Notice
Unexpected contact
The conversation begins through an unsolicited call, message, email, or pop-up.
Common scam red flags
One clue may have an innocent explanation. Several together—especially pressure plus payment or account access—deserve a pause.
High
Manufactured urgency
You are pressured to act before you can stop, verify, or ask someone you trust.
High
Unusual payment method
Payment is demanded through gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash, or another difficult-to-reverse method.
High
Request for a verification code
Someone asks you to read back or forward a one-time login or payment code.
High
Request for device access
You are told to install remote-access software or weaken a security control.
High
Guaranteed returns
An investment is described as certain, risk-free, or consistently profitable.
High
Fees required to withdraw
More money, tax, or insurance is demanded before supposed funds can be released.
High
Discourages independent verification
The person insists you remain on the line, keep the matter secret, or avoid official channels.
Caution
Payment outside the platform
A seller asks you to leave a marketplace or abandon its buyer protections.
High
Relationship followed by money requests
A developing personal relationship shifts toward emergencies, investments, loans, or financial favors.
Caution
Look-alike contact details
The sender address, domain, profile, or phone number resembles but does not match an official one.
High
Upfront cost to work
A recruiter or task platform asks for fees, deposits, equipment purchases, or money to unlock earnings.
High
No in-person or live-video viewing
The seller refuses a practical viewing or cannot show the specific animal live with verifiable records.
Caution
Copied photos or an unverifiable breeder
Reverse-image results, a newly created domain, missing records, or inconsistent details suggest a copied or fabricated listing.
High
Repeated supposedly refundable fees
After the first payment, an unexpected shipper demands insurance, a special crate, permits, quarantine, vaccinations, or other delivery charges.
Caution
Prize you did not enter
You are told you won a promotion or lottery you do not remember entering.
High
Changed payment details
Invoice or payroll instructions suddenly direct funds to a different account.
High
Guaranteed recovery
An unsolicited service promises to recover prior losses for an advance fee.
What to do when you notice a red flag
Stop the conversation. Do not click, pay, share a code, or install software. Contact the claimed organization using details you independently verify.
Match the situation to a scam guide