Scam Encyclopedia
Comprehensive guides covering 200+ scam types across 15 categories. Learn to recognize, avoid, and report every type of fraud.
201
Scam Types
15
Categories
12
Languages
24/7
Updated Daily
Complete Category Guides
Long-form pillar pages that walk through every variant in a category — start here for the big picture before drilling into specific scam types.
Phishing & Credential Theft
Deceptive emails, messages, and websites designed to steal login credentials and sensitive information
Investment & Financial Fraud
Fraudulent investment schemes promising unrealistic returns to steal money from victims
Cryptocurrency & Web3 Fraud
Scams exploiting blockchain technology, DeFi, NFTs, and cryptocurrency markets
Romance & Social Engineering
Emotional manipulation through fake relationships and social engineering tactics
Shopping & E-commerce Fraud
Fake online stores, counterfeit goods, and deceptive shopping practices
Employment & Business Fraud
Fake job postings, work-from-home scams, and business email compromise
Government & Authority Impersonation
Scammers posing as government officials, tax authorities, or law enforcement
Tech Support & Digital Threats
Fake tech support calls, ransomware, scareware, and digital extortion
Identity Theft & Personal Data
Stealing and misusing personal information for financial gain or fraud
Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams
Sophisticated criminals impersonate executives to trick employees into transferring large sums of money or sensitive data.
CEO Fraud: How Scammers Impersonate Executives
CEO fraud tricks employees into sending money by impersonating company leaders. Average losses exceed $50,000 per incident.
Reshipping & Money Mule Scams: Avoid Fraud Employment
Scammers pose as employers to recruit you as a 'money mule' or reshipping agent, making you complicit in money laundering and theft.
Check Overpayment Scam: How to Spot & Avoid It
Scammers send legitimate-looking checks for more than agreed, then pressure you to wire back the difference before the check bounces.
Data Entry Scams: Spot Fake Remote Job Offers
Scammers pose as employers offering easy remote data entry work, then steal money or personal information before disappearing.
Fake Job Posting Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent Offers
Scammers create convincing fake job postings to steal money, personal data, and identities from job seekers desperate for employment.
Fake Recruitment Agency Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent Job Offers
Scammers pose as legitimate recruiters to steal personal information and money from desperate job seekers, often targeting those in high-unemployment periods.
Freelancer Non-Payment Scams: Protect Your Work
Scammers hire freelancers, accept completed work, then disappear without paying. Losses average $2,000 per incident.
Invoice Fraud: Protect Your Business from Fake Bills
Scammers send forged invoices impersonating suppliers to trick businesses into paying for goods or services never ordered.
MLM & Pyramid Scheme Scams: Spotting the Illusion
Multi-level marketing schemes promise easy wealth through recruitment, but most participants lose money while only top recruiters profit.
Mystery Shopper Scam: Fake Job Offers Exposed
Scammers pose as mystery shopping companies offering easy cash, then steal money or personal information from applicants.
Payroll Diversion Scams: How to Protect Your Paycheck
Scammers intercept payroll systems to redirect employee wages to fraudulent accounts. Learn how to spot and stop this fast-moving employment fraud.
Vendor Impersonation Scams: Protect Your Business
Scammers pose as trusted suppliers to trick businesses into sending payments for fake invoices or services.
Work-From-Home Job Scams: Identify Fake Offers
Scammers pose as legitimate employers offering remote jobs, stealing upfront fees and personal data before disappearing.