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
Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as police or government agents, threatening arrest or legal action to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Social Security Scams: How Criminals Impersonate SSA
Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration to steal personal data, money, and benefits through fake calls, emails, and texts.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Don't Get Fooled
Scammers exploit the desire for student loan relief, impersonating government agencies or loan servicers to steal money and personal information.
Fake Software Update Scams: A Digital Deception Guide
Fake software update scams trick users into installing malware or granting remote access, leading to significant financial losses and data theft.
Tech Support Refund Scam: The 'Accidental Overpayment' Trap
Scammers pose as tech support, claim an accidental overpayment, and trick victims into sending their own money via irreversible methods.
Tech Support Scams: Identifying and Protecting Yourself
Tech support scams trick victims into believing their computer has a severe problem, leading to fraudulent payments, remote access, and potential identity theft.
Dark Web Data Sales: Your Identity for Sale
Criminals buy and sell your personal information on the dark web, leading to severe identity theft, financial fraud, and account takeovers.
Doxing: Protecting Your Personal Information Online
Doxing is the malicious act of publicly exposing an individual's private identifying information online, leading to harassment, identity theft, and significant financial loss.
Mail Theft & Address Fraud: Protect Your Identity
Mail theft and address fraud involve criminals stealing your physical mail or redirecting it to exploit your personal information for financial gain and identity theft.
Tax Identity Theft: How Criminals File Your Returns
Scammers use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds in your name before you do.
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.
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.
Crowdfunding Fraud: Fake GoFundMe & Donation Scams
Fraudsters create fake crowdfunding campaigns claiming personal emergencies or disasters to steal donations, costing victims an average of $2,000 per incident.
Disaster Relief Scams: Fake Charities After Crises
Scammers exploit natural disasters by posing as legitimate charities to steal donations meant for victims.
Disaster Relief Supply Scams: How Fake Aid Fraud Works
Scammers impersonate relief organizations after disasters to sell fake supplies or steal donation money. Average victims lose $2,000.
Donation Skimming: Fake Charities Stealing Your Generosity
Scammers create fraudulent charities or pose as legitimate organizations to intercept and pocket donations meant for those in need.
Fake GoFundMe & Crowdfunding Charity Scams
Fraudsters create fake charitable campaigns on crowdfunding platforms to steal donations meant for legitimate causes or disaster relief.
Fake Airline Ticket Scams
Scammers sell fraudulent airline tickets that don't exist, leaving travelers stranded and out hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Fake Travel Agency Scams: Booking Fraud Guide
Scammers pose as legitimate travel agencies to steal money for fake bookings, leaving victims without flights, hotels, or refunds.
Fake Vacation Rental Scams: How to Book Safely
Scammers pose as vacation rental hosts, collect deposits for properties they don't own, then disappear before your arrival.
Timeshare Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent Vacation Property Deals
Timeshare scammers promise luxury vacation ownership but trap victims in endless fees and impossible contracts. Protect yourself with these warning signs.
Travel Package Fraud: Fake Vacation Deals
Scammers pose as legitimate travel agencies, selling non-existent vacation packages and pocketing deposits without providing services.
Visa & Passport Scams: Travel Document Fraud Exposed
Scammers pose as government agents or travel agencies to steal money and personal data while promising visa or passport services.
Fake Clinical Trial Scams: How Fraudsters Exploit Health-Seeking Victims
Scammers pose as legitimate clinical trial recruiters, charging upfront fees for participation in fake medical studies that never occur.