Scam types

Fake SMS or email claims a package is held for a small fee. The link leads to a phishing page that steals card details or credentials.

Criminals pose as family or colleagues, create urgency, and ask for money or codes. Verify via a known phone number or in person before paying.

Fraudsters pretend to be your bank’s helpdesk, push remote access or transfers, and steal funds. Real banks will not ask you to move money to a “safe account.”

Scammers buy or spoof ads that look like trusted brands, then send you to fake shops or investment funnels. Ad placement is not a trust signal—verify the destination independently.

Fraudsters promise high returns, build trust with polished dashboards or chats, then block withdrawals. Urgency and guaranteed profits are strong warning signs—verify independently before sending money.

Scammers push crypto “opportunities,” fake exchanges, or recovery schemes. Once coins leave your wallet, recovery is often limited—treat urgency and guaranteed profits as hard stops.

Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, or ISP support, push fear about viruses, then take remote control or payment. Real vendors do not cold-call to fix your PC—hang up and verify independently.

Fake recruiters offer easy remote work, then ask for fees, banking details, or equipment payments. Real employers do not ask you to pay to get hired—verify the company independently.

Callers or messages claim you are owed a refund, then trick you into sharing codes or approving transfers that actually send money out. Hang up and check balances only in official apps.