Focused Scam Guides
Page 14 of 42.
Remote Access Scams Collecting Payment via Gift Cards
Scammers who gain remote access to victims' computers instruct the victim to purchase gift cards as payment for fabricated repair services or to 'protect' funds during a fake security incident.
PaymentRemote Access Scams Draining Accounts via Wire Transfer
Fraudsters with remote desktop access to victims' computers initiate wire transfers directly from banking portals, bypassing the need to convince the victim to pay manually.
PaymentFake Antivirus Scams Paid via Prepaid Cards
Fraudsters selling non-existent or malicious antivirus software demand prepaid card payment, directing victims to share card numbers under the guise of subscription activation.
PaymentFake Antivirus Scams Collecting Payment via Zelle
Scammers posing as antivirus vendors or tech support agents instruct victims to send Zelle payments to activate fake security software or receive fabricated refunds.
PaymentFake Debt Relief Scams via Wire Transfer
Fraudulent debt relief companies collect large upfront wire transfer fees promising to eliminate or negotiate debts, then disappear or deliver nothing of value.
PaymentFake Debt Relief Scams via Bank Transfer
Fraudulent debt settlement operators collect programme fees by bank transfer, presenting a professional billing appearance while delivering no genuine debt relief services.
PaymentLoan Scams That Demand Gift Card 'Fees'
Fraudulent lenders approve victims for loans they will never receive, then collect upfront gift card payments framed as insurance, collateral, or processing fees.
PaymentLoan Scams Collecting Advance Fees by Wire Transfer
Fraudulent lenders demand wire transfer fees as collateral or insurance before disbursing loans that never materialise, targeting victims with urgent borrowing needs.
PaymentPension Scams Using Wire Transfers
Fraudsters persuade pension holders to wire transfer funds out of their pensions into fraudulent investment schemes, resulting in loss of retirement savings and significant tax penalties.
PaymentPension Scams via Bank Transfer
Fraudulent pension advisers use domestic bank transfers to move retirement funds into worthless or fictitious schemes, exploiting authorised push payment systems to collect retirement savings.
PaymentFake Trading Platforms Collecting Deposits via Wire Transfer
Fraudulent trading platforms accept deposits by wire transfer, showing fabricated portfolio growth before refusing withdrawals and disappearing with investor funds.
PaymentFake Broker Scams via Bank Transfer
Fraudulent brokers collect client funds via domestic bank transfer, issuing professional-looking statements before denying withdrawals and disappearing.
PaymentFake Broker Scams Using Western Union
Fraudulent brokers direct victims to send funds via Western Union, exploiting the service's global reach to collect investment funds beyond the reach of most regulators.
PaymentFake Online Pharmacy Scams via Gift Cards
Fraudulent pharmacy websites accept gift card payments for medications that are never delivered, counterfeit, or dangerous, exploiting victims seeking cheaper drug access.
PaymentFake Online Pharmacy Scams via MoneyGram
Fraudulent overseas pharmacy websites direct victims to MoneyGram cash transfers as the only payment method for medications that are counterfeit, unsafe, or non-existent.
PaymentRental Deposit Scams via Zelle
Scammers listing fake rental properties demand Zelle security deposits and first-month rent, then vanish before handing over keys to properties they do not own.
PaymentRental Deposit Scams via Cash App
Fraudulent landlords collect Cash App payments for deposits and first-month rent on properties they do not own or control, leaving victims locked out on move-in day.
PaymentFake Recruiter Scams via Wire Transfer
Fraudsters posing as recruiters collect advance fees by wire transfer for training materials, background checks, or visa sponsorship that are never provided.
PaymentFake Recruiter Scams Demanding Gift Cards
Fraudulent recruiters invent equipment fees, onboarding costs, or registration charges payable via gift cards before a fabricated employment offer can be processed.
PaymentFake Court Scams Demanding Venmo Payments
Scammers impersonating court officers demand Venmo payments for fabricated fines or bail, targeting younger adults comfortable with app-based payments.
PaymentFake Immigration Scams via Western Union
Fraudsters posing as immigration attorneys or agents demand Western Union transfers for fabricated visa fees, fines, or deportation avoidance payments.
PaymentSweepstakes Advance Fee Scams via Wire Transfer
Scammers notify victims of large sweepstakes wins and demand wire transfers covering taxes and fees before the prize can be released, collecting substantial sums across multiple payments.
PaymentLoan Scams Collecting Fees via Prepaid Cards
Fraudulent lenders approve victims for loans they will never receive, then demand prepaid debit card numbers as a supposed fee or collateral payment.
PaymentInheritance and Lottery Scams via Western Union
Scammers running fake inheritance or lottery notifications collect release fees by Western Union, exploiting the service's cash pickup accessibility for rapid fund collection.
PaymentFake Police Scams via Cash App
Scammers impersonating police officers demand Cash App payments to resolve fabricated warrants or fines, targeting victims comfortable with mobile payment apps.
PaymentFake Court Scams via Cash App
Scammers impersonating court clerks demand Cash App payments for fabricated fines or bench warrant fees, targeting victims who are comfortable with mobile payments.
PaymentRemote Access Scams Collecting Cash App Payments
Scammers who gain remote access to victims' devices guide them to send Cash App payments for fabricated repair services or staged 'banking errors.'
PaymentFake Immigration Scams via Bank Transfer
Scammers posing as immigration lawyers or agents collect bank transfer fees for fabricated visa applications, status adjustments, or deportation bonds.
PaymentFake Tax Office Scams via Bank Transfer
Fraudsters impersonating tax authorities instruct victims to make bank transfers to resolve fabricated tax debts, exploiting the apparent formality of bank-to-bank payments.
PaymentPrize Notification Scams via Prepaid Cards
Scammers notify victims of prize wins and demand prepaid card payments as processing or insurance fees before the prize will be released.
PaymentFake Tech Support Scams via Venmo
Fraudsters posing as tech support agents demand Venmo payments for fabricated device fixes, exploiting the app's casual social payment feel to lower victim suspicion.
PaymentFake Antivirus Scams via Western Union
Fraudulent antivirus vendors demand Western Union transfers as payment for non-existent security software, targeting victims who lack access to online payment methods.
PaymentFake Debt Relief Scams via Cash App
Fraudulent debt relief operators collect Cash App fees for credit repair or settlement services they never deliver, targeting financially stressed consumers.
PaymentRental Deposit Scams via Wire Transfer
Scammers listing fake rental properties demand wire transfer deposits, presenting elaborate lease documentation that is convincing enough to justify the larger sums typical of wire transfer fraud.
PaymentPension Scams via Western Union
Fraudsters posing as pension liberation specialists or HMRC officials instruct victims to send Western Union transfers representing fees required to release pension funds early.
PaymentFake Trading Platforms via Cash App
Fraudulent trading platforms accept Cash App deposits from US victims, displaying fabricated returns before blocking withdrawals and disappearing.
PaymentFake Broker Scams via Wire Transfer
Fraudulent investment brokers collect wire transfer deposits from investors, providing fictitious account statements before blocking withdrawals and disappearing.
PaymentFake Recruiter Scams via Apple Pay
Fraudulent recruiters demand Apple Pay fees for onboarding, licensing, or background screening before a fabricated job offer can be processed.
PaymentFake Police Scams via Western Union
Scammers impersonating police or federal agents demand Western Union transfers as bail or fine payments, often targeting immigrants or elderly victims who associate Western Union with official transactions.
PaymentFake Immigration Scams via Venmo
Scammers posing as immigration paralegals or community advisers collect Venmo fees for fabricated visa services, targeting immigrant communities through trusted networks.
PaymentFake Debt Relief Scams via Prepaid Cards
Fraudulent credit repair operators collect prepaid card fees from financially stressed victims, promising debt elimination results they never deliver.
PaymentLoan Scams Collecting Advance Fees by Bank Transfer
Fraudulent lenders collect advance fees by bank transfer for loans that never materialise, presenting professional-looking agreements and credible business banking details.
PaymentFake Broker Scams via Zelle
Fraudulent investment brokers accept Zelle transfers as initial deposits from US investors, leveraging the bank-integrated payment system to appear as a credible financial service.
PaymentFake Police Scams via Venmo
Scammers impersonating police officers demand Venmo payments to resolve fabricated warrants, targeting younger adults who are accustomed to settling payments informally via the app.
PaymentInheritance and Lottery Scams via Cash App
Scammers notify victims of large inheritance or lottery wins and demand Cash App fee payments before the fictional windfall can be released.
PaymentFake Court Scams via MoneyGram
Fraudsters impersonating court officers direct victims to send MoneyGram transfers to pay fabricated fines, bail, or settlement fees, targeting communities with lower formal banking engagement.
PaymentSweepstakes Advance Fee Scams via Venmo
Fraudulent sweepstakes operators notify victims of wins and demand Venmo fee payments as the quickest way to process prize release, targeting social media users.
PlatformCourier Fraud & Bank Card Collection on WhatsApp
Fraudsters impersonate police officers or bank officials on WhatsApp to convince victims their bank card has been compromised, then send a fake courier to collect the card and PIN in person.
PlatformCourier Fraud & Bank Card Collection on Telegram
Criminals use Telegram accounts styled as bank fraud teams or law enforcement to convince victims their card is compromised, then dispatch a fake courier to collect the card and PIN at home.
PlatformParcel Locker Phishing on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages posing as parcel locker services, claiming a package is held at a collection point and requesting payment or login credentials via a phishing link to release it.
PlatformParcel Locker Phishing on Telegram
Scammers run automated Telegram bots that send fake parcel locker alerts, directing victims to phishing sites to pay fictitious fees or surrender login credentials.
PlatformParcel Locker Phishing on Discord
Discord users receive DMs or server messages mimicking parcel locker services, prompting them to visit phishing links under the guise of releasing a held package.
PlatformFake Courier Job & Reshipping Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters use WhatsApp to recruit unwitting workers as reshipping mules, presenting the role as a legitimate parcel-handling job while using victims to move stolen goods or launder fraud proceeds.
PlatformFake Courier Job & Reshipping Scams on Telegram
Telegram channels and bots advertise fake logistics jobs that turn recipients into reshipping mules, forwarding stolen goods or laundering fraud money through their home address.
PlatformFake Courier Job & Reshipping Scams on Gumtree
Fraudulent job listings on Gumtree for home-based parcel handlers recruit victims as reshipping mules, using their addresses to receive and forward stolen goods while paying small amounts to maintain the deception.
PlatformDeportation Threat Extortion on WhatsApp
Scammers impersonate immigration officials on WhatsApp, threatening deportation or arrest unless victims pay an immediate fee to resolve a supposed visa or status violation.
PlatformDeportation Threat Extortion on Telegram
Criminal operators use Telegram to send mass deportation-threat messages to migrant communities, demanding urgent fee payments to prevent fabricated immigration enforcement actions.
PlatformDeportation Threat Extortion on Snapchat
Scammers send Snapchat messages posing as immigration enforcement, threatening young migrants or international students with deportation unless they pay a fee before evidence disappears.
PlatformFake Visa & Green Card Services on WhatsApp
Scammers pose as immigration consultants on WhatsApp, charging fees for visa or residency applications they never file, leaving victims out of pocket and no closer to legal status.
PlatformFake Visa & Green Card Services on Telegram
Telegram channels operated by fake immigration advisers advertise guaranteed visa and residency services, collecting fees and documents from migrants who receive nothing in return.
PlatformFake Visa & Green Card Services on Gumtree
Fraudulent immigration consultants advertise cheap visa processing services on Gumtree, take payment and documents upfront, and then deliver nothing while disappearing from the platform.
PlatformNegative-Option Billing Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters use WhatsApp to promote 'free trial' offers that secretly enrol victims in recurring subscriptions, with cancellation terms buried in fine print or entirely inaccessible.
PlatformNegative-Option Billing Scams on Snapchat
Sponsored and DM-based Snapchat promotions lure younger users into free trials that auto-enrol them in monthly subscriptions, exploiting the platform's transient content to obscure terms.
PlatformNegative-Option Billing Scams on X (Twitter)
Promoted posts and DMs on X advertise free trials that auto-enrol users in recurring subscriptions, using fast-scrolling ad formats to obscure billing terms.
PlatformApp Store Subscription Trap Scams on Telegram
Telegram bots and channels direct users to download apps that immediately charge high-value subscriptions through Apple or Google billing, often before the user has meaningfully engaged with the app.
PlatformApp Store Subscription Trap Scams on Discord
Discord servers promote apps and digital tools that enrol users in expensive recurring subscriptions the moment they are downloaded, exploiting community trust to drive installs.
PlatformApp Store Subscription Trap Scams on X (Twitter)
Promoted posts and organic X content drive downloads of apps that immediately charge high-value subscriptions, using social proof and urgency to prevent users from reading the terms.
PlatformForeign Lottery Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages claiming the recipient has won a foreign lottery prize, then extract fees for taxes, insurance, or processing before any money is paid — and none ever is.
PlatformForeign Lottery Scams on Telegram
Automated Telegram bots and direct messages announce fabricated lottery wins to mass lists of users, then drain victims through escalating release-fee demands.
PlatformForeign Lottery Scams on X (Twitter)
X accounts impersonating international lottery organisations post fake winner announcements and DM targets to extract advance fees under the guise of prize release charges.
PlatformPrize Notification Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages claiming the recipient has been randomly selected to win a smartphone, gift card, or cash prize, then demand fees or personal data to process the award.
PlatformPrize Notification Scams on Telegram
Fake prize channels and bots on Telegram announce brand-sponsored giveaways to lure victims into handing over personal data and payment details to claim non-existent awards.
PlatformPrize Notification Scams on Snapchat
Scammers use Snapchat Stories and DMs to announce fake prize wins from brands or celebrity accounts, directing victims to phishing links to claim their award.
PlatformFake Government Grant Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages impersonating government departments to claim the recipient is eligible for a grant, then demand application fees, bank details, or ID documents before the grant is never paid.
PlatformFake Government Grant Scams on Telegram
Telegram channels and mass-DM campaigns impersonate government agencies to harvest personal data and fees from victims who believe they have been selected for a legitimate grant programme.
PlatformFake Government Grant Scams on Snapchat
Snapchat stories and DMs promote fabricated government assistance programmes targeting younger users, collecting personal data and small fees under the guise of a grant application.
PlatformFake Jury Duty Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages impersonating court officials, claiming the recipient has missed jury service and must pay an immediate fine or face arrest — all designed to extract money.
PlatformFake Jury Duty Scams on Telegram
Scammers impersonate court systems on Telegram to claim victims have outstanding jury-duty warrants, demanding immediate fine payments to cancel fabricated arrest orders.
PlatformFake Jury Duty Scams on X (Twitter)
X accounts and DMs impersonate court systems to threaten users with arrest warrants for alleged missed jury service, directing them to payment pages to resolve fabricated legal issues.
PlatformRemote Access Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters use WhatsApp to impersonate tech support agents or bank fraud teams, convincing victims to install remote-access apps that give the scammer full control of the victim's device and accounts.
PlatformRemote Access Scams on Telegram
Criminals use Telegram to pose as IT support or bank security teams, sending links and instructions that lead victims to install remote-access software and surrender device control.
PlatformRemote Access Scams on X (Twitter)
Scammers monitor X for public complaints about technical problems, then DM the poster offering help and steering them toward installing remote-access software to resolve the issue.
PlatformFake IT Helpdesk Credential Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters impersonate corporate IT helpdesks on WhatsApp to harvest employee login credentials, multi-factor authentication codes, and VPN access details under the guise of urgent account maintenance.
PlatformFake IT Helpdesk Credential Scams on Telegram
Scammers create Telegram accounts impersonating corporate IT support, targeting employees with urgent credential-reset requests that deliver access tokens directly to the attacker.
PlatformFake IT Helpdesk Credential Scams on Discord
Attackers use Discord to contact employees of tech companies and gaming studios, impersonating internal IT or security teams to harvest work credentials under the guise of urgent account actions.
PlatformMalware Popups on Telegram
Telegram channels and bots distribute links that trigger malware-style popup alerts in browsers, convincing victims to download malicious software or call fraudulent support numbers.
PlatformMalware Popups on WhatsApp
Links shared via WhatsApp — often from compromised contacts — lead to browser pages displaying fake virus alerts designed to panic users into calling fraudulent support lines or downloading malicious files.
PlatformMalware Popups on Discord
Discord users are targeted with malicious links in DMs and server messages that open browser popups mimicking antivirus alerts, directing them to download malware disguised as security tools.
PlatformQR Code Scams on Telegram
Fraudsters distribute malicious QR codes through Telegram channels and DMs, redirecting victims to phishing pages, credential-harvesting login screens, or cryptocurrency payment requests.
PlatformQR Code Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp QR codes disguised as payment confirmations, parcel barcodes, or loyalty reward vouchers that redirect victims to phishing pages when scanned.
PlatformQR Code Scams on eBay
eBay sellers and buyers are targeted with QR codes in messages and listings that redirect to phishing pages or off-platform payment systems designed to bypass eBay's buyer and seller protections.
PlatformFake Stores on Telegram
Fraudulent online shops operate through Telegram channels and bots, accepting payment for goods they never dispatch and disappearing once sufficient funds have been collected.
PlatformFake Stores on Discord
Fraudulent shops operating within Discord servers sell digital goods, gaming items, or physical merchandise that either do not exist or are counterfeit, taking payment and disappearing.
PlatformNon-Delivery Scams on Telegram
Sellers advertising goods through Telegram channels and groups collect payment and never dispatch items, exploiting the platform's lack of formal buyer protection.
PlatformNon-Delivery Scams on Snapchat
Snapchat-based sellers promote appealing products at steep discounts, take payment through unprotected channels, and never deliver the purchased items.
PlatformNon-Delivery Scams on Gumtree
Gumtree sellers advertise in-demand items at attractive prices, request postal payment, and never dispatch — a long-running fraud on one of the UK's most-used classified sites.