Scam Types

How it works

Scammers build trust, show fake profits, then demand 'fees' or 'taxes' to withdraw funds — which never come back.

Red flags

• •Guaranteed high returns
• •Pressure to invest quickly
• •Unregulated platform
• •Withdrawal fees requested

Next tactics

How it works

A scammer forms an emotional bond, then invents emergencies (medical, travel, customs) to request money.

Red flags

• •Refuses video calls
• •Declares love fast
• •Sudden emergency / travel crisis
• •Asks for money or gift cards

Next tactics

How it works

Victims are offered easy work, then asked to pay a 'deposit' or complete tasks that require transfers.

Red flags

• •Unsolicited job offers
• •Pay upfront for 'equipment'
• •Telegram / WhatsApp interviews
• •Too-good pay for simple tasks

Next tactics

How it works

Fake or cloned storefronts collect payment and personal details for items that never arrive.

Red flags

• •Prices far below market
• •New, unknown website
• •No refund policy
• •Pressured checkout

Next tactics

How it works

Messages impersonate trusted brands to capture passwords, OTPs, or card details on fake pages.

Red flags

• •Urgent account alert
• •Link to 'verify' account
• •Misspelled domain
• •Asks for OTP or password

Next tactics

How it works

Scammers impersonate banks or payment apps and convince victims to authorize transfers.

Red flags

• •Caller claims to be from your bank
• •Asks to move money to 'safe account'
• •Requests OTP
• •Asks to "approve" a transaction

Next tactics

How it works

Scammers pose as authority figures to create fear and pressure immediate compliance.

Red flags

• •Claims to be police/government
• •Threats of arrest
• •Demands payment or info
• •Urgency and secrecy

Next tactics

How it works

Popups or calls claim your device is infected, then charge for fake repairs or install malware.

Red flags

• •Fake virus alert / popup
• •Cold call from 'Microsoft/Apple'
• •Remote access request
• •Fees for 'repair'

Next tactics

How it works

Fake platforms show fake gains and demand fees to withdraw; funds are never returned.

Red flags

• •Guaranteed crypto gains
• •Unknown wallet requests
• •Withdrawal 'gas' fees
• •Unregulated exchange

Next tactics

How it works

Scammers ask for an 'insurance' or 'processing' fee before releasing a loan that never arrives.

Red flags

• •Guaranteed approval
• •Upfront fee required
• •No credit check
• •Unregistered lender

Next tactics

How it works

Scammers impersonate tax authorities and threaten legal action unless paid immediately.

Red flags

• •Threat of arrest over taxes
• •Demand gift cards / crypto
• •Caller claims to be tax agency
• •Urgency

Next tactics

How it works

Scammers pose as government agencies to steal identity or money via threats and urgency.

Red flags

• •Claims to be from government
• •Requests ID / SSN / OTP
• •Threats of suspension
• •Urgent deadlines

Next tactics

How it works

Fake delivery SMS/email leads to phishing pages or malware disguised as package tracking.

Red flags

• •Unexpected delivery text
• •Link to pay 'customs'
• •Misspelled courier name
• •Package fee request

Next tactics

How it works

Attackers use stolen credentials to take over accounts, lock you out, and target contacts.

Red flags

• •Can't log in
• •Emails about changes you didn't make
• •New devices / logins
• •Friends got odd messages

Next tactics

How it works

Scammers claim to have compromising material and threaten exposure unless paid.

Red flags

• •Threat to expose images
• •Demands crypto/gift cards
• •Claims hacked your camera
• •Urgency and secrecy

Next tactics

How it works

After a scam is reported, fake 'recovery' agents contact victims promising to retrieve funds for a fee.

Red flags

• •'We can recover your money'
• •Upfront fee required
• •Found via victim lists
• •Claims of hacking skills

Next tactics

How it works

New scam patterns emerge constantly; treat any urgent demand for money or info as high risk.

Red flags

• •Unusual urgent requests
• •Pressure to act fast
• •Requests for money or info
• •Too good to be true

Next tactics