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
Contractor Fraud: Home Improvement Scams
Unqualified contractors demand upfront payments for major renovations, then disappear with deposits or produce shoddy work.
Fake Debt Collection Scams: How to Spot Imposters
Scammers pose as debt collectors to intimidate you into paying debts you don't owe. Learn how to identify and stop them.
Fake Lawyer & Legal Service Scams
Fraudsters impersonate attorneys or create fake law firms to steal money through false legal representation and fabricated cases.
Fake Locksmith & Emergency Service Scams
Scammers posing as emergency locksmiths or service providers charge inflated fees for unnecessary work or counterfeit services.
Fake Tutoring & Online Education Service Scams
Scammers pose as tutors or educational platforms, collecting upfront fees for lessons that never materialize or are severely substandard.
Locksmith Scams: Fake Locksmiths Charging Inflated Fees
Scammers pose as licensed locksmiths, arriving quickly with inflated quotes and aggressive upselling tactics to extract hundreds from locked-out homeowners.
Moving Company Scams: Bait-and-Switch Tactics
Fraudulent movers quote low prices, then demand thousands more or vanish with your belongings, leaving victims stranded.
Pet Scam: Fake Puppy & Kitten Sales
Scammers pose as breeders or shelters to sell non-existent pets, stealing thousands through advance payments and shipping fees.
Rental Property Advance Fee Scams: Spotting Fake Listings
Scammers post fake rental listings and demand upfront deposits for properties they don't own, disappearing after payment.
Towing Scams: Fake Tow Operators & Hidden Fees
Scammers pose as tow operators or exploit disabled vehicles to demand excessive fees, fake services, or unauthorized tows.