Scam Library
Clear, plain-English guides to the scams people run into most. Learn what they look like, the warning signs, and exactly what to do.
Describe it in your own words — you don’t need to know what the scam is called.
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285 scams, grouped by what they have in common.
Deliveries & Packages
Fake texts and emails about a parcel that is stuck, delayed, or needs a fee.
11 scamsGovernment, Tax & Benefits
People pretending to be the IRS, Social Security, or a benefits office.
14 scamsBanks & Credit Unions
Calls and texts pretending to be your bank's fraud department.
11 scamsPayment Apps & Wallets
Zelle, Venmo, Cash App and PayPal tricks that move money you can't get back.
11 scamsTech Support & Your Devices
Pop-ups and calls claiming your computer or phone is infected.
10 scamsOnline Shopping & Retail
Fake orders, fake refunds, and stores that never send anything.
10 scamsMarketplace & Classifieds
Buyers and sellers on Facebook, Craigslist and similar sites who cheat you.
10 scamsRomance & Relationships
Someone builds a relationship online, then needs money.
10 scamsInvestments & Crypto
Fake trading platforms and 'guaranteed' returns that take everything.
13 scamsJobs & Making Money
Fake job offers, work-from-home schemes, and paying to get hired.
10 scamsPrizes, Lotteries & Sweepstakes
You've won something — you just have to pay a fee first.
10 scamsDebt, Loans & Credit
Fake debt collectors, loan fees, and credit-repair promises.
9 scamsCharities & Disasters
Fake causes that appear after a hurricane, fire, or tragedy.
10 scamsFamily Emergencies
'It's your grandson, I'm in trouble' — including voice-cloned calls.
10 scamsSubscriptions & Auto-Renewals
Renewal notices for things you never bought, to get you to call.
10 scamsAccount Security & Phishing
Messages that get you to hand over a password or a login code.
10 scamsThreats, Blackmail & Extortion
Someone threatening to expose or hurt you unless you pay.
10 scamsHousing, Rentals & Home Buying
Fake listings, deposit theft, and wire fraud when buying a home.
9 scamsTravel & Holidays
Fake bookings, fake airline help lines, and holiday-rental theft.
8 scamsHealth, Medicare & Insurance
Fake pharmacies, Medicare card tricks, and made-up medical bills.
9 scamsUtilities & Home Services
'Your power will be cut off in an hour' and fake tradespeople.
10 scamsLegal, Immigration & Documents
Fake lawyers, immigration fees, and threats about your status.
9 scamsStudents & Education
Loan-forgiveness fees, fake tuition bills, and scholarship scams.
8 scamsSocial Media & Influencers
Hacked accounts, fake followers, and brand-deal cons.
8 scamsBusiness & Invoice Fraud
Fake invoices and emails that look like they came from your boss.
10 scamsPets & Animals
Puppies that don't exist, and 'I found your dog' reward demands.
8 scamsCars & Transport
Fake vehicle listings, warranty calls, and shipping cons.
8 scamsHow Scams Reach You
The methods themselves — scam texts, calls, QR codes and mail.
10 scamsAimed at Older Adults
The scams that most often target seniors, gathered in one place.
2 scamsNew & AI-Powered Scams
Voice clones, deepfakes, and the newest tricks we're seeing.
7 scams