Focused Scam Guides
Page 15 of 42.
Marketplace Seller Scams on Gumtree
Fraudulent Gumtree sellers use fake listings, switched items, and payment manipulation to defraud buyers, while fraudulent buyers use chargeback abuse and overpayment tricks to defraud sellers.
PlatformMarketplace Seller Scams on Amazon
Third-party Amazon marketplace sellers use fake reviews, counterfeit goods, and off-platform payment requests to defraud buyers while exploiting the trust Amazon's brand lends to all listings.
PlatformMarketplace Seller Scams on eBay
eBay marketplace fraud spans fake listings, shill bidding, counterfeit goods, and off-platform payment requests, exploiting the platform's auction format and buyer expectations.
PlatformMarketplace Seller Scams on Discord
Discord marketplace channels are plagued by fraudulent sellers offering digital items, in-game goods, and physical merchandise without buyer protection, exploiting community trust to take payment and disappear.
PlatformForeign Lottery Scams on Discord
Discord bots and DMs announce fabricated international lottery wins to users, then extract advance fees through escalating release-charge demands before disappearing.
PlatformPrize Notification Scams on Amazon
Fraudsters impersonate Amazon via emails, SMS, and fake pages claiming buyers have won a prize or reward, then extract payment card details or personal data through the claim process.
PlatformNon-Delivery Scams on Amazon
Fraudulent third-party Amazon sellers collect payment for products that are never dispatched, or ship empty boxes and items that do not match the listing, exploiting the volume of Amazon orders to delay detection.
PlatformNon-Delivery Scams on eBay
eBay sellers take payment for items they never ship, using fake tracking, off-platform communication, and feedback manipulation to delay dispute resolution long enough to complete multiple fraud cycles.
PlatformQR Code Scams on Gumtree
Gumtree buyers and sellers are targeted with QR codes in messages and listing images that redirect to phishing sites or initiate unauthorised payments when scanned.
PlatformFake Government Grant Scams on Discord
Discord servers and bots impersonate government assistance programmes, collecting personal data and fees from users who believe they are applying for a legitimate grant.
PlatformRemote Access Scams on Discord
Fraudsters pose as technical support volunteers in Discord servers, offering to fix account or device problems by walking victims through installing remote-access software that gives the scammer full device control.
PlatformFake Stores on X (Twitter)
Fraudulent online shops promoted through X posts and paid ads collect payment for goods they never deliver, exploiting X's ad targeting to reach high-intent buyers.
PlatformPrize Notification Scams on Discord
Discord bots and accounts announce fake brand-sponsored prize wins to community members, directing them to phishing links to claim awards that do not exist.
PlatformMarketplace Seller Scams on WhatsApp
Scammers use WhatsApp to conduct off-platform marketplace transactions with no buyer protection, posing as private sellers or diverting buyers away from protected platforms to collect unrecoverable payments.
PlatformMarketplace Seller Scams on Telegram
Telegram groups and channels host fraudulent peer-to-peer marketplaces where sellers take payment via unprotected methods and disappear without dispatching goods or delivering digital items.
PlatformFake Stores on eBay
Fraudulent eBay seller accounts create professional-looking storefronts to sell non-existent or counterfeit goods, exploiting eBay's brand trust before the account is suspended.
PlatformCourier Fraud & Bank Card Collection on Discord
Scammers on Discord impersonate bank support servers or direct-message users with false fraud alerts, persuading them to hand their bank card and PIN to a fake courier.
PlatformPrize Notification Scams on X (Twitter)
X accounts impersonating brands and celebrities send DMs or reply to users claiming they have won a prize, directing them to phishing pages to claim awards that do not exist.
PlatformForeign Lottery Scams on Snapchat
Scammers send Snapchat DMs claiming the recipient has won a foreign lottery, then use the platform's ephemeral messaging to apply urgent pressure for advance fee payments.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Denmark
Criminals port Danish mobile numbers to intercept MitID authentication and drain Danish bank accounts or access government services.
CountryFake Charity Scams in Denmark
Fraudulent charity appeals targeting Danish donors with fake MobilePay or card donation pages that divert DKK from legitimate causes.
CountryInvestment Scams in Denmark
Unlicensed brokers and fake trading platforms targeting Danish savers via social-media celebrity ads and cold calls, draining DKK from bank accounts.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Denmark
Fraudulent rental listings on BoligPortal and Facebook Marketplace targeting Danish house-hunters with below-market apartments that collect deposits for inaccessible properties.
CountryFake Online Partner Scams in Switzerland
Romance fraudsters build false relationships with Swiss residents on dating apps to extract CHF through fabricated emergencies or investment funnels.
CountryCrypto Scams in Switzerland
Fraudulent crypto schemes targeting Swiss residents, exploiting the 'Crypto Valley' brand to lend false credibility to fake exchanges and token offerings.
CountryFake Charity Scams in Switzerland
Fraudulent charity appeals impersonating Swiss humanitarian organisations to collect CHF donations that fund scammers rather than legitimate causes.
CountryAdvance-Fee Scams in Switzerland
Classic advance-fee fraud targeting Swiss residents through email and WhatsApp, promising large CHF inheritances or business windfalls in exchange for upfront fees.
CountryCrypto Scams in Norway
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes targeting Norwegian residents through social media and fake exchanges, exploiting Norway's high crypto-awareness.
CountryTask Scams in Sweden
Fake micro-task job offers targeting Swedish residents on WhatsApp and Telegram, requiring upfront deposits that are never returned.
CountryFake Booking Site Scams in Portugal
Fraudulent accommodation and experience booking platforms targeting tourists and expats in Portugal, collecting EUR payments for stays or activities that do not exist.
CountryAdvance-Fee Scams in Czechia
Classic advance-fee fraud targeting Czech residents via email and social media, promising large CZK windfalls contingent on upfront fee payments.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Czechia
Fraudulent rental ads on Sreality.cz and Facebook targeting Czech house-hunters, collecting CZK deposits for properties that are not available.
CountryFake Police Scams in Czechia
Fraudsters impersonate Policie ČR or Europol officers to extort CZK payments from Czech residents under threat of arrest.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Sweden
Criminals port Swedish mobile numbers to their own SIMs to intercept BankID authentication and drain Swedish bank accounts.
CountryFake Recruiter Scams in Belgium
Fraudulent job offers targeting Belgian jobseekers on LinkedIn and Indeed, collecting personal data or advance fees under the guise of EU-sector or multinational recruitment.
CountryWhatsApp Job Scams in Austria
Fake work-from-home job offers targeting Austrian residents on WhatsApp, requiring upfront deposits disguised as equipment fees or training costs.
CountryInvestment Scams in Czechia
Unlicensed investment platforms and boiler-room operations targeting Czech savers with fraudulent CZK and EUR trading products.
CountryCrypto Scams in Czechia
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes targeting Czech investors through fake exchanges and pump-and-dump token projects denominated in CZK.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Czechia
Romance-investment fraud targeting Czech residents via WhatsApp and dating apps, steering CZK and EUR into fraudulent crypto platforms.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Czechia
Fraudsters impersonate the Czech Finanční správa (Financial Administration) to steal online banking credentials or extort CZK payments from Czech residents.
CountryFake Online Stores in Czechia
Fraudulent e-commerce sites targeting Czech shoppers with deep discounts on goods that never arrive, using Czech-language interfaces and CZK pricing.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Portugal
Criminals port Portuguese mobile numbers to intercept SMS banking OTPs and drain EUR from Multibanco and online banking accounts.
CountryCrypto Scams in Portugal
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes targeting Portuguese investors and expats, exploiting Portugal's growing fintech profile and NHR crypto tax treatment.
CountryInvestment Scams in Portugal
Unlicensed investment platforms and boiler-room operations targeting Portuguese savers and expats through social-media ads and cold calls.
CountryFake Police Scams in Portugal
Fraudsters impersonate PSP, GNR, or PJ officers to extort EUR payments or steal banking credentials from Portuguese residents under threat of arrest.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Portugal
Romance-investment fraud targeting Portuguese residents and expats on WhatsApp and Instagram, steering EUR into fake crypto platforms with Portuguese-language interfaces.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Portugal
Fraudsters impersonate the Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) to steal Portal das Finanças credentials or extort EUR from Portuguese residents.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Portugal
Fraudulent rental ads on OLX and Idealista targeting Portuguese house-hunters and expats, collecting deposits for properties that are not available.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Austria
Criminals port Austrian mobile numbers to intercept SMS banking OTPs and drain EUR from Austrian e-banking accounts.
CountryCrypto Scams in Austria
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes targeting Austrian investors through fake exchanges and celebrity-endorsed token projects, exploiting growing crypto interest.
CountryFake Delivery Text Scams in Austria
Fraudulent SMS impersonating Österreichische Post and DHL Austria, directing Austrian residents to phishing pages that steal card data or banking credentials.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Austria
Fraudulent rental ads on willhaben.at and Immobilienscout24 targeting Austrian house-hunters with below-market listings that collect deposits for inaccessible properties.
CountryFake Police Scams in Switzerland
Fraudsters impersonate cantonal police or federal authorities in Switzerland to extort CHF payments or steal e-banking credentials from Swiss residents.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Austria
Romance-investment fraud targeting Austrian residents through dating apps and WhatsApp, funnelling EUR into fraudulent crypto platforms via EPS and bank transfer.
CountryFake Police Scams in Austria
Fraudsters impersonate Austrian Bundespolizei or Europol officers over the phone, pressuring victims into handing over cash or bank credentials under threat of arrest.
CountryInvestment Scams in Austria
Unlicensed brokers and fake trading platforms targeting Austrian savers via social-media ads and cold calls, exploiting trust in German-language financial branding.
CountryCrypto Scams in Belgium
Fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes targeting Belgian investors through fake exchanges and celebrity-endorsed token projects, exploiting Belgium's fintech growth.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Belgium
Criminals port Belgian mobile numbers to intercept itsme authentication and drain EUR from Belgian bank accounts.
CountryFake Delivery Text Scams in Belgium
Fraudulent SMS impersonating bpost and DHL Belgium, directing Belgian residents to phishing pages that steal itsme credentials or card data.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Belgium
Fake rental ads on Immoweb and Facebook Marketplace targeting Belgian house-hunters, collecting deposits for properties that do not exist or are not available.
CountryFake Police Scams in Belgium
Fraudsters impersonate Belgian Federal Police or local police zones to extort EUR payments or steal itsme credentials under threat of arrest.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Belgium
Long-con romance-investment fraud targeting Belgian residents in French and Dutch, funnelling EUR into fake crypto platforms via Bancontact and bank transfer.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Belgium
Fraudsters impersonate the SPF Finances / FOD Financiën to extort EUR payments or steal itsme credentials from Belgian residents.
CountryInvestment Scams in Belgium
Unlicensed investment firms targeting Belgian savers with fraudulent trading platforms and boiler-room calls, exploiting trust in EU financial branding.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Denmark
Romance-investment fraud targeting Danish residents on social apps, steering DKK into fake crypto platforms under the guise of professional investment mentorship.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Denmark
Fraudsters impersonate SKAT (Danish Tax Agency) to steal MitID credentials or extort DKK payments from Danish residents.
CountryFake Online Stores in Denmark
Fraudulent e-commerce sites targeting Danish shoppers with steep discounts on goods that never arrive, using Danish-language interfaces and DKK pricing.
CountryFake Online Partner Scams in Norway
Fraudsters construct false romantic relationships with Norwegian residents on dating apps to extract NOK and personal data before disappearing.
CountryAdvance-Fee Scams in Norway
Classic advance-fee fraud targeting Norwegian residents with fabricated oil-sector contract windfalls or lottery prizes requiring NOK fees to release.
CountryInvestment Scams in Norway
Unlicensed brokers and fake trading platforms targeting Norwegian savers via social-media celebrity ads and cold calls, draining NOK from bank and pension accounts.
CountryFake Delivery Text Scams in Norway
Fraudulent SMS impersonating Posten Norge and private couriers in Norway, directing recipients to phishing sites that steal Vipps credentials or card data.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Norway
Romance-investment fraud targeting Norwegian residents through social apps, exploiting Vipps payment familiarity to drain NOK into fake crypto platforms.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Norway
Fraudsters impersonate Skatteetaten (Norwegian Tax Administration) to extort payments or steal BankID credentials from Norwegian residents.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Norway
Fake rental ads on Finn.no and Facebook Marketplace swindling Norwegian house-hunters out of deposits for properties that do not exist or are not available.
CountryFake Online Partner Scams in Sweden
Romance fraudsters build false relationships with Swedish residents on dating apps to extract SEK through fabricated emergencies.
CountryAdvance-Fee Scams in Sweden
Classic advance-fee fraud targeting Swedish residents with fake lottery prizes, EU grants, or business windfalls requiring SEK upfront payments.
CountryFake Charity Scams in Sweden
Fraudulent charity campaigns targeting Swedish donors with fake appeals for humanitarian causes, diverting SEK donations to scammers.
CountryFake Delivery Text Scams in Sweden
Fraudulent SMS impersonating PostNord and private couriers in Sweden, directing recipients to phishing sites that steal card details or Swish credentials.
CountryRental Listing Scams in Sweden
Fake rental listings on Blocket and Facebook Marketplace targeting Swedish house-hunters, collecting deposits for properties that are unavailable or non-existent.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Sweden
Long-horizon romance-investment fraud hitting Swedish residents via Messenger, WhatsApp, and Bumble, funnelling SEK into fake crypto portals.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Sweden
Scammers impersonate Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) demanding urgent payments or stealing BankID credentials from Swedish residents.
CountryInvestment Scams in Sweden
Unlicensed brokers and fake trading platforms targeting Swedish savers through social media ads and boiler-room calls.
CountryFake Online Stores in Switzerland
Fraudulent e-commerce sites targeting Swiss shoppers with heavily discounted goods that never arrive, using Swiss-looking domains and payment pages.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Switzerland
Criminals port Swiss mobile numbers to their own SIMs to intercept SMS authentication codes and drain e-banking accounts.
CountryFake Delivery Text Scams in Switzerland
Fraudulent SMS messages impersonating Swiss Post and private couriers, directing recipients to phishing sites that steal card data or install malware.
CountryPig-Butchering Scams in Switzerland
Long-con romance-investment fraud targeting Swiss residents through WhatsApp and LinkedIn, funnelling CHF into fake crypto platforms.
CountryInvestment Scams in Switzerland
Fraudulent investment schemes exploiting Switzerland's reputation for financial privacy and stability to defraud residents and expatriates.
CountryFake Tax Office Scams in Switzerland
Fraudsters impersonate the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (ESTV) to extort payments or steal bank credentials from Swiss residents.
CountryRomance Blackmail Scams in Switzerland
Sextortion schemes targeting Swiss users on dating apps and social platforms, threatening to expose intimate images unless CHF payments are made.
CountryAdvance-Fee Scams in Ghana
Ghana has long been associated with advance-fee fraud, where victims are promised large sums in exchange for upfront payments that are never returned.
CountryRomance Blackmail Scams in Ghana
Ghanaian romance-blackmail operations use fake online relationships to obtain intimate images, then threaten exposure unless victims pay.
CountryFake Recruiter Scams in Ghana
Fraudulent job offers targeting Ghanaian jobseekers promise overseas or high-paying local roles in exchange for upfront fees, leaving victims out of pocket and unemployed.
CountryInvestment Scams in Ghana
Ponzi schemes and fraudulent investment platforms have caused catastrophic losses in Ghana, targeting savers with promises of extraordinary returns.
CountryCrypto Scams in Ghana
Cryptocurrency fraud is growing rapidly in Ghana as low regulatory oversight and rising smartphone penetration create fertile ground for fake exchanges and coin promotions.
CountryTask Scams in Ghana
Task scams targeting Ghanaian workers offer easy online micro-jobs but ultimately trick participants into making deposits they can never recover.
CountrySIM Swap Scams in Ghana
SIM swap fraud allows criminals to take over a victim's mobile number in Ghana and drain linked mobile money wallets and bank accounts.