Profession page
Scams targeting educators and students
Students and educators face scams that exploit financial pressure, academic ambition, and institutional trust. Fake scholarships, student loan forgiveness schemes, and university impersonation target people at every level of education.
Common searches
Why this profession gets targeted
- Students carry significant debt and financial pressure, making loan forgiveness and scholarship offers hard to resist.
- University email systems are high-value phishing targets because they connect to financial aid and research funding.
- Campus job scams and internship fraud target students who lack experience identifying employer red flags.
What to check first
- Verify scholarship and financial aid offers through your school's financial aid office, not through links in emails or texts.
- Never pay upfront fees to receive a scholarship, grant, or student loan modification.
- Check campus job and internship offers through your university's official career services portal.
fake subscription renewal notification scam
Scammers send fake emails or calls claiming your antivirus, software, or tech support subscription is about to auto-renew for a large amount, urging you to call to cancel.
Check your actual subscriptions through the software company's official website or your bank statements
Non-technical users
Global
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.
Never share your screen on FaceTime with anyone you did not initiate the call with.
Young adults
U.S.
Lawsuit settlement recovery scam
A fake legal team says your prior scam loss is part of a settlement, but court taxes or release fees are needed before payment.
Independently verify any legal claim before sending release fees.
Prior fraud victims
Global
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.
Search for the agency site manually rather than following the notice.
Drivers
Global
GoFundMe and crowdfunding fraud
Scammers create fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns with fabricated stories of personal hardship, medical emergencies, or causes to collect donations under false pretenses.
Research the campaign organizer and verify their connection to the stated cause before donating
Donors
Global
religious charity donation scam
Scammers exploit religious trust by posing as faith-based charities or church representatives to solicit donations that are never used for their stated religious or charitable purpose.
Verify religious charities through your denomination's official directories and on Charity Navigator
Religious communities
U.S.
fake child sponsorship charity scam
Scammers impersonate or create fake child sponsorship programs, collecting monthly donations that never reach any children in need.
Only sponsor children through well-established organizations verified on Charity Navigator or GuideStar
Donors
U.S.
fake political donation scam
Scammers create fake political action committees or impersonate real campaigns to collect donations that go to personal enrichment instead of political causes.
Verify political organizations through the FEC's database at fec.gov before donating
Donors
U.S.
tax refund phishing email scam
An email impersonating the IRS or a tax software company claims you are owed a refund and directs you to a fake website to steal your personal and financial information.
Do not click links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS does not initiate contact by email.
Taxpayers
U.S.
W-2 employer phishing scam
Scammers impersonate a company executive via email and request that HR or payroll send employee W-2 forms, exposing names, SSNs, and income data for mass identity theft.
Verify any executive request for tax data by calling the executive directly using a known phone number.
Small business owners
U.S.
property tax lien scam
Scammers send official-looking letters or make calls claiming there is a lien on your property due to unpaid taxes and demand immediate payment to remove it.
Contact your county tax assessor's office directly to verify any claims about liens on your property.
Taxpayers
U.S.
Zelle business account upgrade scam
A buyer sends a fake payment email claiming the seller must upgrade to a business account by refunding extra money first.
Trust only the balance shown inside your actual bank or payment app.
Casual sellers
U.S.
Overpayment refund marketplace scam
A buyer says they sent too much by mistake and pressures the seller to return the difference before the original payment settles.
Do not send money back until the original payment is final and visible.
Casual sellers
Global
Apple ID security alert takeover scam
A polished alert page claims your Apple ID is locked and captures credentials plus device passcodes or MFA approvals.
Open device settings directly and review security alerts there.
iPhone users
Global
Microsoft 365 admin consent scam
A fake Microsoft security or compliance workflow asks a business user or admin to approve an app request that silently grants attacker access.
Review app consent requests directly from the official admin console before approving anything.
IT admins
Global
Shopify admin security reset scam
A store owner gets a fake security or policy reset notice that steals credentials and takes over the store admin panel.
Log into the Shopify admin from your saved bookmark and review alerts there.
Online stores
Global
Amazon account suspension scam
An email or text claims your Amazon account has been suspended due to suspicious activity and directs you to a fake login page to steal your Amazon credentials and payment information.
Log in to Amazon directly by typing amazon.com into your browser — never through email links.
Online consumers
U.S.
Apple ID locked scam
A message claims your Apple ID has been locked or will be disabled and directs you to a fake Apple website to enter your credentials, giving scammers access to your iCloud, payments, and devices.
Check your Apple ID status by going directly to appleid.apple.com — never through links in emails.
Online consumers
U.S.
ISP service interruption scam
An email or call impersonating your internet service provider claims there is a billing issue or security threat and asks you to verify your account by providing personal or payment details.
Log in to your ISP account directly through the official website to check for any genuine billing issues.
Online consumers
U.S.
streaming account compromised scam
A phishing email claims your Netflix, Disney+, or other streaming account has been compromised or your payment failed, directing you to a fake login page to steal your credentials.
Go directly to the streaming service's website or app to check your account status.
Online consumers
U.S.
social media platform impersonation scam
A message claims your Facebook, Instagram, or other social media account has been flagged for violation and asks you to verify your identity through a fake login page to avoid account deletion.
Check account status by logging into the platform directly — not through links in messages.
Online consumers
U.S.
antivirus subscription renewal scam
A fake email or pop-up claims your antivirus subscription is expiring or has been auto-renewed for a large amount and directs you to call a number or click a link to cancel or get a refund.
Check your actual antivirus subscription status by logging into the official vendor's website directly.
Online consumers
U.S.
Zelle accidental transfer refund request scam
A stranger sends you a Zelle payment and then contacts you claiming it was sent by mistake, asking you to return the money — the original payment was made from a stolen account and will be reversed, leaving you out the refunded amount.
Do not send money back — tell the sender to contact their bank to reverse the payment through official channels.
Zelle users
U.S.
fake Venmo email phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate Venmo, claiming your account needs verification, a payment failed, or your password must be reset, directing you to a fake login page that steals your credentials.
Never click links in emails claiming to be from Venmo — open the Venmo app or go to venmo.com directly.
Venmo users
U.S.
Venmo support phishing scam
Scammers impersonate Venmo customer support on social media or via phone, offering help with account issues while stealing login credentials or convincing victims to send test payments.
Venmo support will never ask for your password or ask you to send a payment to verify your account.
Venmo users
U.S.
fake Venmo link in text message scam
Scammers send SMS messages with fake Venmo links claiming you received a payment, your account is locked, or your identity needs verification — the link installs malware or leads to a credential-stealing site.
Never click links in unexpected text messages claiming to be from Venmo — open the app directly to check your account.
Venmo users
U.S.
Venmo account frozen notification scam
A fake email or text warns that your Venmo account has been frozen due to suspicious activity, directing you to a phishing site where you must enter your credentials and linked bank information to 'restore' access.
Log into Venmo directly through the app or website — if your account is truly frozen, you will see the notification there.
Venmo users
U.S.
Venmo business profile scam
Scammers create fake Venmo business profiles impersonating legitimate companies, accepting payments for goods or services they never deliver while exploiting the trust associated with verified-looking business accounts.
Verify business legitimacy before paying — check the company's official website for their accepted payment methods.
Online shoppers
U.S.
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 — the incoming payment does not exist.
You never need to pay a fee to receive money on Cash App — this is always a scam.
Cash App users
U.S.
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.
Inspect card readers before use — wiggle the card slot and check for anything loose or out of place.
Cash App card users
U.S.
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 — the Boosts are fake and the links lead to phishing sites.
Cash App Boosts are only available within the official Cash App — never through external links or messages.
Cash App users
U.S.
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.
Cash App identity verification is only done within the official app — never through email links or external websites.
Cash App users
U.S.
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.
Check your transaction history directly in the Wallet app on your iPhone — do not use links from messages.
Apple Pay users
U.S.
Xbox account compromise scam
Scammers contact Xbox players claiming their account has been compromised, asking for login details or payment to restore access.
Never share your password or two-factor codes with anyone — Xbox Support will never ask for them.
Gamers
U.S.
LinkedIn recruiter scam
Fake recruiters on LinkedIn offer dream job opportunities, then request personal information, fees for training, or install malware through fake application documents.
Verify the recruiter by checking their LinkedIn profile history and confirming their identity through the company's official website.
Job seekers
U.S.
YouTube monetization scam
Fake emails claim to be from YouTube's Partner Program, asking creators to verify their monetization status through a phishing link that steals their Google account credentials.
Check monetization status directly in YouTube Studio at studio.youtube.com — not through email links.
YouTube creators
U.S.
TikTok Creativity Program impersonator scam
Scammers impersonate TikTok's Creativity Program, offering fake invitations to creators with promises of higher payouts in exchange for personal information or a setup fee.
Check Creativity Program eligibility directly in the TikTok app under Creator tools.
TikTok creators
U.S.
LinkedIn Learning impersonator scam
Fake messages claim to offer free or discounted LinkedIn Learning courses, directing users to phishing sites that steal login credentials or payment information.
Access LinkedIn Learning only through the official LinkedIn website or app — never through links in unsolicited messages.
Professionals
U.S.
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.
Log into your Uber account directly through the official app to check for any issues — do not click links in suspicious messages.
Uber riders
U.S.
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.
Never share verification codes, credit card details, or passwords with anyone claiming to be an Uber Eats driver.
Uber Eats customers
U.S.
FedEx Office phishing scam
A phishing email impersonates FedEx Office, claiming a print order or document is ready for pickup with a link that installs malware or harvests login credentials.
If you did not place a FedEx Office order, ignore and delete the email.
Small business owners
U.S.
Zillow pre-approval phishing scam
A phishing email or ad claims to offer instant mortgage pre-approval through Zillow, harvesting Social Security numbers, financial records, and personal information.
Apply for mortgage pre-approval only through verified lenders or directly at zillow.com/home-loans.
Homebuyers
U.S.
Robinhood free stock promotion scam
Fake ads or messages promise free stocks from Robinhood, directing victims to phishing sites that collect personal information and Robinhood login credentials.
Robinhood referral promotions are only available through the official app and website at robinhood.com.
Young adults
U.S.
Robinhood Gold upgrade scam
A phishing email impersonates Robinhood offering a free or discounted Robinhood Gold upgrade, directing users to a fake page that captures payment and login information.
Manage your Robinhood Gold subscription only through the official app or robinhood.com.
Robinhood users
U.S.
Robinhood support impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Robinhood customer support on social media, forums, or phone calls, convincing users to share credentials or grant remote access to their devices.
Contact Robinhood support only through the Help section within the official Robinhood app.
Robinhood users
U.S.
Robinhood referral scam
Scammers promote fake Robinhood referral links on social media and forums that lead to phishing sites or require victims to deposit money to unlock referral rewards that do not exist.
Use referral links only from people you know and trust, and verify the URL goes to robinhood.com.
New investors
U.S.
Hacked Instagram recovery scam
After an account compromise, a supposed recovery expert promises to restore the profile faster than official support for an upfront fee.
Use only official recovery tools and treat helper DMs as suspect.
Creators
Global
Verified badge phishing takeover scam
A message promises badge verification or page appeals but steals the creator's password and session.
Use the platform's in-app support center instead of message links.
Creators
Global
Instagram recovery helper scam
A victim locked out of Instagram is approached by a helper who promises fast recovery in exchange for payment, email access, or login codes.
Use only the platform's official recovery flow and keep support inside the real app or site.
Creators
Global
utility rebate phishing scam
Scammers send emails or texts posing as your utility, claiming you qualify for an energy rebate or refund, then steal your bank details through a fake claim form.
Do not click links in unsolicited rebate offers — visit your utility company website directly to check for legitimate programs
Homeowners
U.S.
Instagram giveaway scam
Fake accounts impersonate brands or influencers and announce fraudulent giveaways that require participants to share personal information, pay a shipping fee, or click malicious links.
Verify any giveaway through the brand's official verified account and website
Social media users
Global
TikTok money flip scam
TikTok videos and DMs promote fake money flipping schemes that claim to multiply your cash through a secret investment method, but simply steal your initial payment.
Recognize that no legitimate investment can guarantee to multiply your money — any such promise is a scam
Young adults
U.S.
Twitter crypto promotion scam
Hacked or impersonator Twitter accounts post fake cryptocurrency promotions promising to double any crypto sent to a wallet address, stealing funds from followers.
Remember that no legitimate person or company will ever ask you to send crypto to receive more back
Social media users
Global
LinkedIn fake recruiter scam
Scammers pose as recruiters on LinkedIn, offering fake job opportunities to collect personal information, Social Security numbers, or upfront training fees from job seekers.
Verify any job offer by contacting the company directly through their official careers page or HR department
Job seekers
U.S.
Snapchat account takeover scam
Scammers trick Snapchat users into sharing login credentials or verification codes through fake support messages, then lock them out and use the account for further fraud.
Never share verification codes with anyone — Snapchat will never ask you to share codes with friends
Young adults
U.S.
YouTube subscriber bot scam
Services sell fake YouTube subscribers and views using bot accounts, violating YouTube's terms of service and putting the buyer's channel at risk of termination.
Grow your channel organically — fake subscribers provide zero real engagement and harm your channel's algorithmic performance
Content creators
Global
Reddit investment tip scam
Scammers infiltrate investment subreddits with fake success stories and coordinated posts promoting fraudulent trading platforms or pump-and-dump stocks.
Verify investment advice from Reddit through independent financial research and regulated sources
Social media users
U.S.
influencer promotion scam
Influencers promote fraudulent products, services, or investment schemes to their followers without disclosing they are being paid, or without verifying what they are promoting is legitimate.
Research any product or investment independently before purchasing, regardless of who promotes it
Social media users
U.S.
Venmo stranger payment request scam
Random users send Venmo payment requests with urgent or confusing messages, hoping recipients will pay without thinking — often mimicking bills, shared expenses, or guilt-based social engineering.
Decline payment requests from anyone you do not recognize — verify with the person through a separate channel if the name looks familiar.
Venmo users
U.S.
Venmo charity payment scam
Scammers create fake charity campaigns on social media, soliciting Venmo donations for disaster relief, medical emergencies, or social causes — the money goes directly to the scammer's personal account.
Donate only through verified platforms like GoFundMe or directly through registered charity websites — check Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
Young adults
U.S.
Venmo accidental payment scam
A stranger sends you money on Venmo and claims it was accidental, asking you to send it back — the original payment was made with a stolen credit card or compromised account and will be reversed.
Do not send money back to anyone you do not know — tell them to contact Venmo support to reverse the payment.
Venmo users
U.S.
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.
Cash App's official giveaways never require you to send money first — any giveaway asking for payment is a scam.
Social media users
U.S.
Cash App money flip scam
Scammers promise to multiply your money through a Cash App 'flip' — send them a small amount and they will return a much larger sum. The money is never returned.
There is no legitimate way to multiply money by sending it to a stranger — this is always a scam.
Young adults
U.S.
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.
Strangers offering free money online are always scammers — no legitimate person sends money to people they do not know.
Young adults
U.S.
TikTok Creator Fund scam
Fake messages claim you have been selected for the TikTok Creator Fund or Creativity Program, directing you to a phishing site to steal your account credentials and payment information.
Check your Creator Fund status directly in the TikTok app under Creator tools — never through external links.
TikTok creators
U.S.
fake brand deal DM scam
Scammers impersonate brands or talent agencies in TikTok DMs, offering sponsorship deals that require the creator to pay upfront fees or share sensitive account access.
Verify brand deals by checking the company's official website and contacting them through their listed business email.
TikTok creators
U.S.
TikTok live stream gift card scam
Scammers on TikTok Live promise prizes, giveaways, or cash rewards in exchange for viewers sending virtual gifts or purchasing gift cards and sharing the codes.
Do not send TikTok gifts or share gift card codes to strangers based on giveaway promises.
Teenagers
U.S.
TikTok account verification phishing scam
A fake message claims your TikTok account needs verification to avoid suspension, directing you to a phishing page that steals your login credentials.
TikTok sends security notifications through the app — check your inbox within the TikTok app directly.
TikTok users
U.S.
TikTok resume feature exploit scam
Scammers post fake job listings on TikTok encouraging users to submit video resumes, then harvest the personal information shared in those videos for identity theft.
Never share sensitive personal information like your address, date of birth, or ID numbers in a video resume.
Job seekers
U.S.
fake viral challenge prize scam
Scammers create fake TikTok challenges promising cash prizes to participants, then collect personal information or fees from users who believe they have won.
Be skeptical of any challenge promising easy money — legitimate contests have verifiable sponsors and published rules.
Teenagers
U.S.
TikTok adult content bot scam
Bot accounts on TikTok post suggestive comments or send DMs luring users to external adult content sites that steal credit card information or install malware.
Do not click links in DMs or comments from accounts you do not know.
Young adults
U.S.
crypto promotion by fake influencer on TikTok
Fake or compromised TikTok accounts impersonate popular influencers to promote fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, leading followers to lose money on worthless tokens.
Never invest based solely on social media influencer recommendations — always do independent research.
Young adults
U.S.
fake IRS refund deposit scam
Scammers send emails or texts claiming an IRS tax refund has been deposited into the wrong account and ask victims to provide banking details to redirect the funds.
Never provide banking details in response to unsolicited messages — the IRS initiates refunds based on the return you filed.
Taxpayers
U.S.
W-2 phishing scam targeting employers
Cybercriminals send spoofed emails to company payroll or HR departments posing as executives, requesting all employee W-2 forms, which are then used for mass identity theft.
Verify all W-2 requests by calling the executive directly using a known phone number — never respond to the email.
HR professionals
U.S.
fake tax software scam
Scammers create counterfeit tax preparation software or fake versions of popular platforms that harvest personal and financial information entered by users.
Only use IRS-authorized e-file providers listed at irs.gov/e-file-providers.
Taxpayers
U.S.
tax transcript request phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate the IRS or tax software providers, directing victims to fake sites where they enter credentials to download a tax transcript, which is then used for identity theft.
Access your tax transcript only through irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript — never through emailed links.
Taxpayers
U.S.
state tax refund phishing scam
Phishing emails and texts impersonate state tax agencies, claiming the recipient is owed a state refund and directing them to fake portals that harvest personal and financial data.
Check your state refund status only through your state's official tax agency website, accessed by typing the URL directly.
Taxpayers
U.S.
application fee scholarship scam
A scholarship opportunity requires an upfront application or processing fee, which legitimate scholarships never charge, and the scholarship itself does not exist.
Never pay to apply for a scholarship — legitimate scholarships do not charge application fees.
High school students
U.S.
guaranteed scholarship scam
A service guarantees you will win a scholarship or promises your money back, but delivers nothing and makes refunds nearly impossible to obtain.
Understand that no one can guarantee you will win a scholarship — selection is always competitive.
High school students
U.S.
scholarship seminar fee scam
A company invites students to a free scholarship seminar that turns into a high-pressure sales pitch for expensive financial aid consulting services.
Never sign up for paid services under pressure at a seminar — take materials home and research the company first.
High school students
U.S.
financial aid workshop scam
A fake financial aid workshop charges students or parents for FAFSA assistance and scholarship applications that are freely available through schools and government resources.
Complete the FAFSA for free at studentaid.gov — it is the only official site and never charges a fee.
Parents
U.S.
FAFSA impersonator scam
A website or email impersonates the Federal Student Aid office, tricking students into entering personal and financial information on a fraudulent portal.
Always navigate directly to studentaid.gov — never click links in emails claiming to be from Federal Student Aid.
High school students
U.S.
scholarship search service scam
A service charges a fee to search for scholarships on your behalf, but provides only a generic list of publicly available opportunities you could find for free.
Use free scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, College Board BigFuture, or your school's financial aid portal.
High school students
U.S.
essay contest scam
A fake essay contest promises a large scholarship prize but collects entry fees or steals submitted essays for resale, with no real winner ever selected.
Research the contest sponsor before entering — legitimate contests are sponsored by known organizations and have verifiable past winners.
High school students
U.S.
athletic scholarship scam
A recruiting service claims a college scout noticed your child and charges thousands for a recruiting package that produces no actual scholarship offers.
Contact college coaches directly or use the NCAA Eligibility Center — legitimate recruiting does not require upfront fees from families.
High school students
U.S.
international student scholarship scam
A fake scholarship targets international students with promises of full-tuition awards, requiring application fees and personal documents that are used for identity theft.
Verify scholarships through the university's official international student office — never through third-party websites alone.
International students
U.S.
merit award notification scam
An unsolicited email or letter congratulates you on winning a merit-based scholarship you never applied for, then asks for a disbursement fee or tax payment to release the funds.
Remember that you cannot win a scholarship you never applied for — treat unsolicited awards as scams.
High school students
U.S.
fake product recall notification scam
Fraudulent emails or posts mimic official product recall notices from the CPSC or manufacturers, directing recipients to phishing sites that collect personal data under the guise of processing refunds.
Verify all product recalls at cpsc.gov or the manufacturer's official website before taking any action.
Parents
U.S.
fake data breach notification scam
Scammers send fake data breach notification emails impersonating well-known companies, directing recipients to phishing sites where they re-enter credentials or financial data to check if they were affected.
Go directly to the company's official website to check for any breach announcements.
Account holders
U.S.
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.
Verify the recruiter and company domain independently.
Job seekers
Global
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.
Do not deposit employer cheques tied to urgent vendor payments.
Students
U.S.
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.
Ask the employer to confirm the screening provider from a public company email.
Job seekers
Global
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.
Do not buy access tools or badges to start freelance work.
Freelancers
Global
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.
Confirm onboarding links with the employer through a public number or known email.
New hires
Global
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.
Ask the employer to confirm any required platform or certification through a public company email.
Job seekers
Global
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.
Do not buy starter materials or internal brand kits from a client to begin work.
Freelancers
Global
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.
Do not pay for scheduling apps, roster access, or badge deposits before a verified contract exists.
Hourly workers
Global
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.
Open interview files in a sandbox and never disable device protections for a candidate task.
Developers
Global
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.
Verify the recruiter by checking the actual company's website and calling their HR department directly.
Job seekers
U.S.
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.
Research the company independently — check their official website and look for the job listing there.
Job seekers
U.S.
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.
Sign up to drive for Uber only through the official website at uber.com/drive or the Uber Driver app.
Job seekers
U.S.
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.
Apply for USPS jobs only through the official portal at usps.com/careers — all USPS job applications are free.
Job seekers
U.S.
antivirus subscription auto-renew scam
An email or popup claims your antivirus subscription has auto-renewed for a large amount, urging you to call to cancel — the goal is to gain remote access or steal payment info.
Check your bank or credit card statement directly — do not use the phone number in the email.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake Norton renewal email scam
A phishing email impersonates Norton LifeLock with a fake invoice for annual renewal, directing you to call a number where scammers attempt to gain remote access to your computer.
Do not call the number — go to norton.com directly and check your account for any active subscriptions.
Non-technical users
U.S.
Military deployment romance scam
A fake service member says military rules block access to money or leave, so the victim needs to send funds or gift cards.
Do not send money to anyone who cannot verify identity outside the romance narrative.
Online daters
Global
VA loan scam
Scammers pose as VA-approved lenders offering exclusive mortgage deals to veterans, then collect application fees and personal financial information without providing any actual loan.
Verify any VA lender through the VA's official lender search at va.gov before providing information.
Veterans
U.S.
military discount phishing scam
Fake websites or emails offer exclusive military discounts that require you to verify your service by entering personal information, military ID details, or login credentials.
Access military discounts only through official channels like ID.me, SheerID, or the retailer's official military page.
Active duty
U.S.
veteran grant scam
Scammers contact veterans claiming they qualify for a special government grant but must pay a processing or tax fee upfront to receive the funds.
Know that the government never calls to offer grants or asks for fees to release government funds.
Veterans
U.S.
CEO urgent request phishing scam
An email appears to come from a company executive urgently requesting a wire transfer, gift card purchase, or sensitive data, exploiting the recipient's desire to comply with authority.
Always verify unusual financial or data requests through a separate communication channel — call the executive directly.
Office workers
U.S.
password reset phishing scam
A fake password reset notification urges the recipient to click a link and enter their current credentials, which are captured by attackers.
Never click password reset links you did not request — navigate directly to the service's website.
Office workers
U.S.
shared document notification phishing scam
A fake notification claims someone has shared a document with you via Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, leading to a credential-harvesting login page.
Hover over the link to inspect the URL before clicking — legitimate shares come from official domains.
Office workers
U.S.
invoice attachment malware scam
An email with a fake invoice attachment installs malware when opened, giving attackers access to the victim's computer and network.
Never open attachments from unknown senders — verify invoices by contacting the vendor directly.
Office workers
U.S.
account suspension notice phishing scam
A fake email warns that your email, bank, or streaming account will be suspended unless you verify your identity immediately, directing you to a credential-stealing page.
Log into your account directly by typing the URL in your browser — never use links from warning emails.
Office workers
U.S.
two-factor authentication bypass phishing scam
Attackers use real-time phishing toolkits to capture both passwords and two-factor authentication codes simultaneously, defeating standard MFA protections.
Use hardware security keys (FIDO2/WebAuthn) which are resistant to real-time phishing proxy attacks.
IT administrators
U.S.
email forwarding rule hijack scam
After compromising an email account, attackers silently create forwarding rules that copy all incoming messages to an external address, enabling long-term surveillance.
After any account compromise, immediately check your email rules and forwarding settings — remove anything you did not create.
Office workers
U.S.
calendar invite phishing scam
Attackers send calendar invitations containing phishing links in the event description or location field, which automatically appear in the victim's calendar.
Change your calendar settings to not automatically add events from email invitations.
Office workers
U.S.
unsubscribe link trap scam
Phishing emails include a malicious unsubscribe link that, when clicked, confirms your email address is active and leads to credential theft or malware installation.
Do not click unsubscribe in emails from unknown senders — mark the email as spam instead.
Office workers
U.S.
reply-chain hijacking scam
Attackers compromise an email account and insert malicious messages into existing email threads, exploiting the trust established in ongoing conversations.
Be cautious of unexpected attachments or links even in existing email threads.
Office workers
U.S.
detox cleanse scam
Products marketed as detox or cleanse programs claim to remove toxins from the body, but contain unproven or potentially harmful ingredients and no scientific evidence of efficacy.
Consult your healthcare provider before starting any detox program — healthy kidneys and liver already detoxify your body.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
subscription vitamin trap scam
A personalized vitamin quiz funnels consumers into an expensive monthly subscription that is nearly impossible to cancel, with auto-ship charges that escalate over time.
Read the full subscription terms before providing payment information, especially the renewal price and cancellation policy.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
Malicious browser extension data harvest scam
A seemingly useful browser extension captures browsing activity, credentials, or payment behavior after a short period of benign use.
Review permissions before installing.
Remote workers
Global
Airline luggage fee link scam
A message says your bag will not board unless you settle an outstanding luggage or customs fee through a link.
Check baggage status in the airline app instead of using the message.
Air travelers
Global
Hotel loyalty account takeover scam
A loyalty member receives a fake points-expiry notice that leads to account takeover and stolen reward balances.
Sign in from the hotel's app or website directly to verify your points.
Frequent travelers
Global
Airline rebooking fee scam
A fake airline support flow says your flight changed and a fast rebooking payment is required to keep your seat.
Open the airline app or booking portal directly and review your itinerary there.
Travelers
Global
Airline loyalty password reset scam
A frequent flyer gets an urgent password reset notice and loses loyalty miles after entering credentials into a fake airline security page.
Open the airline app or site directly and review security events there.
Frequent travelers
Global
airline ticket phishing scam
Phishing emails and fake websites impersonate major airlines offering flash sales or notification of itinerary changes, stealing credit card details and frequent flyer credentials.
Access airline deals and booking changes only through the airline's official app or by typing the airline URL directly.
Travelers
U.S.
travel insurance scam
Fraudulent companies sell fake travel insurance policies that provide no actual coverage, leaving travelers without protection when they need to file claims for cancellations or emergencies.
Purchase travel insurance only from providers rated by AM Best or listed on your state's insurance department website.
Travelers
U.S.
currency exchange rip-off scam
Unregulated currency exchange booths and apps target summer tourists with extremely unfavorable exchange rates and hidden commissions, costing travelers 10-30% more than fair rates.
Use your bank's ATM abroad for the best exchange rates, and choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups.
International travelers
U.S.
Business license renewal scam
A small business gets a renewal notice or call demanding immediate payment to keep permits or registrations active.
Confirm renewal requirements with the actual registry or city office.
Small businesses
U.S.
fake supplier scam
A fraudulent supplier offers products at below-market prices, collects payment, and either delivers counterfeit goods, inferior products, or nothing at all.
Verify the supplier's business registration, physical address, and trade references before placing orders.
Small business owners
U.S.
SEO guarantee scam
An SEO company guarantees first-page Google rankings for a fixed fee, collects payment, and delivers either nothing, black-hat tactics that get the site penalized, or fabricated reports.
Be skeptical of any SEO company that guarantees specific rankings — legitimate agencies discuss strategy, not guaranteed outcomes.
Small business owners
U.S.
vanity award scam
A company informs a business they have won a prestigious award, then charges fees for a trophy, plaque, or event attendance — the award has no real selection criteria.
Research the awarding organization independently — check for reviews, Better Business Bureau complaints, and verifiable past winners.
Small business owners
U.S.
domain name renewal scam
A company sends a deceptive notice urging a business to renew or transfer its domain name at an inflated price, designed to look like an official renewal from the current registrar.
Always renew domains directly through your current registrar's website — never through unsolicited notices.
Small business owners
U.S.
advertising insertion order fraud
A scammer sends a business an insertion order or invoice for advertising in a publication, directory, or event program that the business never agreed to.
Require all advertising commitments to be in writing with authorized signatures before any work begins.
Small business owners
U.S.
Cloud storage password reset scam
A fake cloud-storage notice says files were shared suspiciously and captures the victim's account credentials or approval codes.
Use the storage provider app or website directly to review security alerts.
Remote workers
Global
Healthcare portal credential theft scam
A fake healthcare portal update captures login details, insurance numbers, and sensitive medical identifiers.
Log into the patient portal through the provider site directly.
Patients
U.S.
School parent portal identity phishing scam
A fake school portal update captures guardian credentials, contact details, and sometimes payment information.
Open the school portal from your saved bookmark or app only.
Parents
U.S.
fake court summons email scam
An email claims you have been issued a court summons and must click a link to view the details, leading to malware installation or credential theft.
Remember that real courts serve legal notices by mail or in person — never by email.
Citizens
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.
social media shop scam on Instagram
Scam accounts on Instagram promote products through polished posts and stories, collect payment via direct messages or external links, and never deliver.
Only purchase through platforms with buyer protection such as official marketplace checkout
Social media users
Global
fake refund overpayment shopping scam
Scammers posing as sellers or customer support claim they accidentally refunded too much and ask victims to return the difference, but the original refund was fake.
Never send money to anyone claiming an accidental overpayment without verifying through your bank directly
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake coupon and discount code phishing scam
Scammers distribute fake coupons or discount codes through email, social media, and websites to harvest personal information or install malware.
Verify coupons directly on the retailer's official website or app before using them
Bargain hunters
Global
TikTok shop too-good-to-be-true pricing scam
Products advertised on TikTok at unbelievably low prices turn out to be scams, with sellers collecting payment and shipping nothing or sending worthless items.
Research the seller and product independently before purchasing from social media ads
Young adults
U.S.
influencer sponsorship scam
Scammers impersonate brands and offer content creators fake sponsorship deals, then request upfront fees for shipping, samples, or contracts that never materialize.
Verify the offer by contacting the brand directly through their official website.
Content creators
U.S.
review-for-refund scheme scam
An Amazon seller contacts buyers after purchase and offers a full refund in exchange for a 5-star review, artificially inflating their product ratings.
Decline the offer and report the seller to Amazon for review manipulation.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake Yelp review extortion scam
Scammers threaten small businesses with a flood of fake 1-star Yelp reviews unless the business pays them to stop.
Do not pay — extortion payments almost always lead to repeated demands.
Small business owners
U.S.
Amazon fake product review job scam
Scammers recruit people through social media or text messages for 'paid Amazon review' jobs, eventually requesting upfront payments for products to review or stealing personal information during the onboarding process.
Legitimate companies do not recruit product reviewers through unsolicited texts or social media messages offering easy money.
Job seekers
U.S.
PayPal friends and family payment trick scam
A seller or scammer insists on receiving payment through PayPal's Friends and Family option, which has no buyer protection — if the product never arrives, there is no way to file a dispute or get a refund.
Always use PayPal's Goods and Services option for any purchase — the small fee provides full buyer protection.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Zelle marketplace payment scam
A buyer on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or other classifieds insists on paying with Zelle, then sends a fake Zelle confirmation email or claims the payment is pending an 'upgrade' fee from the seller.
Check your bank's Zelle transaction history directly — Zelle does not send emails requiring account upgrades or fees to receive payments.
Marketplace sellers
U.S.
Venmo payment for goods protection gap scam
Sellers or buyers exploit the fact that Venmo personal payments have no purchase protection, using the platform for transactions where disputes cannot be resolved — leaving the other party with no recourse.
Only use Venmo for purchases when the seller has a business profile with purchase protection enabled.
Online shoppers
U.S.
TikTok Shop counterfeit goods scam
Sellers on TikTok Shop or promoted through TikTok videos sell counterfeit or grossly misrepresented products at prices that seem like great deals.
Research sellers and read reviews before purchasing — check for patterns of complaints about product quality.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Craigslist job posting advance fee scam
Fake job postings on Craigslist require applicants to pay for training, background checks, or equipment before starting, then the job turns out to not exist.
Never pay money to start a job — legitimate employers cover the cost of training and background checks.
Job seekers
U.S.
Craigslist ticket resale scam
Scammers sell fake or duplicate concert, sports, or event tickets on Craigslist, leaving buyers unable to enter the venue.
Buy resale tickets only through verified platforms like Ticketmaster, StubHub, or SeatGeek that offer buyer guarantees.
Concert-goers
U.S.
Craigslist electronics too-good-to-be-true price scam
Listings for popular electronics like iPhones, gaming consoles, or laptops at far below retail price turn out to be stolen goods, counterfeits, or nonexistent items.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is — research fair market prices before buying.
Bargain hunters
U.S.
Tax refund verification phishing scam
A fake refund or filing problem message pressures the victim to verify tax identity through a counterfeit government portal.
Go directly to the tax authority website instead of using message links.
Tax filers
U.S.
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.
Do not handle goods or forward packages for an employer you cannot verify.
Job seekers
Global
Fake shipping insurance buyer scam
A buyer says a courier requires insurance or verification fees before pickup and asks the seller to pay first.
Decline third-party shipping payments arranged entirely by the buyer.
Casual sellers
Global
Student loan forgiveness phishing scam
A service promises immediate loan forgiveness if the borrower logs into an account or pays a processing fee.
Go directly to your loan servicer or official relief site.
Borrowers
U.S.
Customs duty release scam
A shipment or parcel is said to be held by customs, and the victim must clear it with a duty payment and identity upload through a fake portal.
Check the shipment directly with the courier or customs office using a trusted channel.
Online shoppers
Global
student loan forgiveness scam
Scammers pose as government or loan servicer representatives, charging upfront fees for student loan forgiveness applications that are actually free.
Apply for forgiveness programs directly at studentaid.gov at no cost.
Students
U.S.
student loan forgiveness application fee scam
Scammers charge upfront fees to help you apply for federal student loan forgiveness programs that are actually free to apply for through official government channels.
Apply for all federal forgiveness programs for free at StudentAid.gov — no third party is needed
Students
U.S.
Biden student loan forgiveness impersonator scam
Scammers exploit confusion around changing federal student loan forgiveness policies by impersonating the Department of Education and offering fake forgiveness enrollment for a fee.
Verify all student loan policy changes at StudentAid.gov — the government will never call asking for payment to enroll in forgiveness
Borrowers
U.S.
student loan consolidation scam
Fraudulent companies offer to consolidate your student loans for a fee, performing a service that the federal government provides for free, and may worsen your repayment terms.
Apply for federal Direct Consolidation Loans for free at StudentAid.gov
Borrowers
U.S.
income-driven repayment plan enrollment scam
Scammers charge fees to enroll borrowers in income-driven repayment plans that are freely available through federal loan servicers, and may collect personal data for identity theft.
Apply for income-driven repayment plans for free through your federal loan servicer or at StudentAid.gov
Borrowers
U.S.
student loan settlement scam
Fraudsters promise to negotiate your student loan balance down to a fraction of what you owe, collect upfront fees, and either do nothing or put your loans into default.
Understand that federal student loans generally cannot be settled for less than owed — legitimate options are forgiveness and repayment plans
Borrowers
U.S.
fake student loan servicer scam
Scammers impersonate well-known loan servicers like Nelnet or MOHELA, sending official-looking correspondence to steal payments or personal information.
Always log in to your loan servicer account by typing the URL directly into your browser, not by clicking email links
Borrowers
U.S.
Department of Education impersonator scam
Scammers pose as Department of Education officials claiming you are eligible for special programs, legal settlements, or owe back payments, then steal money or personal data.
Know that the Department of Education will never call demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest
Borrowers
U.S.
private student loan refinance scam
Fake lenders advertise unrealistically low refinance rates to collect application fees and sensitive financial data, with no intention of actually providing a loan.
Verify any lender's NMLS registration at nmlsconsumeraccess.org before applying
Borrowers
U.S.
student loan relief robocall scam
Automated robocalls promise student loan relief, reduction, or forgiveness, then transfer victims to live operators who collect fees and personal information.
Hang up on any robocall about student loans — the federal government does not make unsolicited calls about loan programs
Borrowers
U.S.
FSA ID phishing scam
Phishing emails and texts impersonate Federal Student Aid, tricking borrowers into entering their FSA ID credentials on fake login pages, giving scammers full control of their loan accounts.
Never enter your FSA ID credentials through a link in an email — always navigate directly to StudentAid.gov
Students
U.S.
UPS tracking phishing email scam
A phishing email impersonates UPS with a fake tracking update or delivery failure notice, directing victims to a spoofed website to steal login credentials or financial information.
Track packages only through the official ups.com website or UPS mobile app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
Amazon package confirmation scam
A message claims you have an Amazon package arriving and asks you to confirm your address or payment method through a fake Amazon page, stealing your account credentials.
Check your orders by logging in directly at amazon.com — never through email links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
DHL customs payment scam
A message posing as DHL claims your international package is held at customs and requires a fee to be released, directing you to a fraudulent payment portal.
Verify customs charges directly through the official DHL website using your tracking number.
Online shoppers
U.S.
package held at customs scam
Scammers send messages claiming your international package is stuck at customs and you must pay a fee or provide identification to release it, leading to financial theft or identity fraud.
Verify any customs charges by contacting the shipping carrier or customs broker directly.
Online shoppers
U.S.
delivery preference update scam
A phishing email or text asks you to update your delivery preferences or notification settings through a fake carrier portal, capturing your login credentials.
Manage delivery preferences only by logging in directly through the carrier's official website or app.
Online shoppers
U.S.
shipping label phishing scam
An email with an attachment labeled as a shipping label, invoice, or receipt contains malware that infects your device when opened.
Never open email attachments from unknown senders or unexpected shipping notifications.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake photo editor app scam
Scam photo editing apps lure users with free filters and features, then demand expensive subscriptions, harvest photos, or install adware on the device.
Check app permissions before installing and deny access to data the app does not need for its core function
Smartphone users
U.S.
travel voucher scam
Victims receive travel vouchers promising free or deeply discounted trips, but the vouchers come with hidden fees, blackout dates, and unusable restrictions.
Read all terms and conditions of any travel voucher before paying any activation or processing fees.
Vacationers
U.S.
timeshare points exchange scam
A company offers to convert timeshare points into airline miles, hotel points, or cash but charges fees and delivers nothing of value.
Never share your timeshare account login credentials with any third-party company.
Timeshare owners
U.S.
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.
Never invest based on a romantic contact's recommendation.
Online daters
Global
Long-distance model romance scam
A glamorous long-distance profile quickly becomes emotionally intense and asks for travel or document money to finally meet.
Verify with a live video call and outside social proof before believing the story.
Young adults
Global
Sugar dating verification fee scam
A match promises an allowance but first requests verification payments, subscription fees, or gift cards to activate the arrangement.
Treat any payment-before-payment arrangement as fraud.
Students
Global
Romance hospital bill scam
A romantic partner claims to be in the hospital or detained after an accident and asks for urgent treatment money.
Verify through an independent hospital number before believing any emergency.
Online daters
Global
Sugar dating verification fee scam
A match says they want to send support or begin an arrangement, but first the victim must pay a small verification or transfer-release fee.
Do not pay any fee to receive money from a stranger who claims to be setting up support.
Students
Global
age verification link scam
A dating app match sends you a link to an external site claiming you need to verify your age before meeting, which harvests your credit card information.
Never click external links sent by matches — legitimate dating apps handle verification within the app.
Online daters
U.S.
identity verification phishing scam
A dating app match asks you to verify your identity through a third-party website that collects personal information including your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Never share your Social Security number or government ID through a link sent by a dating match.
Online daters
U.S.
safe dating website redirect scam
A match on a dating app suggests moving the conversation to a 'safe dating website' that requires registration with a credit card, which then charges hidden fees.
Stay on the original dating platform — there is no legitimate reason to move to an unknown external site.
Online daters
U.S.
video chat verification scam
A dating match insists on verifying identity through a specific video chat app that requires payment or downloads malware onto your device.
Suggest a mainstream video app like FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet — a legitimate person will agree.
Online daters
U.S.
dating safety ID scam
A match demands you obtain a 'dating safety ID' or 'hookup clearance' through a website that charges your credit card for a worthless verification badge.
Recognize that no legitimate dating platform requires a separate safety ID — this is always a scam.
Online daters
U.S.
photo verification scam
A dating app match asks you to verify your photos through an external site that collects your selfie and personal data for identity theft or deepfake creation.
Use only the built-in verification features of dating apps — Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge all have native photo verification.
Online daters
U.S.
premium membership phishing scam
A message claiming to be from a dating app offers a free premium membership upgrade via a link that leads to a phishing page designed to steal your login credentials.
Only upgrade your dating app membership through the official app or website — never through external links.
Online daters
U.S.
date location check-in scam
A dating match asks you to check in at a specific venue through a link before your date for safety purposes, but the link is a phishing page that steals your personal data.
Share your location with a trusted friend using built-in phone features instead of external check-in links.
Online daters
U.S.
STI testing verification scam
A dating match demands you get tested for STIs through a specific website before meeting, which charges for a fake test or collects your health and payment information.
Get STI testing through your own healthcare provider or a reputable clinic — never through a link from a dating match.
Online daters
U.S.
Marketplace payment reversal scam
A buyer on a marketplace uses fake payment confirmation, overpayment stories, or refund pressure to get goods without completing a legitimate payment.
Only trust the actual payment app or bank balance, not screenshots.
Casual sellers
U.S.
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.
Review your credit reports and dispute unfamiliar applications quickly.
Young adults
U.S.
fake pharmacy discount card scam
Scammers offer seniors free or low-cost pharmacy discount cards that either do not work, charge hidden membership fees, or are used to harvest personal health and financial information.
Use only verified discount programs like Medicare Extra Help or GoodRx, and verify any card with your pharmacist before providing personal information.
Seniors
U.S.
Stolen phone data recovery scam
After a phone is stolen, a fake support agent promises to restore data or locate the device if the victim signs in to a special portal or pays a fee.
Use the device maker's official recovery tools instead of any message claiming a shortcut.
Travelers
Global
webcam blackmail email scam
A mass-sent email claims the sender hacked your webcam and recorded you during intimate activity, demanding cryptocurrency payment to prevent release of the footage.
Do not reply or send any payment — these are mass-sent with no actual footage.
Adults
U.S.
teen social media sextortion scam
Predators target minors on social media, build trust through conversation, solicit explicit images, then threaten to share them unless the victim pays or provides more content.
Stop all communication with the scammer immediately — do not pay or send more images.
Teenagers
U.S.
dating app recording threat scam
A match on a dating app lures the victim into a video call, captures intimate moments, then threatens to share the recording unless a payment is made.
Do not pay — payment rarely stops the threats and often leads to increased demands.
Young adults
U.S.
password reveal sextortion email scam
An email includes one of your real passwords in the subject line and claims a hacker used it to access your device and record compromising footage.
Do not pay — the scammer has only your leaked password, not access to your device.
Adults
U.S.
compromised photos sextortion threat scam
A scammer claims to have obtained intimate photos from your phone or cloud storage and threatens to distribute them unless you pay.
Do not pay or engage — most of these threats are bluffs with no actual photos.
Adults
U.S.
deepfake sextortion scam
Scammers use AI deepfake technology to create realistic but fabricated explicit images or videos of the victim from their public photos, then demand payment to prevent distribution.
Do not pay — the images are fabricated and paying does not guarantee deletion.
Teenagers
U.S.
social media DM sextortion scam
A stranger initiates a direct message conversation on Instagram or Snapchat, quickly escalates to exchanging explicit photos, then threatens to share the victim's images with their followers.
Stop communicating — do not send money, and do not send additional images.
Teenagers
U.S.
sextortion via gaming platform scam
Predators target gamers — often minors — through in-game chat or Discord, build trust through shared gaming, then solicit and weaponize explicit images.
Stop all contact with the person and do not comply with any demands.
Teenagers
U.S.
workplace affair sextortion threat scam
An email or message threatens to reveal an alleged extramarital affair or inappropriate workplace relationship to the victim's employer and spouse unless a payment is made.
Do not respond or pay — these are untargeted mass emails with no actual evidence.
Professionals
U.S.
AI-generated explicit image threat scam
Scammers use AI image generators to create non-consensual explicit images from a victim's social media photos, then threaten to distribute them online or to contacts.
Do not pay or engage with the scammer — compliance leads to escalation.
Teenagers
U.S.
email lottery winner notification scam
Victims receive an official-looking email claiming they won a lottery they never entered, then are asked to pay taxes or processing fees to claim the prize.
Legitimate lotteries never require upfront payment to claim winnings
Older adults
Global
SMS prize alert text message scam
Scam text messages claim you have won a prize or gift card and include a link to a phishing website designed to steal personal information.
Never click links in unsolicited text messages claiming you have won a prize
Smartphone users
U.S.
foreign lottery advance fee scam
Victims are told they won a foreign lottery, often claiming to be from Spain, the Netherlands, or the UK, and must pay customs, taxes, or legal fees to collect.
It is illegal for US residents to participate in foreign lotteries, so any notification is fraudulent by definition
Older adults
Global
social media fake giveaway scam
Fake social media accounts impersonate brands or influencers and run fraudulent giveaways that require victims to share personal data, pay shipping fees, or click phishing links.
Verify giveaways through the brand's official verified account, not through direct messages from unknown accounts
Social media users
Global
sweepstakes processing fee scam
Victims receive official-looking letters or emails claiming they won a sweepstakes but must pay a processing fee to receive their prize check.
Never pay any fee to claim a sweepstakes prize as legitimate sweepstakes cover all costs
Older adults
U.S.
inheritance from unknown relative scam
Scammers pose as attorneys or bank officials claiming the victim has inherited money from a distant or unknown relative, requiring fees to release the funds.
Verify any inheritance claim through an independent attorney, not through contacts provided in the email
Older adults
Global
Porch pickup gift card scam
A buyer claims a relative will pick up the item and asks the seller to include gift cards or cash for reimbursement.
Keep local sales simple and refuse add-on financial errands.
Casual sellers
Global
boss gift card request scam
An email or text impersonating your boss or company executive urgently asks you to buy gift cards for clients or employees and send the card numbers — a business email compromise variant.
Verify any unusual request from a supervisor by calling or speaking to them in person — not by replying to the email.
Employees
U.S.
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.
Check your Uber receipts after every ride and dispute any unrecognized charges immediately through the app.
Uber riders
U.S.
QR code on flyer phishing scam
Scammers distribute flyers with QR codes offering fake deals, free products, or prize claims that lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Be skeptical of unsolicited flyers with QR codes, especially those promising free items or large prizes.
General public
U.S.
fake WiFi login QR code scam
QR codes posted in public spaces promise free WiFi access but lead to a fake login portal that captures email credentials and personal data or installs malware.
Ask staff for the official WiFi name and password rather than scanning posted QR codes.
Travelers
U.S.
event ticket QR code scam
Fraudsters sell counterfeit event tickets with QR codes that either do not scan at the venue or redirect to phishing sites when buyers try to verify them.
Buy tickets only from the official venue, promoter, or authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster or StubHub.
Concert-goers
U.S.
MLM health supplement recruitment scheme
A health supplement company requires participants to buy inventory upfront and earn primarily through recruiting new sellers rather than product sales, leaving most participants with unsold stock and financial losses.
Research the company's income disclosure statement — if available, it will show that most participants earn little or nothing.
Parents
U.S.
Refund specialist recovery scam
A victim of bank transfer fraud is told a refund specialist can reverse the payment for a consultancy fee.
Work with your bank and official complaint channels, not unsolicited specialists.
Fraud victims
Global
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.
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.
remote job equipment purchase scam
New remote hires are told to purchase equipment from a specific vendor using a company check that later bounces, leaving the employee out of pocket for the full amount.
Legitimate employers provide equipment directly or reimburse after verified purchase — they never send checks to buy from unknown vendors.
Remote workers
U.S.
VPN phishing scam targeting remote workers
Phishing emails impersonate corporate IT departments and direct remote workers to fake VPN login pages that capture their corporate credentials.
Never click VPN login links in emails — always access your corporate VPN through the official application or bookmark.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake HR onboarding scam for remote workers
Scammers impersonate HR departments of companies and send fake onboarding documents to new remote hires, collecting tax forms, identification, and bank details for identity theft.
Verify the onboarding process by calling the company's main number and asking to speak with the HR contact who sent the documents.
Remote workers
U.S.
payroll redirect scam targeting remote workers
Scammers compromise or impersonate an employee's email and send payroll or HR a request to change direct deposit information, diverting paychecks to the scammer's account.
Always verify direct deposit change requests through a phone call to the employee using a known number, not the one in the email.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake home office stipend scam
Scammers posing as employers offer remote workers a home office stipend via check that is fraudulent, asking the worker to purchase items and return the excess funds.
Legitimate home office stipends are reimbursed after purchase or provided through corporate purchasing — never through personal check overpayment.
Remote workers
U.S.
Gold mining club investment scam
An investment club says pooled money is being used in gold or commodity extraction projects with fast fixed returns.
Check licenses and filings before sending funds to private clubs.
Retirees
Global
Managed forex account scam
A forex mentor offers to manage your money directly, showing screenshots of wins while dodging audited history or regulatory details.
Avoid handing capital to unlicensed mentors from social media.
New traders
Global
identity theft protection scam
A company sells an identity theft protection plan that provides little or no actual monitoring, while collecting sensitive personal data that increases the customer's risk.
Use the free credit monitoring offered by breached companies or annualcreditreport.com.
Data breach victims
U.S.
pet shipping fee scam
After a puppy or kitten purchase, the buyer is told the pet requires a special climate-controlled crate, insurance, or customs fees that escalate indefinitely.
Legitimate pet shipping companies provide all-inclusive quotes upfront.
Pet seekers
U.S.
online vet bill scam
A scammer contacts a pet buyer claiming the animal needs emergency veterinary care during transit and demands immediate payment to save the pet's life.
Ask for the specific vet clinic name, address, and phone number — then call directly.
Pet seekers
U.S.
exotic animal scam
Scammers advertise rare or exotic animals for sale online — such as monkeys, big cats, or rare reptiles — collect deposits, and never deliver the animal.
Check your state and local laws — many exotic animals are illegal to own without permits.
Exotic pet enthusiasts
U.S.
lowball moving estimate scam
A moving company quotes an unrealistically low price to win the job, then dramatically increases the cost on moving day when belongings are already loaded.
Get at least three in-home or detailed video estimates and be wary of any quote far below the others.
Relocating workers
U.S.
fake moving company scam
A company that exists only on paper takes deposits for moves it never intends to complete, then disappears or demands more money.
Verify the company's USDOT number and complaint history at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before hiring.
Relocating workers
U.S.
bait-and-switch moving truck scam
A moving company promises a full-size truck but arrives with a smaller vehicle, forcing a second trip at additional cost or leaving items behind.
Insist on an in-home or detailed video survey before accepting any estimate.
Families
U.S.
military PCS move scam
Scammers target military families during permanent change of station relocations with fraudulent moving companies that exploit tight PCS timelines.
Use only movers registered in the Defense Personal Property System or recommended by your installation's Transportation Office.
Military families
U.S.
Bitcoin investment via Cash App scam
Scammers recruit victims through social media to invest in Bitcoin through Cash App, promising guaranteed returns — victims either send Bitcoin directly to the scammer or lose control of their Cash App account.
No one can guarantee returns on cryptocurrency — guaranteed profit claims are always a scam.
Young adults
U.S.
Robinhood account restricted phishing scam
A phishing email or text claims your Robinhood account has been restricted due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that captures your credentials and enables account takeover.
Check account status by opening the official Robinhood app — never through links in messages.
Retail investors
U.S.
Robinhood tax document phishing scam
A phishing email claims your Robinhood tax document (1099) is ready for download, directing you to a fake site that captures your login credentials and Social Security number.
Access tax documents only through the official Robinhood app under Account > Statements & History > Tax Documents.
Robinhood users
U.S.
Robinhood IPO access scam
Scammers promise guaranteed access to hot IPOs through Robinhood in exchange for an upfront fee or deposit, exploiting the hype around initial public offerings.
Robinhood IPO Access is free — never pay anyone for IPO access through any platform.
Retail investors
U.S.
tariff relief application scam
Scammers exploit confusion around tariff changes by impersonating government agencies offering fake tariff relief applications that collect Social Security numbers and financial information.
Verify any government relief program through official .gov websites or by calling the agency directly.
Small business owners
U.S.
student loan pause extension scam
Scammers impersonate the Department of Education or loan servicers, offering fake extensions to student loan repayment pauses in exchange for personal information or upfront fees.
Manage your student loans exclusively through studentaid.gov and your official loan servicer.
Student loan borrowers
U.S.
small business disaster loan scam
Scammers impersonate the SBA or state agencies, offering fake disaster relief loans to small business owners and collecting application fees and sensitive business financial data.
Apply for SBA disaster loans only through sba.gov or by calling the SBA directly at their published number.
Small business owners
U.S.
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.
Access your unemployment account only through your state workforce agency's official website.
Unemployed workers
U.S.
free trial subscription trap scam
A product advertises a free trial but buries auto-renewal terms in fine print, then charges a full subscription fee after a short window.
Set a calendar reminder before any trial expires.
Online subscribers
U.S.
fake streaming service subscription scam
Scammers impersonate popular streaming platforms and collect payment for subscriptions that never grant access to any content.
Always navigate to streaming services directly by typing the URL — never click email links.
Online subscribers
U.S.
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.
Review subscription charges in your app store account settings regularly.
App users
U.S.
software license subscription scam
A website sells fake or unauthorized software licenses at a discount, then charges recurring fees for products the buyer never receives or cannot activate.
Buy software only from official vendor websites or authorized resellers.
Small business owners
U.S.
cloud storage upsell scam
A pop-up or email warns that cloud storage is full and directs the user to a fake upgrade page that charges for storage never delivered.
Check storage usage directly in your device settings — not through email links.
App users
U.S.
vehicle export scam
A buyer claims to purchase a vehicle for export, sends a fake payment, and arranges for a shipper to pick up the car before the fraud is detected.
Be suspicious of any buyer who agrees to the full asking price without seeing the vehicle.
Car buyers
U.S.
Craigslist car sale escrow scam
A car listed on Craigslist is offered at a great price with the seller suggesting a fake escrow service to handle the transaction, stealing the buyer's payment.
Never buy a vehicle sight-unseen, no matter how good the deal seems — insist on seeing it in person.
Car buyers
U.S.
fake HOA fee notice scam
Homeowners receive official-looking letters or emails demanding immediate HOA dues payment to a fraudulent account, often mimicking their real association's branding.
Always verify payment changes by calling your HOA management company directly using the number on your original contract.
Homeowners
U.S.
amenity access fee scam
Scammers contact residents claiming they must pay a separate fee to access community amenities like pools, gyms, or clubhouses, collecting payments for access that is already included in HOA dues.
Check your HOA governing documents to confirm what amenities are included in your dues.
Homeowners
U.S.
fake HOA election scam
Scammers send fraudulent proxy ballots or online voting links to HOA members, harvesting personal information or manipulating board election outcomes.
Verify election communications by contacting your HOA board or management company directly.
HOA members
U.S.
Marketplace rental deposit scam
A fake landlord advertises a good rental deal on a marketplace and pushes for a deposit before any real viewing or lease.
Never send a rental deposit before a verified viewing and lease.
Renters
Global
fake debt collector call scam
A caller impersonates a debt collector and pressures the victim to pay a debt that either does not exist or is not legitimately owed to the caller.
Request a written debt validation letter — legitimate collectors are required to provide one under the FDCPA.
People with debt
U.S.
payment app debt demand scam
A scammer posing as a debt collector demands immediate payment via Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or similar peer-to-peer platforms, which offer no buyer protection.
Legitimate debt collectors do not accept payment via peer-to-peer apps.
Young adults
U.S.
fake Zillow listing rental scam
Scammers copy real property listings from Zillow and repost them at below-market rent, then collect deposits from multiple victims for a property they do not own.
Reverse image search listing photos to check if they appear on other sites.
Renters
U.S.
Craigslist apartment rental scam
A listing on Craigslist advertises an apartment at a great price, but the poster does not own or have authority to rent the property.
Always view the property in person before sending any money.
Renters
U.S.
roommate scam
A person posing as a prospective roommate sends a check for more than the agreed amount and asks the victim to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount from a stranger.
Students
U.S.
rental deposit wire fraud scam
A supposed landlord insists that the security deposit and first month's rent be wired before move-in, then disappears after receiving the funds.
Never wire money to a landlord you have not met — wire transfers cannot be reversed.
Relocating workers
U.S.
sight-unseen rental scam
A scammer targets people relocating to a new city by offering a rental that cannot be viewed in person, then collecting payment for a property that is not available.
Ask a trusted local contact to visit the property on your behalf or arrange a live video walkthrough.
Relocating workers
U.S.
fake landlord scam
A person poses as the landlord of a property they do not own, showing it to prospective tenants and collecting deposits before the real owner discovers the scheme.
Verify the landlord's identity by checking property ownership records at the county assessor's office.
Renters
U.S.
sublease scam
A current tenant subleases an apartment without the landlord's permission, collecting rent from the new occupant who is then evicted when the fraud is discovered.
Demand written proof that the landlord has approved the sublease arrangement.
Students
U.S.
housing list fee scam
A service charges a fee for access to rental listings that are freely available on public sites, outdated, or already rented.
Search free listing sites first — most legitimate rentals are listed publicly.
Renters
U.S.
health insurance marketplace phishing scam
Phishing emails and fake websites impersonate Healthcare.gov or state marketplace sites to steal personal information and financial data during enrollment periods.
Always navigate directly to Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace — never click enrollment links in emails
Patients
U.S.
Zelle rental deposit scam
A fake landlord lists an apartment at below-market rent and demands a Zelle deposit to hold the unit — once paid, the 'landlord' disappears and the listing turns out to be stolen from a legitimate property.
Never send a rental deposit via Zelle or any peer-to-peer app without first seeing the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity.
Renters
U.S.
Craigslist fake rental listing scam
Scammers post fake rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate real estate sites, collecting deposits and first month's rent from multiple victims for properties they do not own.
Never send money for a rental you have not physically visited — verify the property exists and the 'landlord' owns it.
Renters
U.S.
Airbnb damage claim extortion scam
Hosts file fraudulent damage claims against guests after checkout, submitting fake or pre-existing damage photos to collect repair fees through Airbnb's resolution center.
Photograph the entire property at check-in and check-out to have timestamped evidence of its condition.
Travelers
U.S.
Zillow fake listing contact form scam
Scammers create fake property listings on Zillow with below-market prices and use the contact form to redirect interested renters or buyers to off-platform communication where they extract deposits or personal information.
Never send money for a rental without touring the property in person and verifying the landlord's identity.
Renters
U.S.
Zillow rental application fee scam
A fake landlord on Zillow charges non-refundable application fees for a property they do not own, collecting fees from multiple applicants for the same listing.
Verify property ownership through your county's property assessor website before paying any fees.
Renters
U.S.
Zillow fake property management scam
Scammers pose as property management companies on Zillow listings, collecting rent payments and security deposits for properties they have no authority to lease.
Verify the property management company through the property owner or county assessor records.
Renters
U.S.
fake internship offer scam targeting students
Students receive unsolicited emails offering prestigious internships that require upfront fees for training materials, background checks, or equipment, but the internship does not exist.
Verify any internship offer by contacting the company's HR department directly through their official website.
College students
U.S.
student credit card trap scam
Predatory credit card offers target students with promises of easy approval and rewards, hiding high interest rates, annual fees, and terms designed to trap young borrowers in debt.
Research any credit card offer independently before applying — compare APR, fees, and terms on sites like NerdWallet or Bankrate.
College students
U.S.
textbook buyback scam targeting students
Fake textbook buyback services offer high prices for used textbooks, collect the books from students, and then never send payment or pay a fraction of the quoted price.
Sell textbooks through established platforms like Amazon, Chegg, or your campus bookstore that have buyer protections.
College students
U.S.
fake study abroad program scam
Fraudulent companies advertise study abroad programs that collect thousands in fees for housing, tuition, and visa assistance but provide no actual program or support upon arrival.
Only use study abroad programs vetted by your university's international programs office.
College students
U.S.
campus apartment deposit scam
Scammers list fake apartments near college campuses at below-market rates and collect security deposits and first-month rent from multiple students for properties they do not own.
Never send money for a rental you have not physically visited or verified through the property management company.
College students
U.S.
student ambassador MLM scam
Companies recruit college students as brand ambassadors in programs structured as multi-level marketing schemes, requiring purchases of inventory and recruitment of other students to earn money.
Research any brand ambassador opportunity on the FTC website and check if the company has been flagged as an MLM or pyramid scheme.
College students
U.S.
fake university email phishing scam
Phishing emails disguised as official university communications trick students into entering their login credentials on fake portals, giving attackers access to student accounts, financial aid, and personal data.
Never click login links in emails — navigate directly to your university's portal by typing the URL in your browser.
College students
U.S.
student bank account offer scam
Scammers offer students new bank accounts with large sign-up bonuses, then use the accounts as money mule conduits for laundering stolen funds, making the student criminally liable.
Never allow anyone else to use your bank account or open an account at someone else's request.
College students
U.S.
fake research assistant job scam
Students receive emails offering paid research assistant positions at their university that require purchasing supplies or software upfront with a fraudulent check that later bounces.
Verify any job offer by contacting the professor or department directly through your university's directory.
College students
U.S.
graduation ceremony ticket scam
Scammers sell fake extra graduation ceremony tickets to students and families through social media and third-party websites, taking payment for tickets that do not exist or are counterfeit.
Only obtain graduation tickets through your university's official ticketing system or registrar's office.
College students
U.S.
free money from government scam
Scammers claim the government is giving away free grants to individuals, requiring only a small processing fee — no such program exists, and the fee is the scam.
The government does not contact people to offer free money — any such contact is a scam.
Low-income households
U.S.
small business grant application fee scam
A fake organization offers small business grants but requires an application fee, using professional websites and fake testimonials to appear legitimate.
Legitimate government grants are listed on grants.gov and never require application fees.
Low-income households
U.S.
pandemic relief grant scam
Scammers exploit public awareness of pandemic relief programs by offering fake COVID-19 recovery grants, collecting personal information and fees from applicants.
Verify any relief program through official government websites — usa.gov, sba.gov, or your country's equivalent.
Low-income households
U.S.
HUD housing grant scam
Scammers impersonate HUD or local housing authorities, offering grants for home purchases or repairs in exchange for upfront fees or personal information.
HUD does not call individuals to offer grants — contact your local HUD office directly at hud.gov for legitimate programs.
Low-income households
U.S.
minority business grant scam
Scammers target minority business owners with fake grants designed specifically for underrepresented entrepreneurs, collecting fees and personal data.
Research any grant opportunity through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at mbda.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
research grant impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate research funding agencies like the NSF or NIH, sending fake award notifications that require fees or personal information to claim.
Verify any grant notification directly through the funding agency's official website and your institution's grants office.
Low-income households
U.S.
FEMA grant advance fee scam
After a natural disaster, scammers pose as FEMA representatives offering disaster relief grants that require an upfront fee to process.
FEMA never charges application fees for disaster assistance — apply directly at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Low-income households
U.S.
state grant phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate state government agencies, directing recipients to fake portals that harvest credentials and personal information under the guise of a grant application.
Access state grant programs only through official .gov websites — never through links in unsolicited emails.
Low-income households
U.S.
education grant scam
Scammers contact students or parents claiming they qualify for an education grant or scholarship that requires a fee to apply or a tax payment to receive.
Search for legitimate scholarships through your school's financial aid office, the Department of Education, or studentaid.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
women-owned business grant scam
Fake grant programs claim to offer funding exclusively for women-owned businesses, collecting application fees and personal information from female entrepreneurs.
Research women-owned business programs through the SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership at sba.gov.
Low-income households
U.S.
student loan forgiveness robocall scam
A robocall claims you qualify for immediate student loan forgiveness or reduction and asks for personal details and an upfront fee to process an application you could file yourself for free.
Hang up — apply for federal student loan programs only through studentaid.gov.
Consumers
U.S.
celebrity crypto endorsement deepfake
AI-generated deepfake videos show celebrities apparently endorsing cryptocurrency investment platforms, luring victims into depositing money on fraudulent exchanges that steal their funds.
Verify any celebrity endorsement by checking the person's official social media accounts and website.
Crypto investors
U.S.
deepfake job interview scam
Scammers use AI deepfake technology to impersonate hiring managers during video interviews, collecting personal information and upfront fees from job seekers for positions that do not exist.
Verify the interviewer's identity by contacting the company directly through their official website.
Job seekers
U.S.
closing wire instruction hijack scam
Hackers intercept or spoof emails between homebuyers and title companies, sending fraudulent wire instructions that redirect the closing funds to a criminal's account.
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company at a phone number from their official website — never from the email itself.
Homebuyers
U.S.
title company impersonation scam
Scammers create fake email addresses and websites that closely mimic a real title company, sending buyers fraudulent closing documents and wire instructions.
Verify the sender's exact email domain character by character before acting on any wire instructions.
Homebuyers
U.S.
down payment redirect scam
A fraudulent email intercepted during a real estate transaction redirects the buyer's down payment to a criminal's account by providing altered wiring details.
Never wire money based solely on email instructions — always confirm by phone using a known, verified number.
Homebuyers
U.S.
earnest money theft scam
Scammers intercept real estate communications and send fake instructions for the earnest money deposit early in the transaction, stealing funds before closing even begins.
Verify earnest money instructions directly with your real estate agent and the escrow company by phone.
Homebuyers
U.S.
real estate agent email compromise scam
Hackers breach a real estate agent's email account and use it to send fraudulent wire instructions to the agent's active clients, leveraging the trusted relationship.
Always verify financial instructions through a separate communication channel — call your agent on their known phone number.
Homebuyers
U.S.
escrow account phishing scam
Scammers send phishing emails disguised as escrow account login pages, capturing credentials that allow them to redirect funds or steal transaction information.
Never click login links in emails — navigate directly to the escrow company's website by typing the URL.
Homebuyers
U.S.
mortgage payoff redirect scam
Scammers intercept mortgage payoff communications and redirect the final payment to a fraudulent account, stealing the homeowner's entire remaining mortgage balance.
Verify mortgage payoff wire instructions by calling the lender directly at the number on your mortgage statement.
Homebuyers
U.S.
property tax payment redirect scam
Scammers send fake property tax notices directing homeowners to pay overdue or delinquent taxes to a fraudulent account, often threatening liens or penalties for non-payment.
Verify any tax notice by contacting your county tax assessor's office directly using the number from their official website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
HOA fee redirect scam
Scammers impersonate a homeowners association and send emails with updated payment instructions, redirecting HOA dues to a criminal's account.
Verify any payment change by contacting your HOA management company or board president directly by phone.
Homebuyers
U.S.
real estate attorney impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate the buyer's or seller's real estate attorney, sending fraudulent wire instructions for closing funds from an email that closely resembles the attorney's real address.
Verify all wire instructions by calling your attorney at the number on their business card or official website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
Zillow fake open house RSVP scam
A phishing email or listing promotes a fake open house event for an attractive property, collecting personal information through a fraudulent RSVP form.
Verify open houses directly with the listing agent by calling the number on their brokerage website.
Homebuyers
U.S.
fake textbook deal scam
Scam websites and social media sellers offer college textbooks at steep discounts, then deliver counterfeit copies, wrong editions, or nothing at all after collecting payment.
Purchase textbooks only from your campus bookstore, Amazon, Chegg, or other established resellers with buyer protection.
College students
U.S.
student loan disbursement phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate financial aid offices or loan servicers, claiming there is an issue with the student's loan disbursement that requires immediate action to resolve.
Log in to your school's financial aid portal directly by typing the URL — never through links in emails.
College students
U.S.
dorm furniture marketplace scam
Fake sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and campus buy/sell groups list dorm furniture at attractive prices, collect deposits or full payment, then never deliver the items.
Only purchase furniture you can inspect in person, and meet in a public place on campus.
College students
U.S.
fake campus job scam
Fraudulent job offers sent to student email addresses promise easy on-campus or remote work with high pay, then trick students into depositing fake checks or sharing personal data.
Verify campus job offers through your university's official career center or human resources office.
College students
U.S.
roommate finder scam
Fake roommate listings on housing boards and apps collect deposits and first-month rent from students for apartments that do not exist or are not controlled by the scammer.
Never send money for housing you have not visited in person or verified through the university's official housing office.
College students
U.S.
fake student discount card scam
Scammers sell worthless student discount cards or memberships that promise savings at major retailers and restaurants but provide no legitimate discounts.
Use free, legitimate student discount platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your school's official discount programs.
College students
U.S.
laptop deal phishing scam
Phishing ads and emails target students with fake back-to-school laptop deals from major brands, leading to credential theft or purchase of nonexistent products.
Purchase electronics only from authorized retailers or your school's official technology store with education pricing.
College students
U.S.
fake scholarship deadline scam
Scammers contact students claiming they have won or been selected for a scholarship but must pay processing fees or provide personal information by an urgent deadline to claim it.
Legitimate scholarships never require application or processing fees — any request for payment is a scam.
High school seniors
U.S.
school supply fundraiser scam
Scammers posing as school officials or parent-teacher organizations solicit donations for school supply drives that do not exist, pocketing the money intended for students.
Verify fundraisers directly with the school administration before donating.
Parents
U.S.
fake tutoring service scam
Fraudulent tutoring services collect upfront payments from students and parents for sessions that are never delivered, or use the engagement to harvest personal and financial information.
Use your school's official tutoring center or vetted platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com that offer payment protection.
College students
U.S.
Visa sponsorship placement fee scam
An overseas role promises fast visa sponsorship but asks for processing, embassy, or medical coordination fees upfront.
Check the employer and visa process through official immigration channels before paying.
Migrant job seekers
Global
Immigration case payment scam
A fake immigration officer says there is a problem with your file and demands immediate payment or documents.
Contact the immigration agency through its official website or lawyer.
Immigrants
U.S.
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.
Use only official government visa channels or verified legal advisers for application steps.
International students
Global
Student visa deadline penalty scam
A student is told there is a deadline or filing defect in their visa record and must pay a penalty or share documents immediately.
Verify any visa or study permit notice from the official immigration portal only.
International students
Canada
visa lottery scam targeting immigrants
Scammers send emails or create websites claiming victims have won the Diversity Visa Lottery and must pay processing fees, when the real DV Lottery is free and does not notify winners by email.
The official DV Lottery is free to enter and results are only available at dvprogram.state.gov — never pay for lottery processing.
Immigrants
U.S.
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.
Void the check and stop communicating if a job asks you to purchase gift cards.
Part-time workers
U.S.
fake check overpayment scam
A buyer sends a check for more than the agreed price and asks the seller to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the selling price.
Sellers
U.S.
payroll check scam
Scammers posing as employers send fake payroll checks to new hires, then request the employee return a portion for equipment or supplies.
Research any new employer through your state's business registration database before accepting payment.
Job seekers
U.S.
rental deposit check scam
A fake landlord sends a check for more than the deposit, then asks the prospective tenant to wire back the excess before the check bounces.
Never accept a check for more than the agreed amount in any rental transaction.
Renters
U.S.
electronics warranty phishing scam
Scammers send phishing emails disguised as warranty registration confirmations for recently purchased electronics, directing victims to fake sites that steal personal and financial data.
Register warranties only through the manufacturer official website by navigating directly rather than clicking email links
Consumers
U.S.
warranty expiration phishing email scam
Phishing emails claiming your product warranty is about to expire direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials and payment information.
Never click links in unsolicited warranty expiration emails and instead log in to your account directly on the manufacturer website
Consumers
U.S.
warranty renewal auto-charge scam
Companies enroll consumers in recurring warranty plans with hidden auto-renewal clauses, making it extremely difficult to cancel and continuing to charge credit cards after the coverage period.
Read all warranty contract terms for auto-renewal clauses before providing payment information
Car owners
U.S.
phone screen protection plan scam
Scammers sell fake or worthless phone screen protection plans through pop-up ads, SMS, or in-person kiosk sales, collecting monthly fees for coverage that does not exist.
Purchase device protection only through your carrier, the phone manufacturer, or a well-known insurer like Asurion or AppleCare
Phone users
U.S.
fake baby product recall scam
Scammers send emails or social media messages about fake baby product recalls, directing parents to phishing websites that collect personal and financial information under the pretense of processing a refund.
Verify any product recall at cpsc.gov before clicking any links or providing information.
Parents
U.S.
crypto Ponzi scheme
Fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platforms promise guaranteed high returns but pay early investors with new investor funds, eventually collapsing and leaving most participants with total losses.
Be extremely skeptical of any investment promising guaranteed returns, as all legitimate investments carry risk
Investors
U.S.
forex trading pool scam
Scammers recruit investors into unregistered forex trading pools promising consistent monthly profits, but use new deposits to pay existing members while pocketing the majority.
Verify any forex fund manager or trading pool is registered with the CFTC and NFA at nfa.futures.org/basicnet
Investors
U.S.
MLM recruitment scam
Pyramid schemes disguised as multi-level marketing opportunities focus primarily on recruiting new participants rather than selling actual products, with the vast majority of members losing money.
Request and review the company income disclosure statement before joining, paying attention to what percentage of participants earn a profit
Job seekers
U.S.
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.
Understand that gifting circles are illegal pyramid schemes regardless of what they are called
Low-income households
U.S.
social media cash gifting scam
Cash gifting schemes promoted through Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook promise that sending money to a stranger will result in receiving a larger amount back from future participants.
Never send money to strangers online in exchange for a promise of a larger return
Young adults
U.S.
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.
Recognize that the blessing loom is an illegal pyramid scheme regardless of the language used to describe it
Low-income households
U.S.
high-yield investment program (HYIP) scam
HYIPs are fraudulent online investment platforms that promise extraordinarily high returns, sometimes 1-10 percent daily, funded entirely by new investor deposits in a classic Ponzi structure.
Understand that returns of 1 percent per day would be 3,678 percent annually, which is impossible for any legitimate investment
Investors
U.S.
binary options scam
Fraudulent binary options platforms manipulate trades so customers always lose, refuse withdrawals, and often operate from offshore locations with no regulatory oversight.
Trade binary options only on CFTC-regulated exchanges such as Nadex in the United States
Investors
U.S.
crowdfunding Ponzi scheme
Scammers use crowdfunding platforms or create their own to collect funds for fictional projects, using new contributions to pay fake returns to early backers before disappearing.
Research the project team independently and verify their identities and past work before backing a campaign
Investors
U.S.
Crypto MLM token recruitment scheme
A cryptocurrency project uses MLM-style recruitment to attract investors who earn commissions by recruiting others, with the token having little real utility or market value.
Verify the token is listed on major exchanges and has real trading volume independent of the recruitment program.
Crypto traders
U.S.
Fitness coaching MLM recruitment scheme
A fitness company sells coaching programs and shakes through a recruitment-heavy MLM structure where most participants pay more for products than they earn from selling.
Ask for the income disclosure statement and calculate median earnings after required product purchases.
Young adults
U.S.
MLM travel club recruitment scheme
A travel company sells memberships through an MLM structure where the real product is the recruitment opportunity, not discounted travel, and most members never recoup their membership fees.
Compare the travel deals offered to prices on public booking sites like Kayak, Google Flights, or Booking.com.
Travelers
U.S.
Forex trading MLM recruitment scheme
A company combines forex trading signals or education with an MLM recruitment structure where participants earn more from recruiting traders than from actual profitable trades.
Ask for verified trading records (not screenshots) showing consistent profits from the signals or strategies.
Young adults
U.S.
Skincare and beauty MLM recruitment scheme
A beauty or skincare company requires sellers to purchase inventory and recruit new sellers, with most participants unable to sell enough product to cover their costs.
Compare the products to similar items available in retail stores to evaluate the price premium.
Women
U.S.
Insurance and financial services MLM scheme
A financial services or insurance company uses MLM recruitment to sell policies, with agents earning more from recruiting new agents than from providing sound financial advice.
Research the company's reputation with your state insurance department and the BBB.
Young adults
U.S.
Social media MLM recruitment pressure
MLM sellers use social media to target friends, followers, and acquaintances with business opportunity pitches disguised as personal messages, creating social pressure to join or buy.
It is okay to say no — a real friend will respect your decision without pressuring you.
Young adults
U.S.
MLM income claim fraud
MLM companies and their sellers make misleading income claims that suggest typical participants earn significant money, when income disclosures show most earn little or nothing.
Always ask for and read the company's income disclosure statement before joining.
Young adults
U.S.
Weight loss MLM scheme
A weight loss company sells shakes, supplements, or programs through MLM recruitment, making unverified health claims while most sellers lose money on required purchases.
Compare the cost per serving to retail meal replacements and supplements.
Women
U.S.
MLM targeting college students
MLM companies aggressively recruit on college campuses, targeting students with promises of financial independence, flexible schedules, and entrepreneurship experience.
Research the company name before attending any info session — search the company name plus scam or MLM.
College students
U.S.
How to identify an MLM vs a legitimate business
A guide to the key differences between legitimate direct sales businesses and illegal pyramid schemes, including the five warning signs that an opportunity is really an MLM recruitment trap.
Ask: Can I earn a reasonable income selling products without recruiting anyone? If the honest answer is no, it is an MLM.
Job seekers
U.S.
CEO wire transfer fraud
Scammers impersonate a company's CEO or executive via email, urgently requesting a large wire transfer to an account they control.
Verify any unusual wire transfer request by calling the executive directly using a known phone number
Finance teams
Global
vendor invoice payment redirect scam
Scammers impersonate a trusted vendor and send a fake notice that banking details have changed, diverting legitimate invoice payments to a fraudulent account.
Always verify bank account change requests by calling the vendor at a number from your existing records
Accounts payable teams
Global
payroll direct deposit redirect scam
Scammers impersonate an employee via email and request that their direct deposit payroll information be changed to a fraudulent bank account.
Require in-person or phone verification for any direct deposit changes using a known employee phone number
HR departments
U.S.
W-2 tax form data harvest scam
Scammers impersonate executives or HR leaders via email to request bulk W-2 or tax information for all employees, enabling identity theft at scale.
Never email W-2 data or bulk employee information based on an email request alone
HR departments
U.S.
attorney impersonation BEC scam
Scammers pose as a company's legal counsel or an external attorney, claiming a confidential legal matter requires an urgent wire transfer.
Verify any attorney-initiated payment requests by calling the law firm using independently sourced contact information
Finance teams
U.S.
real estate closing wire fraud
Scammers intercept real estate transaction emails and send fake closing instructions with fraudulent wire transfer details, stealing down payments and closing funds.
Always verify wire instructions by calling the title company at a number from their official website, never from the email
Homebuyers
U.S.
supplier impersonation payment fraud
Scammers create fake supplier identities or compromise real supplier email accounts to submit fraudulent invoices for goods or services never provided.
Verify all new suppliers through independent research and phone confirmation before making any payments
Procurement teams
Global
executive gift card request scam
Scammers impersonate a company executive and ask employees to urgently purchase gift cards for clients, employees, or events, then request the card numbers and PINs.
Always verify gift card requests by speaking directly with the executive who supposedly sent the email
Administrative assistants
U.S.
employee data theft BEC phishing
Scammers impersonate executives or IT staff to request sensitive employee data including Social Security numbers, addresses, and financial information.
Never send bulk employee personal data via email regardless of who requests it
HR departments
U.S.
merger and acquisition confidential BEC scam
Scammers impersonate executives or advisors involved in a pending deal, using the secrecy inherent in M&A transactions to authorize urgent, fraudulent wire transfers.
Verify all M&A-related payment requests through pre-established secure communication channels
CFOs
U.S.
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.
Verify the recruiter from the company's actual careers page before engaging.
Tech workers
Global
Coinbase account suspended phishing scam
Phishing emails or texts claim your Coinbase account has been suspended due to suspicious activity, directing you to a fake login page that steals your credentials and two-factor codes.
Never click links in emails or texts about account issues — log in directly at coinbase.com to check your account status.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Coinbase Earn impersonator scam
Fake websites and social media posts imitate the Coinbase Earn program, promising free cryptocurrency for completing tasks, but steal credentials or require an upfront deposit that is never returned.
Access Coinbase Earn only through the official Coinbase app or website — the real program never requires a deposit.
New crypto users
U.S.
Coinbase card skimming scam
Fake Coinbase Card management portals capture debit card details, enabling unauthorized transactions and ATM withdrawals linked to victims' crypto balances.
Manage your Coinbase Card only through the official Coinbase app — never through links in emails or messages.
Coinbase Card users
U.S.
Coinbase fake listing alert scam
Scammers announce fake cryptocurrency listings on Coinbase to pump worthless tokens, then dump them after victims buy in based on the false news.
Check official Coinbase channels — blog.coinbase.com and the official Coinbase Twitter/X account — for legitimate listing announcements.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Robinhood crypto wallet phishing scam
A phishing campaign targets Robinhood crypto wallet users with fake wallet verification or transfer confirmation emails, capturing login credentials and wallet keys.
Robinhood will never ask for your wallet seed phrase or private keys — this is always a scam.
Crypto investors
U.S.
Tax account identity lock scam
A fake identity-protection service says your tax profile is frozen and needs reactivation, while real fraud may also be underway.
Check with the tax authority or credit bureaus directly instead of the message.
Tax filers
U.S.
W-2 identity theft scam
A fake executive or HR request leads staff to send employee tax forms or identity records to an attacker.
Verify executive data requests through a second channel before sending records.
HR teams
U.S.
Resale ticket screenshot scam
A seller lists concert or sports tickets and sends screenshots or PDFs that have already been sold or were never valid.
Buy through official resale tools that transfer tickets in-platform.
Fans
Global
Concert ticket transfer scam
A seller offers mobile tickets at a good price, then uses fake transfer screenshots or a fake ticketing email to make the buyer pay quickly.
Use only the official ticketing transfer flow and avoid rushed peer-to-peer ticket payments.
Fans
Global
fake concert ticket resale scam
Scammers list counterfeit or nonexistent concert tickets on resale sites and social media, collecting payment and then disappearing or sending invalid barcodes.
Buy tickets only from official box offices or verified resale platforms like Ticketmaster Resale or StubHub that guarantee authenticity
Concertgoers
U.S.
music festival ticket fraud
Scammers sell fake wristbands or digital passes for popular music festivals, often using stolen images of real wristbands to appear legitimate.
Use only the official festival resale or transfer platform to purchase secondhand passes
Concertgoers
U.S.
fake transit pass scam
Scammers sell counterfeit monthly or annual transit passes for subway, bus, or rail systems through online marketplaces and social media.
Purchase transit passes only from official transit authority websites, apps, or authorized retail locations
Commuters
U.S.
vendor invoice spoofing scam
Scammers impersonate a company's existing vendor and send a fake invoice with updated banking details, diverting legitimate payments to a fraudulent account.
Always verify banking detail changes by calling the vendor directly using a phone number from your records — not from the email.
Small business owners
U.S.
SEO services invoice scam
An unsolicited invoice for SEO or website listing services is sent to businesses that never ordered them, hoping the accounts payable team will pay without questioning it.
Verify every invoice against purchase orders and approved vendor lists before authorizing payment.
Small business owners
U.S.
subscription service invoice scam
A fake invoice for a software subscription or SaaS product is sent to businesses, mimicking real services like cloud storage, CRM tools, or collaboration platforms.
Maintain a central registry of all software subscriptions and cross-reference every invoice against it.
Small business owners
U.S.
cloud hosting invoice scam
A fake invoice claiming to be from AWS, Google Cloud, or another hosting provider demands payment for services, targeting companies that use multiple cloud vendors.
Verify all cloud invoices by logging directly into your provider's billing console — AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure all have online billing dashboards.
Small business owners
U.S.
government compliance invoice scam
A fake invoice demands payment for mandatory government compliance services such as labor law poster updates, OSHA certifications, or ADA compliance reviews that were never ordered.
Verify any compliance requirements directly with the relevant government agency — OSHA, DOL, or your state's labor department.
Small business owners
U.S.
Instagram lifestyle pig butchering scam
Scammers curate glamorous Instagram profiles showcasing luxury lifestyles funded by alleged investments, then DM targets to build relationships and funnel them into fake crypto or forex platforms.
Be suspicious of strangers on Instagram who DM you about investment opportunities, regardless of how glamorous their profile appears.
Young adults
U.S.
crypto trading mentorship pig butchering scam
Scammers pose as successful crypto traders offering mentorship, guiding victims through increasingly larger trades on a fake exchange until their funds are locked and unrecoverable.
Verify any crypto exchange on CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or check if it is registered with FinCEN.
Crypto beginners
U.S.
online gaming marketplace pig butchering scam
Scammers target gamers through fake in-game item marketplaces or gaming investment platforms, building relationships through shared gaming interests before redirecting them to fraudulent financial platforms.
Keep gaming friendships and financial decisions completely separate.
Gamers
U.S.
black friday fake deal scam
Scammers create fake online stores or social media ads offering impossibly low Black Friday prices on popular electronics and brand-name goods, then steal payment information or ship counterfeit items.
Verify deals by going directly to the retailer's official website rather than clicking social media ads.
Online shoppers
U.S.
cyber monday phishing email scam
Phishing emails disguised as Cyber Monday deal alerts from major retailers contain malicious links that steal login credentials and payment information.
Navigate directly to the retailer's official website or app instead of clicking email links.
Online shoppers
U.S.
holiday seasonal job scam
Fake job listings promise high-paying seasonal holiday work at major retailers or shipping companies, then steal applicants' personal data or charge upfront fees for nonexistent positions.
Apply for seasonal jobs directly through the retailer's official careers page, not through third-party links.
Job seekers
U.S.
fake holiday travel deal scam
Scammers advertise deeply discounted holiday travel packages via social media and email, collecting full payment for flights and hotels that are never booked.
Book travel through established platforms and verify any deal by calling the airline or hotel directly with the confirmation number.
Travelers
U.S.
secret santa gift exchange pyramid scam
Social media posts invite people to join a Secret Santa gift exchange where you send one gift and receive 6-36 in return, which is actually an illegal pyramid scheme where most participants lose money.
Do not participate — these gift exchanges are illegal pyramid schemes under federal law regardless of the gift value.
Social media users
U.S.
Related professions