'Email storage full' phishing
Emails warn your mailbox or cloud storage is full and photos will be deleted. The link goes to a fake login page or payment form. How to check your real storage.
Scam library
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Plain explanations of the scams going around right now: what the message looks like, the red flags, and exactly what to do if you already clicked, paid or shared something. When a message seems legit, that’s the moment to get a second opinion from someone who knows scams.
100 scams
'Hi Mom' new number text scam
A text from an unknown number claims to be your child with a new phone, then asks for money to pay a bill. How the 'Hi Mom' scam works and how to check.
'Safe account' bank transfer scam
A caller from your 'bank' or 'government' says your money is at risk and you must move it to a safe account. No real bank does this. How the scam works.
AI trading bot investment scam
Ads and messages promote AI trading bots or 'quantum AI' platforms with guaranteed daily returns. Your deposit disappears. How AI investment scams work.
AI voice clone family emergency scam
Scammers can copy a loved one's voice from a short clip to fake an emergency. Learn the signs of a voice clone call and the family code word that stops it.
Amazon impostor call: 'suspicious charge on your account'
A call or text says there's a suspicious Amazon order on your account. Press 1 to cancel. How the Amazon impostor scam works and how to check your orders safely.
Apple 'iCloud locked' or 'iPhone hacked' pop-up scam
A browser pop-up says your iPhone, Mac or iCloud is hacked or locked and you must call Apple. Here's why it's fake, how to close it and what to do if you called.
Apple ID locked text scam
Messages claim your Apple ID is locked or suspended and link to a fake Apple page to steal your login. How to tell real Apple messages from fakes.
Bitcoin ATM scam
Scammers posing as banks, government or tech support tell people to put cash into a Bitcoin ATM. The money can't be recovered. How Bitcoin ATM scams work.
Boss gift card request scam
A message from your 'boss' or 'pastor' asks you to quickly buy gift cards for a client or staff, and send the codes. How the boss impersonation scam works.
Business email compromise: changed invoice bank details
A trusted vendor emails that their bank details have changed. The email is from a hacker. How business email compromise works and how to protect your payments.
Car warranty robocall scam
Robocalls warn your car warranty is expiring and offer to extend it. Many are scams or high-pressure sales. How to tell and what to do.
Cash App scams: fake giveaways, support and payments
Cash App scams include fake support agents, giveaways that charge a fee, and 'money flipping'. The common versions, red flags, and what to do if you sent money.
Celebrity deepfake investment ad scam
Fake videos show famous people recommending crypto platforms, trading apps or 'secret' investments. They're AI deepfakes. How to spot them and what to do.
Coinbase impostor call or text scam
Callers and texts pretending to be Coinbase or another exchange say your account is under attack and push you to move crypto to a 'safe' wallet. How it works.
College scholarship and grant scam
Scholarship services guarantee money for college for a fee, or ask for bank details to 'deposit' a grant. How scholarship and financial aid scams work.
DMV unpaid traffic ticket text scam
A 'DMV' text says you have an unpaid traffic ticket and your license will be suspended. Why it's a scam, the red flags and what to do if you paid.
DocuSign phishing email: 'please review and sign'
A DocuSign email asks you to review a document about payroll, a contract or an invoice. Some are phishing. How to tell a real DocuSign envelope from a fake one.
E-ZPass unpaid toll text scam
Got a text saying you owe a small E-ZPass or toll balance with a late fee? Here's how the unpaid toll text scam works, the red flags and what to do if you paid.
Facebook Marketplace fake Zelle buyer scam
A Marketplace buyer sends a fake Zelle email saying you must upgrade to a business account before you can receive payment. How the fake buyer scam works.
Fake Apple App Store subscription charge email
Fake Apple receipts show expensive subscriptions and urge you to call or click to cancel. The goal is your login, card or remote access. How to check.
Fake bank fraud alert text scam
A text from 'your bank' asks if you made a large payment. Reply NO and a 'fraud agent' calls. How the fake fraud alert works and how to check with your bank.
Fake brand deal scam targeting creators
Creators get emails from 'brands' offering paid partnerships, then are asked to download a contract file, log in, or pay for samples. How fake sponsorships work.
Fake browser update malware
Websites show a fake Chrome or Edge update, or a fake 'verify you are human' box that asks you to paste a command. How these malware tricks work.
Fake charity and disaster relief scam
After hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters, fake charities ask for donations by text, call and social media. How to give safely and avoid scams.
Fake check job scam: buy equipment from our vendor
A new remote employer mails or emails you a check to buy work equipment from their vendor. The check bounces after you pay. How the fake check scam works.
Fake concert and event ticket scam
Scammers sell fake or duplicate tickets on social media and marketplaces, then disappear. How to buy event tickets safely and spot scams.
Fake crypto recovery scam
After losing money to a crypto scam, people are contacted by 'recovery experts', lawyers or agencies who promise to get funds back for a fee. Most are scams.
Fake customs or import fee delivery scam
A text or email says your parcel is held at customs until you pay an import fee. Learn how the fake customs fee scam works and how to check if duty is really owed.
Fake debt collector scam
Callers claim you owe a debt and threaten arrest or lawsuits unless you pay now. How to tell a real debt collector from a scammer and your rights.
Fake domain name renewal notice scam
A letter or email says your website domain is expiring and you must renew, but it's from a company you never used. How domain slamming and fake renewals work.
Fake flight cancellation and airline support scam
Fake texts say your flight was canceled, and fake airline phone numbers in search results lead to scammers. How flight scams steal money and data.
Fake Meta copyright violation message
Page owners get messages claiming a copyright violation or policy breach, with a link to 'appeal'. The link steals your login. How fake Meta notices work.
Fake online store scam: deals that never arrive
A shop you found through a social media ad has amazing prices, then the order never arrives or something cheap does. How to spot fake stores before you pay.
Fake printer driver and support scam
Searching for printer help or drivers leads to fake support sites that report 'errors' and ask you to call. How printer support scams work.
Fake social media giveaway scam
Fake giveaways copy real brands or influencers and tell 'winners' to pay shipping or enter card details. How social media giveaway scams work.
Fake Zoom, Loom or video message phishing
An email says someone recorded a video for you or invites you to a meeting, but the link asks for your password or a download. How fake video message phishing works.
FBI agent impostor call
Callers pretending to be FBI or law enforcement agents say you're involved in a crime and must pay or move money. The FBI doesn't call to demand payment.
FedEx missed delivery email scam
A 'FedEx' email or text says a delivery failed and asks you to reschedule, pay a fee or open an attachment. Learn the red flags and what to do if you clicked it.
Free Discord Nitro scam
Messages offer free Discord Nitro through a link or QR code that steals your account. How Discord scams work and how to protect your account.
Free Robux and V-Bucks scam
Sites and videos promise free Robux, V-Bucks or skins, then steal accounts or ask kids to download malware. How to protect young gamers.
Geek Squad renewal email scam
Got a Geek Squad 'auto-renewal' invoice for $300 or more? It's a common fake. See how the refund trick works, the red flags and what to do if you called the number.
Gift card payment scam
Scammers ask people to buy gift cards and share the codes to pay bills, fines or fees. No real business or agency asks for this. How the scam works.
Gold bar courier scam
Scammers posing as government or bank officials tell victims to convert savings to gold or cash and hand it to a courier for safekeeping. How it works.
Google Business Profile verification scam call
A caller says your Google Business Profile will be suspended unless you pay to verify it. Google doesn't charge for a listing. How this small business scam works.
Google Docs or Drive shared file phishing
A 'shared document' email from Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox leads to a page asking for your password. How the shared-file scam works and how to spot it.
Google Voice verification code scam on Marketplace and Craigslist
A buyer on Marketplace or Craigslist asks you to read back a code they texted to 'prove you're real'. That code sets up an account in your name. How to respond.
Government grant scam
Calls, texts and social media messages promise free government grants for a fee or your bank details. The government doesn't contact people this way.
Grandparent scam call: 'Grandma, it's me, I'm in trouble'
A 'grandchild' calls in a panic: arrested or hurt, needs bail money now. How the grandparent scam works, how to verify the call, and what to do if you paid.
Hacked friend account message scam
A message from a friend's real account asks for money, a code, or a vote in a contest. Their account was hacked. How to spot it and help your friend.
Health insurance and ACA enrollment scam
Callers and ads promise free health plans or cash cards, then switch your coverage or take your details. How ACA Marketplace scams work and how to check.
Home improvement and contractor scam
Door-to-door or online contractors take deposits for roofing, paving or repairs, then vanish or do poor work. How to hire safely after storms and disasters.
Hotel booking phishing message
After you book a hotel, a message in the booking app or by email asks you to verify your card within hours or lose the reservation. It's often phishing.
Internet or cable provider discount call scam
Callers pretending to be your internet, cable or phone provider offer big discounts if you prepay with gift cards or share your account details.
IRS impostor call scam: 'you owe back taxes'
A caller says you owe the IRS and will be arrested unless you pay today by gift card, wire or crypto. How to tell it's fake and how to check what you really owe.
Jury duty warrant scam call
A caller says you missed jury duty and a warrant is out for your arrest, unless you pay a fine now. Federal courts say this is a scam. How it works and what to do.
Lookalike domain email scam
Scammers send email from addresses that look almost identical to real ones, like micros0ft.com. How lookalike domains fool people and how to check a sender.
Lottery or sweepstakes winner scam
A message says you've won a lottery, sweepstakes or prize, but you need to pay taxes or fees first. Real winners don't pay. How prize scams work.
McAfee 'subscription expired' pop-up and renewal scam
A pop-up says your McAfee subscription expired and your PC is infected, or an email bills you for renewal. How the McAfee scam works and what to do if you clicked.
Medicare card and benefits scam call
A caller claims to be Medicare and needs your number for a new card, a refund or free equipment. How the scam works, the red flags and how to report it.
Medicare genetic testing and free brace scam
Callers, ads and health fair booths offer free genetic tests, braces or supplies covered by Medicare, then bill Medicare using your number. How it works.
Microsoft 365 password expiry phishing
Emails say your Microsoft 365 or work password is about to expire and link to a fake sign-in page. How to tell a real IT notice from a phishing email.
Microsoft virus warning pop-up scam
A loud pop-up says 'Windows Defender: your PC is infected, call Microsoft support.' It's a fake. How to close it safely, and what to do if you called or gave access.
Money mule job scam
Job offers or online friends ask you to receive money and forward it. You become a money mule, helping launder stolen funds. How to spot it and what to do.
Netflix 'payment failed' email or text scam
A Netflix email says your payment failed and your membership will be suspended. How to tell phishing from a real notice and what to do if you clicked.
Norton antivirus renewal scam
A Norton or NortonLifeLock email says your antivirus renewed for hundreds of dollars. Here's how to tell it's fake and what to do if you called the number in it.
Overpayment refund scam
A buyer, tenant or employer sends too much money and asks you to send the difference back. The original payment bounces. How overpayment scams work.
PayPal invoice scam: real PayPal email, fake charge
You get a real PayPal invoice for hundreds of dollars with a note to call 'PayPal support'. The invoice is real; the sender is a scammer. How to handle it.
Pig butchering crypto investment scam
A friendly stranger slowly builds trust, then shows you a crypto platform with huge returns. That's pig butchering. How it works and what to do if you invested.
Publishers Clearing House impostor scam
Scammers pretend to be Publishers Clearing House and say you've won, but you must pay fees first. The real PCH never charges winners. How to tell.
Puppy scam: fake online pet sales
A cute puppy or kitten online, a good price, then more fees for shipping, crates and insurance. How pet scams work and how to buy or adopt safely.
QR code parking meter scam
Scammers put fake QR code stickers on parking meters and signs that lead to lookalike payment sites. How to spot a fake QR code and pay for parking safely.
Real estate closing wire fraud: changed wire instructions
Days before closing, an email from your title company or agent sends new wiring instructions. It's a common and costly scam. How to protect your down payment.
Recruiter text job offer scam
A 'recruiter' texts you out of the blue about a remote job with great pay. Here's how to tell a fake recruiter from a real one and what scammers are after.
Rental listing scam: fake apartments and houses
A great apartment at a low price, a landlord who can't show it, and a deposit by Zelle or wire. How rental listing scams work and how to check a listing is real.
Retailer survey and free gift card text scam
Texts promise free gift cards or rewards from well-known stores for completing a survey. The goal is your card details or personal data. How it works.
Romance scam: soldier, doctor or engineer overseas
Someone you met online, a soldier, doctor or engineer abroad, can never meet and suddenly needs money. How romance scams work and how to check who it is.
Sextortion email with your old password
An email shows one of your real passwords and claims your webcam recorded you, demanding Bitcoin. It's a bluff built on leaked data. What to do and what not to do.
SIM swap and port-out scam
Scammers move your phone number to their SIM card, then use it to receive your bank and email codes. How SIM swap and port-out fraud work.
Small business funding offer scam
An email or call says your small business is pre-approved for funding, but you need to pay a fee or share bank logins first. How business loan scams work.
Social Security number suspended call scam
A call or robocall says your Social Security number is suspended or linked to a crime. It's a scam. The red flags, how to check with SSA and what to do if you paid.
Steam trade and gaming account scam
Scammers trick gamers into fake trades, phishing logins, or 'accidental report' stories to steal skins and accounts. How Steam scams work.
Student loan forgiveness scam
A company promises to get your student loans forgiven fast for a fee, or asks for your FSA ID. Learn how student loan scams work and where to get free, real help.
Sugar daddy payment scam
Strangers offer to pay you an allowance for companionship, then send fake payments and ask you to pay a fee or send money back. How sugar daddy scams work.
Task job scam: 'app optimization' or 'product boosting' work
A remote job pays you to rate products or 'optimize apps', then asks you to deposit crypto to unlock tasks. How task scams work, the warning signs and what to do.
Tax refund text scam
Texts and emails say you have a tax refund waiting and link to a fake IRS or state tax site to steal your information. How to check your real refund.
Tech support refund scam
A caller or email says you're owed a refund for a canceled service, then 'accidentally' sends too much and asks you to return the difference. How this scam works.
Teen sextortion scam on Instagram, Snapchat and games
Scammers pose as teens online, get explicit photos, then demand money. Here's what parents and teens need to know, and the exact steps that help right away.
Trademark and USPTO impostor scam
Trademark owners get official-looking notices asking for fees for registration, monitoring or renewal. Many aren't from the USPTO. How to tell the difference.
UPS delivery fee text or email scam
A UPS text or email asks for a small fee before your package can be delivered. Here's how to spot the fake, check tracking safely, and what to do if you paid it.
USPS package redelivery text scam
A text says USPS can't deliver your package because the address is incomplete. How the redelivery scam works and how to check tracking safely.
Utility shutoff scam call: 'your power will be cut in 30 minutes'
A caller says your electricity, gas or water will be shut off within the hour unless you pay. How utility impostor scams work, especially for small businesses.
Vacation rental scam
Fake beach houses and cabins are listed at great prices, or real listings are copied, and travelers pay by wire or app before arriving to nothing.
Venmo or payment app 'sent by mistake' scam
A stranger sends you money on Venmo, then asks you to return it because it was a mistake. Here's why sending it back can cost you, and the safe way to handle it.
Verification code scam
Scammers ask you to read back a verification code sent to your phone. That code lets them into your account. How verification code scams work.
Voicemail audio message phishing
Emails say you have a new voicemail or audio message and link to a fake page that steals your email password. How voicemail phishing works.
WhatsApp investment club scam
You're added to a WhatsApp or Telegram group with a 'professor' sharing stock tips. Members post profits. It's a setup for a fake trading app. How it works.
Work-from-home reshipping job scam
Job offers pay you to receive packages at home and reship them. The goods were bought with stolen cards, and you may never be paid. How reshipping scams work.
Wrong number text scam
A friendly text meant for someone else starts a conversation that turns into romance or crypto investment. How wrong number texts work and what to do.
Zelle scam: bank impostor tells you to 'send money to yourself'
A 'bank fraud agent' tells you to send Zelle payments to yourself to cancel a fraudulent charge. That money goes to the scammer. How it works and what to do now.