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
Fake Ambassador VIP Scam: How Scammers Impersonate Officials
Scammers pose as lottery officials or VIP program ambassadors to convince victims they've won prizes, then demand fees to claim them.
Fake App Store Prize Notifications Scam
Fraudsters send fake notifications claiming you've won an iPhone or prize through the App Store, directing you to malicious links to steal personal and financial data.
Fake Contest & Sweepstakes Scams
Scammers pose as legitimate contests or lotteries, tricking you into paying fees to claim non-existent prizes.
Fake Prize Notification Scams
Scammers trick victims into paying fees or personal details by falsely claiming they've won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize they never entered.
Foreign Lottery Scam: How Fake Winnings Drain Your Bank
Scammers pose as international lottery operators to trick victims into paying fake 'taxes' and 'fees' for prizes they never won.
Inheritance Scam: How to Identify Fake Claims
Scammers falsely claim you've inherited money from unknown relatives or unclaimed estates, then demand upfront fees to release funds.
Lottery Scam: How Fake Prize Claims Work
Scammers claim you've won a lottery you never entered, then demand upfront fees or personal information to claim your fake prize.
Reward Points Scam: Don't Fall for Fake Prize Claims
Scammers pose as retailers or loyalty programs claiming you've won free gift cards or rewards—then ask for personal info or payment.
Scratch Card & Instant Win Scams
Fake lottery scratch cards and instant win games that promise prizes but steal money and personal data from participants.
Social Media Giveaway Scams: Fake Celebrity & Brand Promotions
Scammers impersonate celebrities and brands on social media to trick users into sending money for fake prizes worth thousands of dollars.
Sweepstakes Scams: How Fake Prize Offers Steal Money
Scammers pose as lottery or sweepstakes operators, claiming you've won a prize and demanding upfront fees or personal information to claim it.
Unclaimed Funds Scam: How Scammers Exploit Unclaimed Money
Fraudsters contact victims claiming they've won unclaimed money, inheritance, or tax refunds—then demand upfront fees to release the funds.