Common Scams: How They Work, Warning Signs, and What to Do
This page covers the most common types of online scams, grouped by how they work. Whether you received a suspicious call, text, or email — or you’re trying to figure out if something is a scam — find the category that matches what you’re seeing. Each article explains how the scam works, what to watch for, and what to do if you’ve already been affected.
Impersonation Scams
Scams where someone pretends to be a trusted person, company, or government agency to manipulate you into sending money or sharing personal information.
Friend or Family Impersonation Scam
Government Impersonation Scam
Bank Impersonation Scam
Medicare Scam
Zelle Impersonation Scam
IRS Impersonation Scam
Social Security Scam
Amazon Package Notification Scam
Tax Preparer Fraud
Phishing Scams
Scams that use fake messages, emails, or websites to trick you into entering login credentials, personal information, or payment details.
Email Phishing Scam
Fake Password Reset Email Scam
USPS Delivery Problem Text Scam
Fake Toll Payment Text Scam
Fake Package Delivery Text Scam
Account Takeover Scam
W-2 Phishing Scam
Wrong Number Text Scam
Payment Scams
Scams that directly extract money through fake transactions, bogus invoices, fraudulent refunds, or payment platform manipulation.
Zelle Scams (Start Here)
Zelle Payment Reversal Scam
Zelle Refund Scam
Zelle Scam – Don’t Send Money to Yourself After a “Fraud Alert”
Fake Check Scam
Overpayment Scam
Cash App Flip Scam On Instagram
PayPal Invoice Scam
Gift Card Scam
Subscription & Billing Scams
Scams that use fake renewal notices, unexpected charges, or misleading cancellation processes to pressure you into paying or calling a fake support number.
Subscription Renewal & Billing Scam
Free Trial Cancellation Scam
McAfee Subscription Renewal Scam
Shopping & Marketplace Scams
Scams involving fake online listings, counterfeit stores, or deceptive buyers and sellers in online marketplaces that steal money or goods.
Facebook Marketplace Zelle Scam
Investment Scams
Scams that promise financial returns, easy money, or guaranteed prizes to lure you into sending money or financial details.
Investment and Get Rich Quick Scam
Crypto Pig Butchering Scam
Tech Support Scams
Scams that fabricate device or account problems to trick you into granting remote access or paying for fake technical services.
Employment Scams
Scams that use fake job postings, work-from-home offers, or hiring processes to collect money, personal information, or free labor from job seekers.
Job Scams (Start Here)
Fake Job Offer Scam
Romance Scams
Scams that build fake romantic or emotional relationships online, then gradually manipulate the victim into sending money.