Scam Database
121 documented scams, organized by category. Also see the A–Z index or use live search.
🤖 AI Scam (8)
AI Voice Clone Scam
Using just a few seconds of audio from social media, scammers clone a loved one's voice with AI and call you claiming to…
Virtual Kidnapping Scam
A caller claims to be holding a family member hostage and demands an immediate ransom payment, sometimes using an AI-clo…
Deepfake Celebrity Endorsement Scam
AI-generated video or audio shows a celebrity or public figure appearing to endorse an investment platform, giveaway, or…
AI Chatbot Romance Scam
An AI-powered chatbot, sometimes on a dating app, carries on a convincingly personal conversation for weeks or months be…
Video Call Deepfake Extortion Scam
A stranger video calls you out of nowhere (FaceTime, WhatsApp, or similar), keeps you on briefly while secretly capturin…
Deepfake Job Candidate / Fake AI Employee Scam
Scammers, many linked to North Korean state-sponsored operations, use AI deepfake video/audio, stolen identities, and Ch…
AI Obituary Mining "Graveyard Grift" Scam
Scammers use AI to scan published obituaries for details on recently widowed or bereaved people, then use that personal …
"Dark Sourcery" AI Chatbot Answer Poisoning Scam
Scammers are flooding the web with fake posts, PDFs, reviews, and support pages specifically engineered to get AI chatbo…
❤️ Charity Scam (2)
Fake Charity / Disaster Relief Scam
In the wake of a natural disaster or tragedy, fraudulent charities solicit donations through calls, texts, or social med…
Fake "Shop to Support" Animal Shelter TikTok Charity Scam
Scammers post heartstring-tugging TikTok and social media videos of "elderly" shelter owners making handmade pet product…
📦 Delivery Scam (2)
Package Delivery Text Scam
A text message claims a package couldn't be delivered due to an unpaid fee or incomplete address, with a link to a fake …
Brushing Scam with QR Code Twist
Scammers ship you a cheap, unordered item using your real name and address so they can post a fake "verified buyer" revi…
💼 Employment Scam (8)
Fake Job Offer Scam
A recruiter offers a remote job with little to no interview, then asks the "new hire" to pay for training materials, equ…
Mystery Shopper Check Scam
A fake mystery shopping job sends the victim a check to deposit, instructing them to keep a "payment" and wire the rest …
Task-Based "Gamified" Job Scam
Scammers lure job seekers with texts or WhatsApp messages offering easy remote "tasks" like liking videos or rating prod…
Virtual Casting Call Text Scam
Scammers send unsolicited texts posing as talent scouts offering movie or TV auditions, then pressure victims into payin…
Car Wrap Advertising Scam
Scammers offer people hundreds of dollars a week to drive around with their car wrapped in a major brand's advertising, …
Fake Check Scam Targeting Childcare Providers
Scammers pose as parents urgently needing childcare, send providers a check for more than owed, then ask for the "overpa…
Money Mule Recruitment Scam
Criminals recruit ordinary people — through fake remote jobs, online romances, or impersonation schemes — to receive and…
Parcel Mule / "Parcel Expert" Reshipping Job Scam
Scammers recruit people via unsolicited messages for a fake work-from-home "Parcel Expert" job that actually involves re…
🏛️ Government Scam (38)
Fake IRS Tax Refund Scam
Calls, texts, or emails claiming you owe back taxes and will be arrested, or that you are owed a refund that requires yo…
Medicare / Health Insurance Scam
Callers pretend to be from Medicare or a health insurance company offering free equipment or coverage updates, then stea…
Jury Duty Scam
A caller claims to be a sheriff or court officer saying you missed jury duty and now face arrest unless you immediately …
Social Security Number Suspended Scam
An automated call or voicemail claims your Social Security number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity and in…
Unemployment Benefits Identity Theft Scam
Criminals use stolen personal information to file fraudulent unemployment claims in a victim's name, often surfacing onl…
Student Loan Forgiveness Scam
Companies advertise guaranteed student loan forgiveness or dramatically reduced payments for an upfront fee, then either…
USCIS / Immigration Scam
Scammers posing as immigration officials contact applicants claiming a fee must be paid immediately by phone to avoid de…
FTC Official Impersonation Bitcoin ATM Scam
Scammers are cold-calling consumers claiming to be real, named FTC leaders like Chief Privacy Officer John Krebs or Chai…
IC3/FBI Recovery Impersonation Scam
Scammers impersonate FBI and Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) personnel — now using AI deepfake videos and spoofed …
Fake "Relief Check" Phishing Scam
Scammers are calling, texting, and emailing people claiming they have an unclaimed "relief check" worth thousands of dol…
Gold Bar & Bulk Cash Courier Scam
Scammers impersonating grandchildren, government agents, or tech support convince mostly elderly victims to withdraw cas…
Spoofed IC3/FBI Fraud-Reporting Website Scam
Criminals are building near-exact clones of the FBI's official Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) website to stea…
Fake Toll Road Text Scam
Scammers send text messages impersonating toll agencies like E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, and TxTag, claiming the recipien…
FTC Impersonator Fake Employee ID Refund Recovery Scam
Scammers text or WhatsApp victims claiming to be FTC "agents" who can help recover money lost in a previous scam, sendin…
Refund and Recovery "Sucker List" Scam
Scammers buy and sell lists of people who were previously defrauded, then pose as government agencies, law firms, or con…
Health Insurer + Chinese Law Enforcement Impersonation Extortion Scam
The FBI warns that criminals are targeting Chinese-speaking residents of the U.S. by impersonating health insurance clai…
"Veterans Savings Program" Postcard Scam
Scammers mail veterans official-looking postcards claiming they qualify for extra money through a fake "Veterans Savings…
Tariff Rebate / "Tariff Dividend" Check Scam
Scammers are exploiting news coverage of proposed $2,000 "tariff dividend" or rebate checks by sending fake texts, email…
Fake Social Security Statement Email Scam
Scammers are mass-emailing fake notices claiming your Social Security statement is ready to download, tricking recipient…
Government Grant Scam
Scammers claim you've been approved for a "free" government grant to pay bills, home repairs, or education costs, then s…
Fake USPTO "Trademark Verification Appointment" Scam
Scammers send official-looking emails impersonating the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, demanding trademark applicants…
Impersonation Credit Repair Scheme (Fake Debt Collector/Creditor)
Scammers buy search ads that hijack people looking up real creditors or debt collectors, then pose as that company to ch…
Mail Theft Check Washing/Check Cooking Scam
Criminals steal checks straight out of mailboxes or USPS collection boxes, then chemically "wash" or digitally "cook" th…
Senior U.S. Official Impersonation Messaging Scam
Malicious actors send AI-generated text and voice messages pretending to be senior U.S. government officials, build rapp…
FCC Commissioner Impersonation "Phone Number Under Investigation" Scam
Scammers are posing as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioners or employees in calls, texts, and emails, f…
DEA/Medical Board License Revocation Impersonation Scam
Scammers posing as DEA agents or state licensing board staff call or mail letters to doctors, dentists, nurses, and othe…
"Ghost Student" Financial Aid Fraud Scam
Organized fraud rings use stolen identities and AI-powered bots to enroll fake "ghost students" in online college course…
Foreclosure Relief / Mortgage Rescue Scam
Scammers target homeowners facing foreclosure with false promises of loan modification or "rescue" services, often posin…
Fake Business "Annual Report" Filing Notice Scam
Small business owners receive official-looking mailed notices demanding payment for "annual report" or "annual statement…
VA Disability Claims "Pension Poaching" Fee Scam
Scammers posing as benefits "advisors," attorneys, or financial planners charge illegal fees or pressure veterans to sig…
Fake U.S. Supreme Court Letter Scam
Scammers are mailing personally-addressed "certificates" on forged U.S. Supreme Court letterhead, complete with fake sig…
Midterm Election Campaign & Voter Registration Scam
Ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterms, the FBI warns scammers are impersonating candidates and campaigns using AI-cloned voice…
Mortgage Closing Wire Fraud Scam
Scammers hack real estate professionals' email accounts to monitor upcoming home closings, then send homebuyers spoofed …
Fake Inheritance / Unclaimed Estate Phishing Scam
Scammers send polished, error-free emails claiming the recipient is a beneficiary of a large unclaimed inheritance or es…
Fake Municipal Court "Unpaid Parking Ticket" Text Scam
Scammers send texts and emails pretending to be a municipal court, claiming you have an unpaid parking ticket and must p…
EBT/SNAP Card Skimming Scam
Criminals attach hidden skimming overlays to point-of-sale card readers at grocery stores and gas pumps to steal EBT/SNA…
Ghost Tax Preparer Scam
Unscrupulous paid tax preparers inflate refunds with fake credits and deductions, then refuse to sign the return or incl…
Digital Arrest Scam
Scammers impersonate police, CBI, customs, or court officials on a video call, falsely accuse the victim of a serious cr…
💰 Investment Scam (9)
Crypto Investment Scam
Promises of guaranteed high returns on cryptocurrency or forex investments, often introduced through social media, fake …
Ponzi Scheme
An investment scheme pays early investors with money from new investors rather than actual profit, creating the illusion…
Pump and Dump Scam
Promoters hype a low-value stock or cryptocurrency through social media and unsolicited messages to inflate its price, t…
Fake Trading App Scam
Victims are convinced to download a fraudulent investment or trading app that shows fabricated, ever-increasing account …
Pig Butchering Scam
Named for the practice of fattening livestock before slaughter, scammers build a long-term relationship — often starting…
Advance Fee Loan Scam
A "guaranteed approval" loan offer, often targeting people with poor credit, requires an upfront fee for insurance, proc…
Timeshare Resale Scam
Scammers target timeshare owners trying to sell, promising a quick sale at a big price if the owner first pays an upfron…
Blessing Loom / Circle Game Chain Letter Scam
A social-media "game" — also called the Blessing Loom, Mandala Game, Infinity Loom, or Money Board — tricks people into …
TikTok "VIP Upgrade" Crypto Inheritance DM Scam
A brand-new TikTok account DMs strangers a melodramatic "last goodbye" story claiming to have left them crypto assets, t…
📞 Phone Scam (19)
Grandparent Emergency Scam
Scammers call pretending to be your grandchild in trouble — arrested, in an accident, or at the hospital — and urgently …
Lottery / Prize Notification Scam
You receive a letter, call, or email claiming you've won a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered. To claim the prize …
Wangiri / One-Ring Callback Scam
A call rings once from an unfamiliar international number and hangs up before you can answer, banking on curiosity makin…
"Can You Hear Me?" Robocall Scam
A robocall or live scammer opens with a simple yes-or-no question like "can you hear me?" hoping to record you saying "y…
Fake Bank Fraud Alert Scam
A text or call appears to come from your bank warning of suspicious activity and asks you to "verify" your account by pr…
Fake Loan Approval/Follow-Up Text Scam
Scammers send unsolicited texts claiming to "follow up" on a large loan application (often $10,000) that the recipient n…
SEO Poisoning Bank Account Takeover Scam
Criminals buy fake search-engine ads or build lookalike phishing sites that outrank real bank, payroll, and health savin…
Financial Institution Support Impersonation Account Takeover Scam
The FBI warns that criminals are impersonating banks, payroll providers, and health savings account (HSA) administrators…
Utility Company Shutoff Scam
Scammers pose as your gas, electric, or water company and threaten to shut off your service unless you pay immediately, …
Auto Warranty Robocall Scam
Illegal recorded robocalls claim your car's manufacturer warranty is about to expire and pressure you to "renew" it, but…
Phantom Debt Collector Scam
Scammers posing as debt collectors or law firms call or mail consumers demanding payment on debts that don't exist, thre…
Boss/CEO Gift Card Impersonation (BEC) Scam
Scammers impersonate a company executive or boss via spoofed email, text, or phone call, urgently asking an employee to …
Fake Flight Cancellation Text Scam
Scammers send travelers a text that looks like an official airline alert saying their flight was canceled or delayed, pu…
Fake Process Server Phishing Call Scam
Scammers call claiming to be a "process server" with an urgent, non-existent lawsuit, lien, or warrant against you or a …
Fake Class Action Settlement Notice Scam
Scammers send fake emails and texts claiming you're owed money from a class-action lawsuit settlement, using the promise…
Fake Invoice & Subscription Renewal Scam
Scammers send consumers and businesses fake invoices or "subscription renewal" emails for purchases or memberships that …
Fake "Is This Still Available" Marketplace Name-Lure Scam
Scammers text victims a fabricated Facebook Marketplace listing that uses the victim's own name as the "seller," hoping …
Negative Google Review Extortion Scam
Scammers flood a small business's Google Business Profile with fake one-star reviews, then contact the owner demanding p…
Fake BianLian Ransomware Extortion Letter Scam
Criminals mail physical "ransom letters" to corporate executives falsely claiming to be the BianLian ransomware gang, sa…
🏠 Rental Scam (1)
💔 Romance Scam (3)
Romance / Military Scam
Fake online dating profiles — often claiming to be deployed military, offshore oil workers, or traveling doctors — build…
Catfishing Scam
Someone creates a fake online identity, often using stolen photos of an attractive stranger, to build a relationship for…
Sextortion Scam
A scammer coerces or tricks a victim into sharing intimate photos or video, then threatens to release them to friends, f…
🛍️ Shopping Scam (18)
Fake Online Store Scam
A convincing but fraudulent online store, often advertised through social media, offers heavily discounted name-brand pr…
Online Marketplace Buyer Scam
A "buyer" on a marketplace app sends a fake payment confirmation screenshot or overpays with a bad check, then asks the …
AI-Cloned Fake Vehicle Dealership Scam
Scammers use AI tools to clone real dealership websites or build entirely fake auto/RV dealership sites and Facebook ad …
"Ghost Tapping" Contactless Payment Scam
Scammers exploit NFC "tap-to-pay" technology to charge victims' cards or phones without authorization, often by posing a…
Fake Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Dealer Website Scam
Scammers clone or impersonate real heavy equipment, farm machinery, and vehicle dealerships with convincing fake website…
Fake Online Pet Sale Scam
Scammers post fake ads for puppies and other pets, often priced far below what the breed normally costs, then demand upf…
Disaster Recovery Contractor Scam
After a hurricane, wildfire, tornado, or other disaster, unlicensed contractors show up in the recovery zone promising f…
Home Title Lock Insurance Scam
Ads warn homeowners that criminals can steal their home's title and push them to buy "title lock insurance," but the FTC…
Fake Vehicle History Report Scam for Car Sellers
Scammers posing as interested car buyers on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist pressure sellers into purchas…
Rogue Mover "Hostage Load" Scam
Dishonest interstate moving companies lure customers with a low, non-binding estimate, then load the customer's entire h…
Solar / Clean Energy Home Improvement Scam
Scammers posing as government officials or utility company reps push "free" solar panels and energy-efficiency upgrades,…
Homework Helper / Test Prep Extortion Scam
Students who pay online "tutoring" or test-prep companies to do their homework or exams for them find the company later …
Booking.com WhatsApp Hotel Payment Scam
Scammers use real reservation details leaked in a Booking.com data breach to send convincing WhatsApp messages claiming …
Gift Card Draining Scam
Scammers secretly record or expose the codes on gift cards still sitting on store racks, then drain the funds the moment…
AI-Generated Fake Review Scam
Scammers and shady sellers use AI tools to mass-produce fake five-star product and service reviews that lure shoppers in…
Fake Amazon Product Recall Text Scam
Scammers send text messages claiming a recent Amazon purchase has been "recalled" for safety reasons and urge recipients…
Fake Retail Coupon / Promo Code Scam
Scammers post counterfeit coupons and promo codes for well-known retail brands on social media, email, and fake websites…
Fake TikTok "Rewards" / Loyalty App Scam
Scam websites dressed up as TikTok "rewards" or loyalty programs promise users cash for daily check-ins, referrals, and …
💻 Tech Scam (13)
Tech Support Pop-Up Scam
A scary browser pop-up claims your computer is infected with viruses and displays a 'Microsoft' or 'Apple' phone number.…
Phishing Email Scam
A fraudulent email impersonates a trusted company or contact, urging the recipient to click a link and log in on a fake …
Smishing Text Message Scam
Phishing conducted over SMS text message, often impersonating a delivery service, bank, or government agency with a link…
QR Code Scam
A malicious QR code — placed over a legitimate one on a parking meter, menu, or poster, or sent digitally — redirects vi…
Fake Antivirus / Scareware Scam
A pop-up or fake scan result falsely claims your device is riddled with viruses and pressures you to buy bogus security …
Social Media Account Takeover Scam
A hacked or cloned social media account messages the victim's friends and family asking for money, gift cards, or a "fav…
SIM Swap Scam
A scammer convinces your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a SIM card they control, letting them intercept…
Fake CAPTCHA "ClickFix" Malware Scam
Scammers plant fake "I'm not a robot" CAPTCHA verification screens on compromised or malicious websites that trick visit…
Fake VPN App Malware Scam
Cybercriminals are distributing malicious apps and browser extensions disguised as popular VPN services to secretly inst…
SpyLoan Predatory Loan App Scam
Malicious "instant loan" apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store lure people with promises of quick cash, then harve…
"Phantom Hacker" Three-Stage Tech/Bank/Government Imposter Scam
A multi-layered scam where fraudsters pose first as tech support, then a bank or brokerage, then a U.S. government agenc…
BADBOX 2.0 Infected IoT Device Botnet Scam
Cheap, off-brand smart TV boxes, projectors, car infotainment units, and digital picture frames sold online come pre-loa…
Google Business Profile Hijacking & Verification Scam
Scammers target small business owners by hijacking their Google Business Profile listings through fake ownership claims,…