Scam Guide — Know the Threats
Learn about the most common online scams and how to protect yourself.
$10.3B
Lost to Scams (2024)
2.7M+
Victims Worldwide
+22%
YoY Growth
15
scam types covered
Phishing Scams
Fake emails and websites that trick you into revealing passwords, credit cards, or personal data.
Investment Scams
Fraudulent schemes promising guaranteed high returns on investments, crypto, or forex trading.
Romance Scams
Fraudsters build fake online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money.
Shopping Scams
Fake online stores that take your money and never deliver products, or sell counterfeit goods.
Government & Authority Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as police, tax authorities, or government officials to threaten and extort victims.
Job Scams
Fake job listings that steal personal information or require upfront payments.
Cryptocurrency Scams
Fraudulent crypto exchanges, fake tokens, and Ponzi schemes exploiting cryptocurrency hype.
Tech Support Scams
Fake warnings claiming your computer is infected, pressuring you to call and pay for unnecessary "fixes".
Lottery & Prize Scams
Fake notifications claiming you've won a lottery or prize, requiring fees to collect your "winnings".
Advance Fee Fraud
Scams that promise large payouts but require upfront payments for fees, taxes, or processing costs.
Identity Theft Scams
Schemes designed to steal your personal information for financial fraud, account takeover, or credit abuse.
Social Media Scams
Fraud schemes that exploit social media platforms through fake accounts, giveaways, and marketplace deception.
SMS & Phone Call Scams (Smishing/Vishing)
Fraudulent text messages and phone calls using spoofed numbers, fake alerts, and AI voice cloning to deceive victims.
Charity & Disaster Relief Scams
Fake charities and fraudulent fundraisers that exploit generosity during crises and natural disasters.
Travel Friend Scams
Scammers use fake identities on social media, pretending to travel to your city and wanting to befriend you — then exploit the relationship for money.
General Safety Tips
Always verify a website before entering personal information or making payments.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Never click links in unsolicited emails or messages — type the URL directly.
Use ScamLens to check any website you're unsure about.