Profession page
Scams targeting remote workers and job seekers
Remote workers and job seekers are targeted because the hiring process is increasingly online and anonymous. Fake job postings, equipment-fee scams, and recruiter impersonation exploit the urgency and hope that come with job searching.
Common searches
Why this profession gets targeted
- Remote hiring happens entirely online, making identity verification harder for both sides.
- Job seekers under financial pressure are more likely to overlook red flags in an exciting offer.
- Onboarding processes involve sharing sensitive data like SSNs, bank info, and ID documents.
What to check first
- Verify the company and recruiter independently — search the company website for the job posting and the recruiter's name.
- Never pay for equipment, training, background checks, or software to start a job.
- Be skeptical of offers that skip interviews, pay above market rate, or come through messaging apps.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
LinkedIn Premium account phishing scam
Phishing emails disguised as LinkedIn Premium upgrade offers or billing alerts trick users into entering credentials on fake login pages.
Check your LinkedIn subscription status by logging in directly at linkedin.com — never through emailed links.
Professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn CEO impersonation InMail scam
Scammers create fake LinkedIn profiles of company executives and send InMail to employees requesting urgent wire transfers, gift card purchases, or confidential data.
Always verify financial requests through a separate channel — call the executive directly using a known phone number.
Finance professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn fake company page scam
Fraudulent LinkedIn company pages impersonate legitimate businesses to post fake job listings, collect applicant data, and redirect users to malicious websites.
Verify the company page by checking for a matching official website, cross-referencing employee profiles, and looking at the page's creation date.
Job seekers
U.S.
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.
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.
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.
LinkedIn connection request phishing scam
Attackers send connection requests with phishing links disguised as shared documents or professional resources, leading to credential-harvesting pages.
Never click links in LinkedIn connection requests from people you do not recognize.
Professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn verification badge scam
Phishing messages offer to help users get a 'verified' badge on LinkedIn, directing them to fake sites that steal credentials or charge fraudulent fees.
LinkedIn's identity verification is done through the official app using a government ID and selfie — never through external links or payments.
Professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn salary survey data harvest scam
Fake salary surveys circulated on LinkedIn collect sensitive employment and financial data under the guise of industry benchmarking research.
Only participate in salary surveys from verified organizations — check the research firm's website and reputation independently.
Professionals
U.S.
LinkedIn endorsement-for-access scam
Scammers offer to endorse your LinkedIn skills in exchange for clicking a link or downloading a file, which installs malware or leads to a credential-harvesting page.
Never download files or click links from LinkedIn connections you do not know personally.
Professionals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
military spouse job scam
Scammers target military spouses with fake work-from-home job offers that require upfront fees for training materials or equipment, exploiting the challenges of frequent relocations.
Never pay upfront for a job — legitimate employers cover training and equipment costs.
Military spouses
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.
Teams meeting invite phishing scam
A fake Microsoft Teams meeting invitation arrives by email, and clicking the join link leads to a credential harvesting page disguised as the Teams login.
Hover over the meeting link before clicking to verify it points to a legitimate Microsoft domain.
Business professionals
U.S.
OneDrive sharing notification phishing scam
A fake OneDrive sharing notification email claims someone shared a document with you, but the link leads to a credential-stealing page.
Verify the sender by contacting them through a separate channel before clicking any shared document link.
Business professionals
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.
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.
video call then credential harvest scam
Scammers set up a video call posing as IT support, a vendor, or colleague, then share a screen link or chat message during the call that leads to credential theft.
Never enter credentials while sharing your screen in a video call.
Business professionals
U.S.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chargeback specialist fee scam
A consultant offers to dispute card charges or investment losses for a sizable upfront retainer and vague promises.
Ask your bank or card issuer directly about chargeback options before hiring anyone.
Small businesses
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
fake remote job posting scam
Scammers post attractive remote job listings on legitimate job boards, conducting fake interviews and collecting personal information or upfront fees from applicants before disappearing.
Verify any job offer by visiting the company's official website and contacting their HR department directly.
Remote workers
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.
fake coworking membership scam
Scammers create fake coworking space listings or websites offering discounted memberships, collecting payments for spaces that do not exist or are not affiliated with the real location.
Verify coworking spaces by visiting the location in person or checking their verified profiles on Google Maps before paying.
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.
Slack impersonation scam targeting remote workers
Scammers gain access to a Slack workspace or create convincing fake Slack notifications to trick remote workers into clicking malicious links or sharing credentials.
Never click links in Slack notification emails — open Slack directly through the app or bookmark.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake freelance platform scam
Scammers create counterfeit versions of popular freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, tricking freelancers into creating accounts and accepting fake projects that lead to payment theft.
Always navigate to freelance platforms by typing the URL directly — never through ads or email links.
Remote workers
U.S.
time tracking malware scam targeting remote workers
Employers or scammers require remote workers to install time tracking software that secretly contains spyware, keyloggers, or cryptocurrency miners.
Only install time tracking software from verified developers — check reviews and the developer's reputation before installing.
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
Pre-IPO share allocation scam
A broker-like contact offers access to exclusive pre-IPO shares if you reserve quickly with a wire payment.
Only pursue pre-IPO investments through regulated, documented channels.
Professionals
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
membership fee scam
A service requires an upfront membership fee to access exclusive deals or content, but the promised benefits are nonexistent or freely available elsewhere.
Search for reviews of the membership service before paying.
Online subscribers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Airport Wi-Fi captive portal scam
A fake Wi-Fi portal at an airport asks for payment details, email credentials, or identity information before granting access.
Use a hotspot or VPN and confirm the exact airport network name.
Travelers
Global
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.
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.
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.
hotel WiFi phishing scam
A fake hotel WiFi login page mimics the hotel's branding and asks for your room number, name, and credit card to provide internet access, stealing your payment information.
Verify the exact WiFi network name and login procedure at the front desk before connecting.
Travelers
U.S.
coffee shop man-in-the-middle scam
An attacker on the same coffee shop WiFi network intercepts communications between your device and the router, capturing sensitive data or injecting malicious content.
Always use a VPN on public WiFi — it encrypts all traffic and prevents interception.
Remote workers
U.S.
fake captive portal scam
A rogue WiFi network presents a convincing login page that mimics a legitimate business, collecting your email, social media credentials, or payment information.
Never enter social media or email passwords on a WiFi login page — legitimate portals do not require them.
Public WiFi users
U.S.
fake mobile hotspot scam
An attacker shares a mobile hotspot with a generic name like 'Free WiFi' in a public area, capturing all traffic from users who connect.
Be suspicious of generic open WiFi networks, especially in areas without advertised free internet.
Travelers
U.S.
WiFi Pineapple attack scam
A WiFi Pineapple device is used to automatically impersonate saved WiFi networks on your device, tricking it into connecting and exposing your data to the attacker.
Regularly clear saved WiFi networks from your device, especially open networks from hotels, airports, and cafes.
Business travelers
U.S.
public library WiFi spoofing scam
An attacker creates a fake WiFi network mimicking a public library's hotspot, targeting patrons who use library computers and WiFi for banking, email, and job applications.
Confirm the exact WiFi name with library staff and look for posted network information at the help desk.
Public WiFi users
U.S.
event venue fake network scam
A fake WiFi network at a conference, concert, or sporting event mimics the venue's official network to capture data from thousands of attendees simultaneously.
Check the event program, app, or organizer's website for official WiFi network details before connecting.
Travelers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
mystery shopper check scam
Victims receive an unsolicited check with instructions to deposit it and evaluate a wire transfer service by sending money back.
Never deposit unsolicited checks from unknown senders.
Job seekers
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.
stimulus check fraud
Scammers impersonate government agencies and claim victims must pay a fee or verify personal information to receive a stimulus payment.
Remember that the IRS will never call, text, or email to ask for personal information or payment.
Sellers
U.S.
tax refund check scam
Fraudsters file fake tax returns using stolen personal information to intercept refund checks or direct deposits.
File your tax return as early as possible each year to reduce the window for fraud.
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.
prize check advance fee scam
Victims receive a check along with a letter claiming they won a prize but must pay taxes or fees upfront to claim their winnings.
Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payment to claim a prize.
Sellers
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.
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.
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.
Essential oils MLM recruitment scam
Essential oil companies use wellness claims and community-building tactics to recruit sellers who must purchase inventory, with the real money flowing from recruitment rather than retail sales.
Ask to see the company's income disclosure statement and calculate typical annual earnings after expenses.
Parents
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.
CBD and hemp product MLM scheme
A company sells CBD or hemp products through an MLM structure, combining unverified health claims with aggressive recruitment, leaving most sellers with unsold inventory.
Compare CBD product pricing and third-party lab testing to non-MLM brands available in stores.
Adults
U.S.
Energy and utility MLM scheme
An energy company uses MLM recruitment to sell electricity or gas plans, with agents earning more from signing up new agents than from providing competitive energy rates.
Compare the offered rate, including all fees, to your current utility rate before switching.
Homeowners
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.
Legal services MLM scheme
A company sells prepaid legal service plans through MLM recruitment, where agents earn more from signing up new agents than from the legal plans providing value to members.
Compare the monthly plan cost to simply paying for legal consultations as needed.
Adults
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.
MLM schemes targeting immigrant communities
MLM companies target immigrant communities through cultural trust networks, church groups, and diaspora gatherings, exploiting language barriers and the desire for financial independence.
Research the company name in English — many MLM warning sites and FTC actions are only available in English.
Immigrants
U.S.
MLM recruitment after job loss
MLM recruiters target people who have recently lost their jobs, framing the opportunity as a way to replace income quickly, when most participants earn less than minimum wage.
Remember that a legitimate employer pays you — you do not pay them to start working.
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
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.
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.
LinkedIn professional connection pig butchering scam
Scammers create polished LinkedIn profiles impersonating professionals and connect with targets, using business credibility to build trust before steering them into fraudulent investment schemes.
Verify LinkedIn connections by checking their employment history with the actual companies listed.
Professionals
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.
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