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
Bait-and-Switch Scams: Online Shopping Fraud
Scammers advertise desirable products at bargain prices, then deliver inferior or completely different items after payment.
Counterfeit Goods Scams: Spot Fake Products Online
Scammers sell fake designer goods, electronics, and branded products at steep discounts through fraudulent online stores and social media.
Dropshipping Fraud: Identify Fake Online Stores
Scammers create fake dropshipping stores offering counterfeit goods at steep discounts, then vanish with your payment.
Fake Review Scams: How Scammers Manipulate Ratings
Scammers use fake positive reviews to sell counterfeit products or manipulate consumer trust, costing victims hundreds in low-quality purchases.
Non-Delivery Scams: When You Pay But Never Receive
Scammers take payment for products that never arrive, disappearing after purchase while leaving you with nothing but an empty wallet.
Online Auction Fraud: How Scammers Exploit Bidders
Scammers use fake auction listings and non-delivery schemes to steal thousands from bidders monthly. Learn how to spot and avoid auction fraud.
Return Fraud: How Scammers Exploit Retail Policies
Return fraud costs retailers billions annually. Learn how scammers exploit lenient return policies to steal merchandise and refunds.
Subscription Trap Scams: Avoid Hidden Recurring Charges
Scammers lure you with free trials or discounted offers, then hide automatic recurring charges in confusing terms until you're trapped in costly subscriptions.