsidies and collecting personal health and financial data for identity theft.

What to do first

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

Targets

Uninsured individuals

Seen in

U.S.

Financial relief scams
↑ 16%

fake unemployment benefits extension scam

Scammers contact unemployed individuals claiming they qualify for a benefits extension and need to verify their identity through a fake state workforce portal that steals their personal information.

What to do first

Access your unemployment account only through your state workforce agency's official website.

Targets

Unemployed workers

Seen in

U.S.

Marketplace fraud
↑ 28%

Vehicle history report payment scam

A supposed car buyer refuses to proceed until the seller purchases a vehicle report from a specific site controlled by the scammer.

What to do first

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

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

Global

Subscription scams
↑ 37%

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.

What to do first

Review subscription charges in your app store account settings regularly.

Targets

App users

Seen in

U.S.

AI impersonation
↑ 34%

Cloned voice kidnapping message scam

A victim receives a voice note and chat messages claiming a loved one has been kidnapped and must not be contacted.

What to do first

Contact the loved one through a separate channel and alert local police if needed.

Targets

Families

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 12%

Visa sponsorship placement fee scam

An overseas role promises fast visa sponsorship but asks for processing, embassy, or medical coordination fees upfront.

What to do first

Check the employer and visa process through official immigration channels before paying.

Targets

Migrant job seekers

Seen in

Global

Travel fraud
↑ 12%

Visa processing agent scam

A traveler or student is told a visa application can be accelerated if they pay a private agent through chat or an unofficial portal.

What to do first

Use only official government visa channels or verified legal advisers for application steps.

Targets

International students

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↑ 37%

Mystery shopper training check scam

A mystery shopper role sends a large check and instructs the new hire to buy gift cards or evaluate money transfer services.

What to do first

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

Targets

Part-time workers

Seen in

U.S.

Parent and family scams
↑ 18%

parental control app scam

Fake parental control apps advertised to concerned parents actually contain spyware that monitors the parent's device instead, stealing banking credentials and personal data.

What to do first

Only install parental control apps from established developers available in the official app stores, such as Bark, Qustodio, or Google Family Link.

Targets

Parents

Seen in

U.S.

Parent and family scams
↑ 18%

kids game in-app purchase trap

Children's mobile games use deceptive design patterns to trick children into making repeated in-app purchases, sometimes accumulating hundreds or thousands of dollars on parents' payment accounts.

What to do first

Enable purchase authentication in your device settings so every in-app purchase requires a password or biometric confirmation.

Targets

Parents

Seen in

U.S.

Parent and family scams
↑ 18%

fake family GPS tracker app scam

Scammers sell fake family GPS tracking apps or devices that either do not work, send location data to the scammer, or subscribe families to expensive recurring charges.

What to do first

Use established family tracking apps from known developers like Life360, Apple Find My, or Google Family Link.

Targets

Parents

Seen in

U.S.

Ponzi and pyramid schemes
↓ 3%

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.

What to do first

Understand that gifting circles are illegal pyramid schemes regardless of what they are called

Targets

Low-income households

Seen in

U.S.

Ponzi and pyramid schemes
↓ 3%

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.

What to do first

Recognize that the blessing loom is an illegal pyramid scheme regardless of the language used to describe it

Targets

Low-income households

Seen in

U.S.

AI impersonation
↓ 14%

Fake boss wire approval voice note scam

A finance employee receives a convincing voice note from what sounds like the CEO approving an urgent same-day wire.

What to do first

Call the executive or use the internal approval flow before sending funds.

Targets

Finance teams

Seen in

Global

Employment fraud
↓ 8%

Fake LinkedIn recruiter crypto role scam

A recruiter claims to fill an exclusive crypto role, then pushes the candidate into downloading a wallet, trading app, or identity kit.

What to do first

Verify the recruiter from the company's actual careers page before engaging.

Targets

Tech workers

Seen in

Global

Fake ticket scams
↓ 18%

event resale QR code scam

Scammers sell event tickets with manipulated QR codes that redirect to phishing sites or are duplicates that only work for the first person who scans them.

What to do first

Always use the official ticket transfer feature within the event app rather than accepting screenshots

Targets

Concertgoers

Seen in

U.S.

Pig butchering scams
↓ 6%

WhatsApp group investment pig butchering scam

Victims are added to WhatsApp groups posing as exclusive investment communities where fake members share fabricated profit screenshots, pressuring newcomers to invest in fraudulent platforms.

What to do first

Leave immediately if you are added to a WhatsApp investment group without your consent.

Targets

Aspiring investors

Seen in

U.S.

Pig butchering scams
↓ 6%

forex profit sharing pig butchering scam

Scammers recruit victims into fake forex trading partnerships where the scammer claims to manage trades and share profits, using a fraudulent platform to show fabricated gains before stealing deposits.

What to do first

Verify any forex platform's regulatory status with the NFA at nfa.futures.org or the FCA at register.fca.org.uk.

Targets

Aspiring traders

Seen in

U.S.

Pig butchering scams
↓ 6%

gold trading platform pig butchering scam

Scammers lure victims into investing in gold through fraudulent online trading platforms, using fake market data and fabricated profits to extract increasingly large deposits before disappearing.

What to do first

Invest in gold only through established and regulated dealers listed on the CFTC or your country's financial regulator.

Targets

Retirees

Seen in

U.S.

Smishing
β†’ 0%

Unpaid toll road text scam

A text claims you owe a small toll balance and must pay immediately or face late penalties.

What to do first

Check toll balances from the official site or app, not the text.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Smishing
β†’ 0%

Parking fine payment text scam

A driver receives a text claiming a parking fine is due and must be paid before extra penalties are added.

What to do first

Search the city's official fine portal instead of using the message.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

Europe

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

E-ZPass unpaid balance text scam

A smishing text impersonates E-ZPass claiming the recipient has an unpaid toll balance and must pay immediately via a link to avoid fines, leading to a phishing page that steals payment information.

What to do first

Do not click any links β€” log in to your E-ZPass account directly at your state's official E-ZPass website.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

SunPass overdue toll text scam

A fraudulent text message impersonates Florida's SunPass system, claiming the recipient has overdue tolls and must pay via a provided link to avoid additional penalties.

What to do first

Visit sunpass.com directly or call SunPass customer service at their official number to check your account.

Targets

Florida drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

FasTrak payment due text scam

A text message impersonates California's FasTrak toll system, claiming a payment is due and directing the recipient to a phishing website designed to steal financial information.

What to do first

Go directly to bayareafastrak.org or the official FasTrak app to check your balance.

Targets

California drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

Illinois Tollway I-PASS text scam

Fraudulent texts impersonate the Illinois Tollway system, claiming recipients owe unpaid tolls on their I-PASS account and must pay immediately through a phishing link.

What to do first

Check your I-PASS account at illinoistollway.com or call the Tollway's official customer service number.

Targets

Illinois drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

TxTag renewal text scam

A text message impersonates Texas TxTag, claiming the recipient's toll tag needs renewal or has an overdue balance, directing them to a phishing page that steals payment details.

What to do first

Visit txtag.org directly or call TxTag customer service to verify your account status.

Targets

Texas drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

NC Quick Pass toll text scam

Fraudulent texts impersonate North Carolina's Quick Pass toll system, claiming unpaid tolls and directing recipients to a phishing site to steal their payment information.

What to do first

Log in directly at ncquickpass.com or call their official customer service to verify any balance.

Targets

North Carolina drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

PA Turnpike E-ZPass text scam

Text messages impersonate the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, claiming unpaid E-ZPass tolls and threatening late fees if the recipient does not pay through a fraudulent link.

What to do first

Visit paturnpike.com or call the PA Turnpike Commission directly to check for any unpaid tolls.

Targets

Pennsylvania drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

Florida toll violation notice text scam

Scammers send text messages posing as Florida toll authorities, claiming the recipient has an unpaid toll violation with an attached fine that must be paid immediately through a phishing link.

What to do first

Contact the Central Florida Expressway Authority or Florida's Turnpike at their official numbers to verify any violation.

Targets

Florida drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

fake DMV toll fine text scam

Text messages falsely claim to be from the DMV, stating the recipient has unpaid toll fines that will result in license suspension unless paid immediately through a provided link.

What to do first

Know that the DMV does not collect toll payments β€” any text claiming otherwise is a scam.

Targets

All drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

highway camera violation text scam

Fraudulent texts claim a highway camera captured the recipient's vehicle committing a violation, with a link to view the photo and pay the fine, which actually leads to a malware or phishing site.

What to do first

Do not click links to view alleged violation photos β€” legitimate citations arrive by mail.

Targets

Drivers

Seen in

U.S.

Toll road text scams
β†’ 0%

bridge toll unpaid balance text scam

Text messages claim the recipient has unpaid bridge tolls and must pay immediately via a link, targeting users of major bridges and tunnels with phishing pages that steal financial data.

What to do first

Contact the specific bridge or tunnel toll authority directly to verify any balance.

Targets

Bridge commuters

Seen in

U.S.

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