Profession page
Scams targeting tech workers and developers
Tech workers and developers get targeted with scams that sound technical enough to slip past basic skepticism: browser tooling, wallet recovery, fake product roles, private repos, and high-paying remote work. This page groups those patterns together.
Common searches
Why this profession gets targeted
- Technical people are more likely to be approached with tools, repos, wallet workflows, or high-paying niche job offers.
- Scammers often use technical language to make unsafe installs, permissions, or recovery asks sound legitimate.
- A fake role or extension only has to look plausible long enough to capture data, credentials, or wallet access.
What to check first
- Verify any tool, extension, repo, or wallet request through an official source you already trust.
- Never share seed phrases, admin access, or browser permissions you do not fully understand.
- Treat elite remote-job offers, bug-bounty outreach, and private technical tasks as suspicious until the company identity is proven.
fake antivirus software scam
Scammers distribute fake antivirus programs through deceptive ads or downloads that either do nothing, display fake threats to demand payment, or contain actual malware.
Only download antivirus software from well-known, reputable vendors directly from their official websites
Non-technical users
Global
screen-sharing bank access trap scam
Scammers use screen-sharing during fake tech support sessions to watch victims log into bank accounts, then take control to transfer money.
Never log into financial accounts during any screen-sharing session initiated by an incoming caller
Older adults
U.S.
fake blue screen of death scam
Malicious websites or software trigger a fake Windows blue screen error with a tech support phone number, tricking victims into calling scammers.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
fake AppleCare warranty scam
Scammers call or email claiming your AppleCare warranty is expiring, pressuring you to renew immediately through a fraudulent payment process.
Hang up on unsolicited calls about AppleCare — Apple does not make outbound warranty renewal calls.
iPhone users
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
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
crowdfunding community project fraud
Scammers create crowdfunding campaigns for fake community projects such as parks, memorials, or neighborhood improvements, collect donations, and disappear.
Verify that community project campaigns are endorsed by local government or established nonprofits
Donors
U.S.
tax preparer fraud scam
A dishonest or unlicensed tax preparer inflates deductions, fabricates credits, or files fraudulent returns to inflate refunds — then takes a cut or steals the refund entirely.
Verify your tax preparer has a valid PTIN by searching the IRS Return Preparer Office directory.
Taxpayers
U.S.
EIN identity theft scam
Criminals use stolen business information to obtain a fraudulent Employer Identification Number or hijack an existing one to file fake tax returns and open fraudulent accounts.
Monitor your business credit reports regularly for unauthorized accounts.
Small business owners
U.S.
tax debt settlement scam
A company promises to settle your IRS tax debt for pennies on the dollar, charges large upfront fees, and then provides little or no actual help with the IRS.
Check the IRS Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier tool at irs.gov before hiring any company.
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
PayPal Business security center scam
A merchant sees a fake PayPal security center page that captures credentials, approval flows, and sometimes bank confirmation steps.
Open the PayPal business dashboard directly and review alerts there, not from a message link.
Small businesses
Global
Amazon Web Services phishing scam
Phishing emails impersonate AWS, claiming account suspension, billing issues, or security alerts, directing cloud service users to fake login portals that steal credentials and compromise business infrastructure.
Never click links in AWS notification emails — go directly to the AWS Management Console at console.aws.amazon.com.
Developers
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.
Azure billing phishing scam
IT administrators receive fake Azure billing alerts claiming unusual charges or failed payments, leading to credential theft through a fake Azure portal login.
Verify billing directly at portal.azure.com — never use links from email notifications.
IT administrators
U.S.
Chrome extension malware scam
Malicious Chrome extensions disguised as useful tools steal browsing data, inject ads, or capture credentials from every website the victim visits.
Review installed extensions regularly at chrome://extensions and remove any you do not recognize or no longer use.
Chrome users
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.
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.
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
Business page recovery service scam
A business whose social page was hijacked is targeted by a service promising fast admin restoration for a fee or remote access.
Use the platform's official admin recovery path and avoid remote-control sessions.
Small businesses
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
Meta business page takeover scam
A fake policy or copyright notice steals admin credentials and locks a business out of its page or ad account.
Check account quality from the Meta dashboard before clicking anything.
Small businesses
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
tax preparer identity theft scam
Fraudulent or unlicensed tax preparers collect clients' personal information under the guise of filing returns, then use that data to commit identity theft or file fraudulent returns.
Verify your tax preparer has a valid PTIN at irs.gov/tax-professionals and check for any disciplinary actions.
Taxpayers
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.
charitable donation receipt fraud
Scammers sell fake charitable donation receipts to taxpayers seeking inflated deductions, or fraudulent charities issue inflated receipts for minimal donations to enable tax fraud.
Verify any charity's tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search at irs.gov/charities.
Taxpayers
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.
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.
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.
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.
AI-generated fake news site scam
Entire news websites are created using AI-generated content to look like legitimate local or national news outlets, publishing fabricated stories to drive traffic to ad-fraud pages or promote scam products.
Check whether the news site has an About page with real editorial staff and contact information.
News readers
U.S.
mold remediation scam
A company performs a mold inspection and fabricates or exaggerates results to sell expensive and unnecessary mold removal services.
Use a company that only does testing, not remediation — to avoid a conflict of interest.
Homeowners
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.
emergency supply price gouging scam
Sellers dramatically inflate prices on essential supplies like water, generators, fuel, and building materials in disaster-affected areas, exploiting victims' desperate need.
Document the inflated prices with photos and receipts and report to your state attorney general, as price gouging is illegal in most states during declared emergencies.
Disaster victims
U.S.
fake virus popup alert scam
Alarming browser popups claim your computer is infected and urge you to call a fake tech support number, leading to remote access exploitation and payment demands.
Force-close the browser using Task Manager or Activity Monitor without calling any number
Older adults
U.S.
browser popup virus alert scam
A full-screen browser popup mimics a Windows or macOS system alert, claiming your computer is infected and urging you to call a phone number or download software immediately.
Force-close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) or Force Quit (Cmd+Option+Esc) — do not call the number.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake Windows Defender alert scam
A webpage or popup imitates a Windows Defender notification, warning of detected threats and directing the user to call a support number or download a removal tool.
Close the browser tab or force-quit the browser — real Windows Defender alerts never appear in a browser.
Non-technical users
U.S.
rogue security software install scam
A website prompts you to install a free security tool that claims to find dozens of threats on your computer, then demands payment to remove them.
Uninstall the rogue software immediately using your system's Add/Remove Programs or a legitimate anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes.
Non-technical users
U.S.
tech support popup scam
A persistent browser popup warns of a critical security issue and instructs you to call a toll-free number, where scammers charge for unnecessary remote support services.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Windows) or Cmd+Option+Esc (Mac) to force-quit the browser without calling the number.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake malware scan results scam
A website runs an animated fake scan of your computer, displaying fabricated threats to trick you into downloading software or paying for a premium cleanup service.
Close the tab immediately — no legitimate website can scan your local files through a browser.
Non-technical users
U.S.
McAfee impersonator popup scam
A browser notification or popup mimics McAfee branding, claiming your subscription has expired or threats have been detected, and pushes you to renew through a fake payment page.
Revoke notification permissions in your browser settings for any site you do not recognize.
Non-technical users
U.S.
system cleaner scam
Software marketed as a PC optimizer or system cleaner claims your computer has hundreds of errors, then charges a fee to fix fabricated issues while potentially installing additional unwanted programs.
Uninstall the system cleaner using Windows Add/Remove Programs and run a legitimate malware scan.
Non-technical users
U.S.
PCS military moving scam
Fraudulent moving companies target military families during permanent change of station relocations, giving low estimates then holding belongings hostage for inflated fees.
Verify any moving company through the FMCSA database at protectyourmove.gov and check for active licensing.
Active duty
U.S.
fake military equipment sale scam
Scammers list military surplus gear, vehicles, or equipment on auction sites at attractive prices, collect payment, and never deliver the items.
Purchase legitimate military surplus only through GovPlanet, GovSales.gov, or other authorized government liquidation platforms.
Veterans
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.
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.
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.
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.
fake Ozempic scam
Scammers sell counterfeit or diluted Ozempic (semaglutide) online at discount prices, often through unlicensed pharmacies or social media sellers, posing serious health risks.
Only obtain Ozempic or semaglutide through a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from your healthcare provider.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
fake FDA-approved product scam
A health product falsely claims FDA approval to appear legitimate, when the FDA has never evaluated or approved it — dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before sale.
Understand that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements — only drugs and medical devices go through FDA approval.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
muscle building supplement scam
Supplements claiming to dramatically increase muscle mass or boost testosterone use fabricated before-and-after photos and fake pro athlete endorsements to sell ineffective or unsafe products.
Look for supplements that disclose exact ingredient amounts rather than hiding behind proprietary blends.
Health-conscious consumers
U.S.
fake clinical trial results scam
Health products cite fabricated or misrepresented clinical studies to claim scientific backing, using invented journal names or distorted findings from real studies.
Search for the cited study on PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) or ClinicalTrials.gov to verify it exists.
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
Vacation rental clone site scam
A scam site copies a legitimate property listing and captures direct payment outside the real booking platform.
Cross-check the property on the official platform before paying.
Vacation renters
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 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
fake vacation rental scam
Scammers post fake vacation rental listings using photos stolen from legitimate properties, collect full payment or deposits, then leave travelers with no accommodation upon arrival.
Book and pay only through the official platform (Airbnb, Vrbo) and never send money outside the platform.
Travelers
U.S.
fake travel agency scam
Fraudulent travel agencies advertise all-inclusive summer packages at unbeatable prices, collect full payment, and then provide no services, leaving travelers stranded.
Verify travel agencies through the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) directory and check for state seller of travel registration.
Travelers
U.S.
rental car bait-and-switch scam
Third-party booking sites advertise rental cars at prices far below market, then add hidden fees at pickup or provide a lower-class vehicle while charging for the reserved one.
Book rental cars directly from established companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) or through well-known platforms like Kayak or Google Flights.
Travelers
U.S.
fake TSA PreCheck enrollment scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate the official TSA PreCheck enrollment portal, charging travelers higher fees for applications that are never submitted or stealing their personal information.
Enroll for TSA PreCheck only through the official site at tsa.gov/precheck and the authorized provider at universalenroll.dhs.gov.
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.
Session cookie theft account takeover scam
A phishing page steals browser session tokens so attackers can enter accounts without triggering a normal password prompt.
Sign out of all sessions and rotate passwords after suspected browser compromise.
Professionals
Global
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
fake DMV renewal website scam
Fraudulent websites that closely mimic state DMV portals charge fees for license renewals or vehicle registrations, collecting payment and personal data without providing any actual service.
Always access DMV services through your state's official .gov website — never through search ads.
Citizens
U.S.
fake voter registration website scam
Fraudulent websites mimic official voter registration portals to collect personal information including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses.
Register to vote only through your state's official .gov election website or vote.gov.
Citizens
U.S.
fake passport renewal website scam
Third-party websites charge inflated fees to submit passport renewal applications, often delivering no service or submitting incomplete paperwork.
Apply for passport services only through your government's official website — travel.state.gov in the US.
Citizens
U.S.
fake Social Security portal scam
A fraudulent website mimics the Social Security Administration's online portal, tricking users into entering their SSN, date of birth, and other sensitive information.
Access Social Security services only by typing ssa.gov directly into your browser.
Citizens
U.S.
fake unemployment benefits website scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate state unemployment offices, collecting personal and financial information from people seeking to file or manage unemployment claims.
File unemployment claims only through your state's official labor department website.
Citizens
U.S.
fake building permit website scam
Scam websites pose as local government permit offices, charging homeowners and contractors for building permits that are never filed or processed.
Apply for building permits only through your city or county's official government website or in person at the permit office.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake business registration website scam
Fraudulent websites mimic Secretary of State or business registration portals, charging inflated fees for LLC formations, EIN applications, or annual filings that are never processed.
File business registrations only through your state's official Secretary of State .gov website.
Small business owners
U.S.
fake visa application website scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate official government visa portals, collecting application fees and personal data from travelers without processing any actual visa application.
Apply for visas and travel authorizations only through official government immigration websites.
Travelers
U.S.
fake tax filing portal scam
Fraudulent websites impersonate IRS or tax authority portals, tricking taxpayers into entering Social Security numbers, income data, and banking details for identity theft and fraudulent refund claims.
File taxes only through IRS-authorized e-file providers listed at irs.gov or use IRS Free File.
Citizens
U.S.
email then phone call combo scam
Scammers send a phishing email followed by a phone call referencing the email to add legitimacy, pressuring the victim into acting on the fraudulent request.
Treat unsolicited phone calls that reference emails as suspicious — hang up and call the organization directly using their official number.
Business professionals
U.S.
mail then phone call scam
Scammers send an official-looking letter by postal mail, then call to follow up, using the physical letter as proof of legitimacy to extract payment or personal information.
Verify any letter by contacting the organization directly using contact information from their official website — not from the letter.
Older adults
U.S.
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 online store non-delivery scam
Fraudulent websites mimic legitimate retailers, collect payment for products, and never ship anything. Victims discover the store vanishes within weeks.
Dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company immediately
Online shoppers
Global
counterfeit goods online shopping scam
Sellers advertise brand-name products at steep discounts but ship cheap counterfeits or knockoffs that may be unsafe or non-functional.
Report counterfeit products to the brand's official anti-fraud department
Online shoppers
Global
fake product reviews manipulation scam
Sellers use fake five-star reviews, paid review farms, and review manipulation to make low-quality or dangerous products appear trustworthy.
Use review analysis tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta to assess review authenticity
Online shoppers
Global
bait-and-switch product listing scam
Sellers advertise one product with attractive photos and descriptions, then ship a completely different, inferior item and refuse returns.
Document the difference between the advertised and received product with photos
Online shoppers
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.
app store review manipulation scam
Developers pay for fake 5-star app store reviews to boost rankings, misleading users into downloading low-quality or malicious apps.
Read recent reviews and look for specific, detailed feedback rather than generic praise.
Online shoppers
U.S.
TikTok product reviewer scam
Scammers recruit TikTok users to promote products in videos with promises of free merchandise and commissions, but products never arrive and personal data is harvested.
Verify the company independently — search for its name plus the word scam before signing up.
Content creators
U.S.
brushing scam
You receive unsolicited packages you never ordered — a seller is using your name and address to post verified purchase reviews, boosting their product ratings fraudulently.
Report the unsolicited package to the marketplace — Amazon has a dedicated brushing report form.
Online shoppers
U.S.
fake testimonial service scam
Companies sell fabricated customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies to businesses, enabling them to deceive potential customers with manufactured social proof.
Reverse image search testimonial photos to check if they are stock images.
Small business owners
U.S.
influencer impersonation scam
Scammers create fake accounts mimicking popular influencers and use them to promote fraudulent products, run fake giveaways, or solicit money from fans.
Verify the account handle character by character and check for the verified badge.
Content creators
U.S.
SIM swap account takeover scam
A criminal takes over a target's phone number through carrier manipulation and then resets passwords, intercepts OTPs, and drains financial or social accounts.
Set a carrier account PIN.
Professionals
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
Gaming account trade takeover scam
A fake trader or marketplace asks for temporary login or verification and takes over a valuable gaming account.
Do not enter game credentials into third-party trade or verification pages.
Gamers
Global
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.
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.
Withdrawal fee wealth app scam
A fake wealth app shows profits but demands taxes, verification fees, or liquidity unlock payments before funds can be released.
Do not pay extra fees to release fake gains.
Retail investors
Global
fake banking app scam
Fraudsters create counterfeit banking apps that mimic real banks to steal login credentials, account numbers, and personal information from unsuspecting users.
Download banking apps only from links on your bank official website or by searching the official app store directly
Smartphone users
U.S.
fake crypto wallet app scam
Counterfeit cryptocurrency wallet apps impersonate popular wallets like MetaMask or Trust Wallet to steal private keys and drain user crypto holdings.
Download crypto wallet apps only from links on the wallet official website and verify the developer name in the app store
Crypto users
U.S.
timeshare exit company fraud
A company charges thousands of dollars upfront promising to legally cancel a timeshare contract, then fails to deliver or uses ineffective methods.
Contact your timeshare resort's exit or deedback program directly first — many resorts now offer voluntary exit options.
Timeshare owners
U.S.
all-inclusive bait-and-switch vacation scam
A vacation package advertised as all-inclusive turns out to exclude key amenities, meals, or activities that are then charged as expensive extras.
Request a detailed written list of exactly what is included before booking.
Vacationers
U.S.
timeshare cancellation fee scam
Scammers posing as law firms or title companies charge large fees claiming they can legally cancel a timeshare, but provide no legitimate legal service.
Verify any attorney's license through their state bar association's online directory.
Timeshare owners
U.S.
Romance scam recovery lawyer fraud
A fake lawyer claims they already tracked your romance scammer and only need filing fees to start the recovery.
Treat recovery outreach after a romance scam as likely secondary fraud.
Romance scam victims
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 loss recovery lawyer scam
A victim of a romance scam is approached by a supposed lawyer or investigator who says the case can be reopened for a fee and document package.
Treat unsolicited legal recovery outreach as suspicious and verify the firm through public registries.
Romance scam victims
Global
Celebrity romance chat scam
A victim believes they are in private contact with a celebrity or creator who eventually asks for gift cards, crypto, or help escaping a contract.
Assume direct romantic or financial outreach from famous figures is fraudulent unless proven through official channels.
Fans
Global
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.
Fake escrow release marketplace scam
A seller insists on a private escrow site that mimics a trusted payment service and claims funds are protected there.
Use only major payment tools or in-person transactions you can verify.
Collectors
Global
romance scam on senior dating site
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites popular with seniors, build emotional relationships over weeks or months, then request money for fabricated emergencies.
Never send money to someone you have only met online, regardless of how strong the connection feels.
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
Stolen phone data recovery scam
A victim of phone theft finds a service claiming it can recover iCloud, photo, or wallet access in exchange for credentials.
Use official device recovery channels and rotate credentials instead.
Phone theft victims
Global
Chargeback specialist fee scam
A recovery service promises to reverse payments through insider banking knowledge, but asks for an upfront fee and sensitive transaction data first.
Open disputes directly with your bank or payment provider instead of paying a middleman first.
Fraud victims
Global
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
Crypto recovery agent scam
After a person loses money in crypto, a second scam appears claiming funds can be recovered for a fee or wallet access.
Assume unsolicited recovery outreach is fraudulent.
Previous fraud victims
Global
gift card resale fraud scam
Scammers sell gift cards online at a discount that turn out to be empty, stolen, or already redeemed — leaving the buyer with a worthless card.
Buy gift cards only from authorized retailers or the brand's official website.
Gift card buyers
U.S.
QR code parking sticker scam
A fake QR code sticker is placed on a real parking meter or payment point so the victim lands on a fraudulent payment page.
Inspect the code physically before scanning.
Drivers
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.
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
One-time passcode support call scam
A fake support agent says they are stopping suspicious activity and needs the latest one-time passcode to secure the account.
Never read one-time codes to inbound callers.
Bank users
Global
fake DNA testing kit scam
Scammers sell counterfeit or nonexistent DNA testing kits online, collecting payment and personal genetic data without providing legitimate results.
Only purchase DNA testing kits from established, well-reviewed companies with CLIA-certified labs.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
ancestry subscription trap scam
Websites offer free ancestry searches that require credit card information for verification, then quietly enroll users in expensive recurring subscriptions that are difficult to cancel.
Read all terms and conditions before entering payment information for any free trial.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
DNA data selling scam
Unscrupulous DNA testing companies or data brokers harvest and sell consumers' genetic data to third parties — including insurers and advertisers — without informed consent.
Read the full privacy policy and data-sharing terms before submitting DNA to any testing service.
Genealogy enthusiasts
U.S.
genealogy research service scam
Fraudulent genealogy researchers charge hundreds or thousands of dollars for family history research that produces fabricated, plagiarized, or freely available public records.
Hire genealogists credentialed through recognized bodies like the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
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.
Copy trading mentor scam
A mentor offers copy trading access and asks the victim to fund an account or connect an API to mirror guaranteed profits.
Avoid trading services that rely on chat-only mentorship and guaranteed returns.
Crypto traders
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
Copy trading WhatsApp group scam
A private group promotes a mentor or analyst whose picks appear to win consistently, then funnels members into fake broker or wallet deposits.
Do not fund broker or wallet accounts shared only inside a chat group.
Retail investors
Global
car insurance bait and switch scam
An advertised auto insurance quote is far below market rate, but after payment, the actual policy has major exclusions or the insurer is not licensed in the state.
Verify the insurer's license through your state Department of Insurance website.
Drivers
U.S.
dental plan scam
A company sells a dental discount plan disguised as dental insurance, leading buyers to discover they have no real coverage when they visit a dentist.
Ask specifically whether the product is insurance or a discount plan — they are legally different.
Families
U.S.
pet insurance scam
A company sells pet insurance with attractive premiums but denies claims using broad pre-existing condition exclusions or turns out to be an unlicensed entity.
Verify the pet insurance company through your state's insurance department.
Pet owners
U.S.
puppy deposit scam
A seller advertises puppies online, collects a deposit, then either never delivers the puppy or demands additional fees for shipping, insurance, and crates.
Visit the breeder in person or request a live video call with the specific puppy.
Pet seekers
U.S.
fake breeder website scam
A professional-looking website poses as a licensed breeder, complete with fake reviews and registrations, to collect payments for puppies or kittens that do not exist.
Verify registration numbers directly with the breed registry (AKC, CKC, TICA).
Pet seekers
U.S.
fake pet medication scam
Online pharmacies sell counterfeit or expired pet medications that may be ineffective or dangerous to the animal.
Buy pet medications only from licensed pharmacies or directly through your veterinarian.
Pet owners
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.
moving deposit-and-vanish scam
A moving company collects a large upfront deposit and then becomes unreachable before the scheduled moving date.
Avoid paying large deposits — reputable movers typically charge upon delivery or require minimal deposits.
Relocating workers
U.S.
cross-country moving fraud
Long-distance movers exploit the complexity of interstate moves to pad charges, delay delivery for weeks, or damage belongings without accountability.
Ask whether the company is a broker or an actual carrier — brokers must disclose this under FMCSA rules.
Relocating workers
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.
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.
mortgage forbearance extension scam
Scammers contact homeowners offering to extend mortgage forbearance programs or modify loans for a fee, collecting personal financial data and payment while providing no actual assistance.
Contact your mortgage servicer directly to discuss forbearance or modification options — they are required to help you for free.
Homeowners
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.
phantom subscription charge scam
Unauthorized recurring charges appear on a credit card for a service the cardholder never signed up for or has never used.
Review bank and credit card statements monthly for unrecognized charges.
Online subscribers
U.S.
hidden cancel button subscription scam
A service makes it easy to sign up but deliberately hides or complicates the cancellation process to keep billing active.
Document every step of the cancellation attempt with screenshots.
Online subscribers
U.S.
auto-renewal trick subscription scam
A product quietly enables auto-renewal during checkout, then charges a higher rate when the initial term ends without adequate notice.
Check for auto-renewal settings immediately after any subscription purchase.
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.
title washing auto scam
A salvage or flood-damaged vehicle's title is laundered through states with lax title laws to remove the salvage brand, then resold as clean.
Always run a vehicle history report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System at vehiclehistory.bja.ojp.gov.
Car buyers
U.S.
online car deposit scam
A seller lists an attractive vehicle at a below-market price and requests a deposit to hold it, then disappears after receiving payment.
Never send a deposit for a vehicle you have not seen and inspected in person.
Car buyers
U.S.
lemon laundering scam
A vehicle that was bought back by the manufacturer under a state lemon law is resold without disclosing its defect history.
Run a full vehicle history report and look specifically for manufacturer buyback or lemon law records.
Car buyers
U.S.
VIN cloning fraud
A stolen vehicle is given the VIN plate from a legally registered vehicle of the same make and model to pass title checks.
Compare the VIN on the dashboard, door jamb, and engine block — all should match exactly.
Car buyers
U.S.
car shipping deposit scam
A vehicle transport company collects a deposit to ship a car and then delays indefinitely, demands more money, or disappears entirely.
Verify the transport company's FMCSA operating authority and insurance at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Car buyers
U.S.
fake HOA maintenance vendor scam
Scammers pose as maintenance vendors approved by the HOA, collecting upfront payment from homeowners for landscaping, painting, or repairs that never get completed.
Verify any vendor by checking with your HOA board or management company before paying.
Homeowners
U.S.
HOA board embezzlement scam
A corrupt HOA board member or treasurer diverts association funds into personal accounts, often through inflated vendor contracts or fictitious expenses.
Request annual independent financial audits and attend board meetings to review financial reports.
HOA members
U.S.
condo presale deposit scam
Scammers advertise presale units in condo developments that are either nonexistent or not affiliated with the real developer, collecting reservation deposits that vanish.
Verify the developer's identity through your city's building permit office and state real estate commission.
Property buyers
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.
vacation rental clone scam
Scammers clone legitimate vacation rental listings from Airbnb or Vrbo and offer them on third-party sites, collecting payment for properties they do not control.
Book and pay only through official platforms that offer payment protection.
Travelers
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.
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.
short-term rental scam
A listing for a short-term rental — often targeting business travelers — takes payment but the property does not exist or is not as described upon arrival.
Book through established platforms that hold payment until check-in is verified.
Business travelers
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.
telehealth prescription scam
Fraudulent telehealth operations prescribe unnecessary medications or treatments after sham consultations, then bill insurance for inflated costs or sell patient data.
Use only telehealth services affiliated with licensed healthcare systems or recommended by your physician
Patients
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.
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
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.
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.
AI trading bot subscription scam
A polished dashboard claims an AI bot can trade autonomously if you buy a subscription and deposit capital first.
Demand independently verifiable performance and test withdrawal before trusting a platform.
Retail investors
Global
AI trading bot dashboard scam
A platform promises AI-managed profits, shows a convincing dashboard, and keeps asking for larger deposits while withdrawals quietly fail.
Attempt a small withdrawal before trusting any AI or automated trading platform.
Retail investors
Global
AI-generated fake customer testimonials scam
Fraudulent businesses use AI-generated deepfake videos of fake customers providing glowing testimonials to build false trust and sell counterfeit or nonexistent products.
Reverse-image search testimonial faces to check if they are AI-generated or stolen from other sources.
Online shoppers
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.
deepfake identity document fraud
Criminals use AI to generate realistic fake identity documents with deepfake photos that pass automated KYC verification systems, enabling account takeover and financial fraud.
Platforms should implement liveness detection requiring users to perform random actions during selfie verification.
Financial institutions
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.
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 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
fake green card processing service scam
Fraudulent companies promise to expedite green card applications for a fee, submitting incorrect or no paperwork at all while charging thousands of dollars.
File immigration forms directly through uscis.gov or with the help of a licensed immigration attorney verified through your state bar.
Immigrants
U.S.
fake USCIS website scam
Scammers create websites that closely mimic the official USCIS site to collect personal information and payment from immigrants who believe they are filing legitimate immigration forms.
Always navigate directly to uscis.gov — the only official USCIS website will have a .gov domain.
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.
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.
grandchild stuck abroad scam
A caller claims to be your grandchild stranded in a foreign country — passport stolen, wallet gone — and needs money wired urgently to get home safely.
Hang up and contact your grandchild through their normal phone number, email, or social media.
Grandparents
U.S.
grandchild lost wallet overseas scam
A caller pretending to be your grandchild says they lost their wallet while traveling abroad and need money wired for a hotel, food, and a replacement passport.
Hang up and contact your grandchild through their normal phone or social media to confirm their location.
Grandparents
U.S.
appliance warranty extension scam
Scammers call or email homeowners claiming their appliance warranties are expiring and offering costly extended coverage that provides little to no actual protection.
Verify your actual warranty status by contacting the appliance manufacturer directly using the number in your owner manual
Homeowners
U.S.
child identity theft scam
Criminals use children's Social Security numbers to open credit accounts, file tax returns, or commit other fraud, often going undetected for years until the child applies for credit.
Check if your child has a credit file by contacting all three credit bureaus — if one exists and you did not create it, fraud has likely occurred.
Parents
U.S.
fake childcare background check scam
Scammers posing as childcare providers or nanny agencies require parents to pay for a background check through a specific website that steals payment information and personal data.
Use established background check services like Checkr, GoodHire, or your state's official background check system.
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.
real estate investment club scam
Fraudulent real estate investment clubs collect member funds for supposed property deals that never materialize, using new member contributions to pay returns to earlier members.
Verify any real estate investment through independent title searches and property records
Investors
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
NFT asset recovery service scam
A supposed blockchain investigator says lost NFTs or tokens can be restored if you sign a recovery transaction or pay an unlock fee.
Never sign recovery transactions from unverified helpers.
NFT holders
Global
High-yield staking dashboard scam
A platform shows steady staking or liquidity returns, but withdrawals fail once the victim adds meaningful capital.
Try a small withdrawal early and stop at the first excuse.
Crypto holders
Global
Token presale whitelist scam
A crypto project promises early access or whitelist allocation, but the sale page, wallet, or smart contract is controlled by attackers.
Verify token sales from official project channels and never trust a wallet address shared in DMs.
Crypto users
Global
Mining hosting return scam
A mining or yield-hosting company promises passive income from managed infrastructure, but the balance and payout reports are fabricated.
Treat mining-hosting platforms as unverified until you confirm the business, facility, and payout reality independently.
Crypto holders
Global
fake cryptocurrency exchange platform scam
Scammers build professional-looking crypto exchange websites that accept deposits but prevent withdrawals, stealing users' funds and personal data.
Only use exchanges registered with your national financial regulator — check FinCEN, FCA, or ASIC registries
Crypto investors
Global
rug pull token scam
Developers launch a new cryptocurrency token with heavy promotion, attract investor funds into the liquidity pool, then drain all liquidity and disappear with investors' money.
Check if liquidity is locked using tools like Team Finance or Unicrypt before investing in any new token
Crypto investors
Global
crypto wallet drainer scam
Malicious smart contracts or phishing sites trick users into signing a transaction that grants the attacker unlimited permission to transfer tokens from their wallet.
Always review transaction details carefully in your wallet before signing — revoke approvals regularly using tools like Revoke.cash
Crypto investors
Global
fake crypto airdrop scam
Scammers impersonate real crypto projects and announce fake airdrops on social media, directing users to malicious claim sites that steal wallet credentials or drain funds.
Verify any airdrop announcement through the project's official website and verified social media channels
Crypto investors
Global
crypto pump and dump group scam
Organized groups on Telegram or Discord coordinate mass purchases to inflate a low-cap token price, then sell their pre-purchased holdings at the peak, leaving latecomers with losses.
Recognize that pump and dump schemes are illegal market manipulation — participants can face legal consequences
Crypto investors
Global
NFT marketplace fraud scam
Scammers create fake NFT marketplaces or counterfeit NFT listings on real platforms, selling stolen art or worthless tokens to unsuspecting collectors.
Verify NFT collection contract addresses through the official project website before purchasing
NFT collectors
Global
DeFi yield farming trap scam
Fraudulent DeFi protocols advertise impossibly high annual yields to attract deposits, then drain the liquidity pools or lock funds behind escalating withdrawal fees.
Research the protocol's smart contract audit reports and team credentials before depositing any funds
DeFi users
Global
fake crypto mining pool scam
Scammers create fake cloud mining or mining pool platforms that accept investments for mining hashrate but never actually mine any cryptocurrency.
Verify any mining pool by checking public blockchain explorers for their pool address and hashrate contribution
Crypto investors
Global
fake Coinbase Wallet app scam
Counterfeit Coinbase Wallet apps published on unofficial app stores or promoted through ads steal seed phrases and drain cryptocurrency holdings.
Only download Coinbase Wallet from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store — verify the developer is Coinbase Inc.
Cryptocurrency investors
U.S.
Coinbase seed phrase harvest scam
Scammers pose as Coinbase staff and convince users to reveal their wallet seed phrases through fake security procedures, gaining full access to all cryptocurrency in the wallet.
No legitimate company, including Coinbase, will ever ask for your seed phrase — this is the single most important rule in crypto security.
New crypto users
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.
fake sports event ticket scam
Fraudsters sell counterfeit tickets to major sporting events such as NFL, NBA, or FIFA matches through unofficial channels, leaving fans locked out at the gate.
Purchase tickets only through the official team website, league-authorized sellers, or established platforms with money-back guarantees
Sports fans
U.S.
fake airline ticket booking scam
Scam websites or social media ads offer extremely cheap airline tickets, collect payment and personal data, then provide fake confirmation numbers that do not correspond to any real reservation.
Book flights directly through the airline website or use well-known travel aggregators with established reputations
Travelers
U.S.
fake theater ticket scam
Scammers sell fraudulent tickets to popular Broadway, West End, or touring theater productions through unofficial websites and street vendors.
Buy tickets only from the theater box office or authorized resellers listed on the production official website
Concertgoers
U.S.
wallet connect phishing airdrop scam
Scammers create fake airdrop claim sites that prompt users to connect their crypto wallet, then use malicious smart contract approvals to drain all tokens from the wallet.
Never connect your wallet to unknown websites and verify any airdrop through the project official channels
Crypto users
U.S.
token approval exploit airdrop scam
Malicious airdrop claims trick users into signing broad token approval transactions that allow scammers to transfer any amount of the approved token from the victim wallet at any time.
Review every transaction carefully in your wallet and never approve unlimited token spending for unfamiliar contracts
DeFi participants
U.S.
fake Ethereum airdrop scam
Scammers impersonate the Ethereum Foundation or Vitalik Buterin to promote fake ETH airdrops that require victims to send ETH first or connect wallets to phishing sites.
Remember that no legitimate cryptocurrency project or figure asks you to send crypto to receive more in return
Crypto users
U.S.
NFT mint drain scam
Fake NFT minting sites disguised as free airdrops or early access mints use malicious smart contracts to drain ETH or approved tokens from connected wallets during the minting process.
Only use minting links from the project official website and verify through multiple official channels before clicking
NFT collectors
U.S.
social media airdrop link scam
Fake airdrop announcements on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok use engagement bait to drive clicks to phishing sites that steal wallet credentials or personal data.
Verify any airdrop by checking the project official website and verified social media accounts
Crypto users
U.S.
Discord airdrop bot scam
Malicious bots in crypto Discord servers send automated DMs about fake airdrops, directing users to phishing sites that steal wallet credentials or drain connected wallets.
Disable DMs from server members in your Discord privacy settings for crypto-related servers
Crypto users
U.S.
airdrop verification phishing scam
Fake airdrops require identity verification that collects personal documents and selfies, enabling identity theft or KYC bypass on crypto exchanges using the victim credentials.
Never upload identity documents to claim a free airdrop, as legitimate airdrops rarely require KYC
Crypto users
U.S.
governance token scam airdrop
Scammers create fake governance tokens airdropped to wallets, and when users try to sell or interact with them, they are directed to malicious sites that drain their real assets.
Do not interact with unknown tokens that appear in your wallet uninvited as they may be honeypot scams
DeFi participants
U.S.
layer-2 bridge exploit airdrop scam
Fake airdrops impersonate layer-2 scaling solutions and direct users to fraudulent bridge interfaces that steal deposited funds instead of bridging them to another network.
Use bridge interfaces only from the official project website and verify the URL through multiple trusted sources
DeFi participants
U.S.
fake DEX launch airdrop scam
Scammers announce fake decentralized exchange launches with airdrop incentives, collecting wallet connections and token approvals that enable theft of user funds.
Research any new DEX thoroughly before connecting your wallet, checking for audits, team identity, and community history
DeFi participants
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.
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.
real estate crowdfunding pig butchering scam
Scammers create fake real estate crowdfunding platforms with fabricated property portfolios, building trust through small dividend payments before locking out investors and stealing their capital.
Verify any crowdfunding platform's SEC registration at sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar.
Real estate enthusiasts
U.S.
sports betting system pig butchering scam
Scammers pose as sports betting experts with guaranteed winning systems, guiding victims to deposit money on fraudulent betting platforms that manipulate odds and block withdrawals.
Only bet through licensed and regulated sportsbooks in your jurisdiction.
Sports fans
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.
gift card balance check scam
Fraudulent websites pose as gift card balance checkers for popular retailers, capturing card numbers and PINs to drain the balance before the legitimate cardholder can use them.
Check gift card balances only on the issuing retailer's official website or by calling the number on the back of the card.
Gift card holders
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.
Related professions