Learn how common scams begin, recognize the warning signs, and take a safe first step. A label is less important than stopping contact and independently verifying the claim.
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Messages and calls impersonate banks or payment services to steal credentials, verification codes, or money.
Deceptive emails and text messages imitate familiar organizations to trigger unsafe links, replies, downloads, payments, or disclosure of information.
Fake shops, deceptive listings, and seller impersonation lead to missing, counterfeit, or misrepresented goods.
Pop-ups and unsolicited callers falsely claim a device or account is infected and request payment or remote access.
A person builds an online relationship and trust before creating reasons to request money, investments, or financial favors.
Fraudulent opportunities use fabricated returns, manipulated dashboards, and urgency to obtain deposits.
Callers and messages pretend to be tax, benefits, immigration, court, or law-enforcement officials.
Fake recruiters and task platforms offer work before requesting fees, deposits, purchases, or sensitive information.
Attackers steal passwords or verification codes, then impersonate account owners to target their contacts.
Unexpected winning notices demand a fee, purchase, or personal information before a supposed prize is released.
Criminals impersonate vendors or executives to redirect invoices, payroll, or high-value transfers.
Fraudulent fundraisers exploit disasters, current events, and emotional stories to solicit donations.
Fraudsters recontact people who have already lost money and promise recovery in exchange for upfront fees.
Stolen personal information is used to open accounts, take over services, redirect money, or impersonate the victim.
Fake pet, breeder, adoption, and shipping offers collect payment for animals that do not exist or are not owned by the seller.
An online contact obtains intimate material and demands money while threatening to share it with friends, family, or followers.
Callers impersonate relatives, attorneys, police, or court staff and demand urgent money for a fabricated family emergency.
You do not need to identify the exact scam before taking protective action.