Focused Scam Guides
Page 35 of 42.
Fake Insulation Grant Scams at the Doorstep
How doorstep callers pose as government-funded insulation scheme representatives, collecting upfront fees or fitting substandard insulation for grants that do not apply.
PlatformUtility Disconnection Threat Scams via Phone Calls
How scammers impersonate utility companies over the phone, threatening imminent disconnection to panic victims into immediate payment by gift card or wire transfer.
PlatformFake Solar Panel and Green Energy Scheme Scams at the Doorstep
How doorstep callers sell overpriced, substandard, or non-existent solar panels and green energy systems under the cover of government schemes or guaranteed savings.
PaymentVIN Cloning Scams Paid via Cryptocurrency
How fraudsters selling VIN-cloned stolen vehicles increasingly demand cryptocurrency payment, making stolen-car transactions nearly impossible to trace or reverse.
PlatformTitle Washing Scams on WhatsApp
How sellers use WhatsApp's private messaging environment to market washed-title vehicles, exploiting the platform's informality and end-to-end encryption to avoid accountability.
PaymentFake Car Buyer Scams via Gift Card Payment
How fraudulent car buyers trick private sellers into accepting gift card payments for vehicles, a method that provides no buyer-side recourse and is almost always associated with fraud.
PlatformCurbstoning Scams on Instagram
How unlicensed vehicle dealers use Instagram profiles and Stories to sell cars as private individuals, bypassing dealer licensing, disclosure, and warranty obligations.
PaymentFake Vehicle Shipping Scams via Cryptocurrency
How fraudsters running fake vehicle shipping operations insist on cryptocurrency payment to eliminate any possibility of fund recovery after collecting fees for vehicles that will never be delivered.
PaymentOnline Vehicle Deposit and Escrow Scams via Cryptocurrency
How fraudulent vehicle escrow services exploit cryptocurrency's irreversibility to steal deposits from car buyers with no possibility of fund recovery.
CountryVIN Cloning and Title Washing Vehicle Fraud in the UK
How VIN cloning and the concealment of write-off status operate within the UK's V5C and MOT framework, and how buyers can use free government tools to protect themselves.
PlatformFake Mechanic and Repair Overcharge Scams via WhatsApp
How fraudulent mobile mechanics use WhatsApp to approach vehicle owners, conduct informal assessments, and overcharge for fabricated repairs in untraceable cash transactions.
PaymentFake Car Shipping Fee Extraction Scams via Gift Cards
How fee-extraction shipping scammers pivot to gift card demands when initial wire-transfer attempts fail, using the same multi-payment playbook with an even harder-to-trace payment method.
PlatformVehicle Service Contract Scams via Email
How unsolicited emails mimic official warranty expiry notices to pressure vehicle owners into purchasing worthless extended service contracts.
PlatformFake Vehicle History Report Scams on WhatsApp
How sellers using WhatsApp to market vehicles share counterfeit or manipulated history reports in private conversations, exploiting the channel's informality to bypass buyer verification.
PaymentDeposit to View Car Scams via Bank Transfer
How fraudsters requesting viewing-slot deposits by bank transfer exploit the faster payments infrastructure to receive and immediately withdraw funds before the buyer can raise an alarm.
PlatformFake Breakdown Cover Scams on Instagram
How Instagram accounts advertising heavily discounted breakdown cover sell fake or worthless policies to drivers who discover the fraud only when they need assistance.
PlatformOdometer Rollback and Clocking Scams via WhatsApp
How vehicle sellers using WhatsApp to market clocked cars exploit the private conversational format to prevent buyers from conducting proper mileage verification before purchase.
CountrySalvage and Rebuild Title Fraud in the United States
How salvage and rebuilt-title vehicles are sold across US state lines without disclosure, exploiting database gaps and differing state title-branding requirements.
PlatformGhost Broker Car Insurance Scams on WhatsApp
How ghost brokers use WhatsApp networks to sell fake or manipulated motor insurance policies at inflated or discounted prices to drivers who end up unknowingly uninsured.
PlatformFake Veteran Charity Scams via Email
How fraudulent veteran charity emails solicit donations and recurring pledges by impersonating registered military welfare organisations in official-looking communications.
PlatformFake Animal Rescue Scams on Facebook
How fraudulent animal welfare pages and posts on Facebook solicit urgent donations for animals in distress whose situations are fabricated, misrepresented, or permanently recycled.
PlatformReligious Cause Scams on WhatsApp
How fraudulent religious appeals circulated through WhatsApp groups and broadcast lists exploit community trust and shared faith identity to collect donations for causes that do not exist.
PlatformFake Children's Charity Scams on Facebook
How fraudulent children's welfare pages and posts on Facebook exploit parental empathy and community sharing dynamics to raise money for fabricated or misrepresented child welfare causes.
PlatformFake Medical Fundraising Scams on Facebook
How fabricated or exaggerated medical situations are presented on Facebook to solicit donations through the platform's native fundraising tools and linked payment pages.
PlatformReligious Tithe and Donation Scams on WhatsApp
How fraudsters use WhatsApp to impersonate religious leaders and church treasurers, soliciting tithes and special collections from congregation members through trusted-seeming messages.
PlatformFake Disaster Appeal Scams via Email
How fraudulent disaster relief emails impersonate major aid organisations to collect donations in the days following a major emergency, before donors have identified verified giving channels.
PlatformVolunteer Fee Scams on Instagram
How fraudulent volunteer programme operators use Instagram to recruit fee-paying applicants for overseas placements that do not exist or are dramatically misrepresented.
PlatformFake Foundation Grant Scams on WhatsApp
How fraudulent grant award messages circulated through WhatsApp target individuals and community organisations with advance-fee fraud dressed as charitable funding.
PlatformFake Charity Lottery Scams on WhatsApp
How fraudulent charity lottery win notifications are circulated through WhatsApp to collect release fees for prizes that were never entered and do not exist.
PlatformFake Disaster Relief Scams on Facebook
How fraudulent disaster relief posts and pages on Facebook collect donations in the wake of major emergencies, exploiting the platform's sharing dynamics before donors can identify verified channels.
PlatformFake Religious Collection Scams via Email
How fraudulent emails impersonating religious organisations solicit special collections, building fund contributions, and emergency donations for causes that do not exist.
PlatformFake Working Dog Charity Scams on Facebook
How fraudulent service and guide dog charity pages on Facebook use compelling canine content to build engaged followings before launching donation appeals for training programmes that do not exist.
PlatformFake Individual Medical Treatment Appeal Scams via Crowdfunding Pages
How fraudulent personal medical treatment campaigns on crowdfunding platforms use fabricated diagnoses and borrowed identities to raise funds for treatment costs that are non-existent or heavily overstated.
PlatformFake Veterans and Military Charity Scams via Email
How fraudulent military charity emails impersonate established veteran welfare organisations to collect donations and set up recurring charges for programmes that direct little or nothing to service members.
PlatformFake Environmental and Wildlife Appeal Scams on Facebook
How fraudulent conservation and environmental pages on Facebook build engaged audiences through compelling wildlife content before launching donation appeals for projects that do not exist.
PlatformNFT Mint Scams on X/Twitter
Fraudsters use X/Twitter hype campaigns, fake celebrity endorsements, and coordinated bot activity to drive retail buyers into fraudulent NFT mints before rugging the project.
PlatformAddress Poisoning Scams on Telegram
Attackers use Telegram to distribute lookalike wallet addresses, impersonate project admins, and trick users into sending funds to attacker-controlled addresses disguised as official deposit destinations.
PlatformLiquidity Mining Scams on Discord
Fake DeFi liquidity pools are promoted through Discord DeFi communities, using community trust and server authority to drive wallet approvals that drain victim funds.
PlatformFake Token Presale Scams on Telegram
Fraudulent token presales are marketed through Telegram channels and bots, collecting cryptocurrency from investors with a promise of early-access allocation that is never fulfilled.
PlatformMemecoin Pump Scams on Telegram
Coordinated Telegram pump groups organize simultaneous buying of obscure memecoins to drive price spikes, then organizers dump their holdings into the retail buying wave they created.
PlatformFake Crypto Tax Software Scams on Reddit
Scammers promote fake or malware-laced crypto tax tools through Reddit posts and comments in tax and crypto communities, exploiting the platform's perceived peer trust to drive downloads and subscriptions.
PlatformFake Crypto Job Scams on Facebook
Fraudulent cryptocurrency employment opportunities circulate through Facebook groups and ads, targeting job seekers with convincing remote work offers that lead to upfront deposit demands.
PlatformFake Mining Rig Scams on Facebook
Fraudulent mining hardware listings on Facebook Marketplace and crypto groups use stolen photographs and compelling backstories to collect payments for equipment that never ships.
PlatformCopy-Trading Crypto Scams on Discord
Fake copy-trading operations on Discord build community credibility through staged performance results before routing deposits to unregulated platforms that block all withdrawals.
PaymentYield-Farming APY Trap Scams via Cryptocurrency
Fraudulent yield-farming contracts accept cryptocurrency deposits with promises of extreme APY returns, then exploit admin key privileges or malicious token mechanics to drain deposited funds.
PlatformFake Bridge Scams on Discord
Fraudulent cross-chain bridge links are distributed through Discord communities via compromised accounts, impersonated admins, and fake support bots, directing users to phishing sites that steal bridged assets.
PlatformRomance Crypto Mining Scams on Facebook
Fraudsters construct romantic connections through Facebook profiles and groups before introducing fake crypto mining platforms, exploiting Facebook's identity cues to build deeper trust than anonymous apps allow.
PlatformMEV Sandwich Attack Scams on Discord
Fake MEV protection tools and bots are promoted through Discord DeFi communities, collecting deposits or wallet approvals under the guise of shielding users from front-running attacks.
PlatformOracle Price Manipulation Scams on Discord
Fraudsters promote fake DeFi protocols with deliberately vulnerable price oracles on Discord, accumulating user deposits before triggering a self-inflicted oracle exploit to drain the treasury.
PlatformDusting and De-anonymization Attacks via Telegram
Attackers use Telegram to execute the social-engineering phase of dusting attacks, contacting victims whose wallet identities have been linked to their Telegram presence through on-chain analysis.
PlatformDAO Governance Takeover Scams on Discord
Attackers manipulate DAO governance outcomes by using Discord to suppress community opposition, create false consensus, and shepherd malicious proposals through voting with minimal scrutiny.
PlatformForex Scams on Facebook
Fraudulent forex trading schemes use Facebook ads, groups, and personal profiles to recruit victims with lifestyle imagery and fabricated returns before collecting deposits on unregulated platforms.
PaymentPonzi Schemes via Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency-denominated Ponzi schemes use the technical complexity of DeFi or staking mechanics to disguise the classic structure of paying early investors with later investors' funds.
PlatformPump-and-Dump Scams on Telegram
Telegram pump-and-dump groups coordinate simultaneous buying of thinly traded securities or tokens, creating artificial price spikes that organizers exploit to sell pre-held positions at the expense of group members.
PlatformBank Transfer App Fraud on WhatsApp
Fraudsters impersonate family members, bank officials, or trusted contacts on WhatsApp to create urgent payment scenarios that pressure victims into authorizing bank transfers.
PlatformBoiler Room Scams on Facebook
Boiler room-style investment fraud has migrated to Facebook, using targeted ads, fake financial expert profiles, and investment groups to apply the same high-pressure tactics in a digital social context.
PlatformPrecious Metal Investment Scams on Telegram
Fraudulent bullion investment opportunities are promoted through Telegram channels, combining safe-haven investment appeal with crypto payment mechanics and group social proof to extract deposits.
PlatformCarbon Credit Scams on Telegram
Fraudulent carbon credit investment programs use Telegram channels to recruit environmentally motivated investors with promises of regulatory tailwinds and green portfolio returns.
PlatformFractional Property Investment Scams on Facebook
Fraudulent fractional real estate schemes use Facebook ads and investment groups to recruit deposits for properties that do not exist, are misrepresented, or are controlled by operators who divert funds.
PlatformMoney Flipping Scams on WhatsApp
Money flipping fraud spreads through WhatsApp chain messages and direct appeals, using the platform's trusted personal network context to make cash multiplication promises seem more credible.
PlatformFinfluencer Unlicensed Investment Scams on X/Twitter
Unlicensed financial influencers on X/Twitter use large followings, coordinated engagement, and undisclosed paid promotions to drive followers into high-risk or fraudulent investment products without required disclosures.
PlatformFake AI Investment Bots on Discord
Fake AI trading bots are distributed through Discord servers as community tools or premium services, collecting deposits through an interface that simulates real trading while routing all funds to the operator.
PlatformAI Trading Signal Subscription Scams on Discord
Discord servers sell access to AI-generated trading signal channels that showcase cherry-picked wins while delivering inconsistent or fabricated signals that produce losses for subscribers.
PlatformFake AI Trading Platform Scams on Telegram
Fake AI trading platforms are promoted through Telegram with referral-driven recruitment mechanics, collecting deposits from an expanding network of victims before blocking withdrawals and disappearing.
PlatformIn-Game Skins and Currency Scams in In-Game Marketplaces
Scammers exploit mechanics within official and third-party in-game marketplaces to defraud players through item bait-and-switch, chargeback abuse, and counterfeit listings that bypass platform safeguards.
PlatformAccount Recovery and Boosting Scams on Twitch
Streamers and chat participants on Twitch promote fraudulent boosting and account recovery services, using live gaming demonstrations and chat-based social proof to recruit paying victims.
PlatformFree Robux and V-Bucks Generator Scams on X/Twitter
Fake in-game currency generator links spread rapidly on X/Twitter through bot networks and viral post mechanics, targeting young players with promises of free Robux, V-Bucks, or equivalent currencies.
PlatformGrey Market Game Key Chargeback Scams on Telegram
Telegram channels sell game activation codes purchased with stolen payment methods, and when chargebacks occur the keys are revoked, leaving buyers with cancelled games and potential account suspensions.
PlatformFake Game Mod Loader Malware Scams on Twitch
Streamers on Twitch are either compromised or paid to endorse fake mod tools and cheat programs, lending live-stream credibility to malware downloads that steal credentials and cryptocurrency.
PlatformFake Esports Betting and Tournament Scams on Twitch
Fraudulent esports betting sites and fake tournament operators use Twitch streams as a promotional and credibility channel, collecting viewer wagers and entry fees through live broadcast social proof.
PlatformIn-Game Marketplace Fee Scams in In-Game Marketplaces
Fraudulent fee structures embedded within or adjacent to official in-game trading systems deceive players into paying escalating charges that are never authorized by the game publisher.
PlatformFake Visa Enforcement Scams via SMS
How text messages impersonating immigration authorities create panic about fake visa violations and direct recipients to call back numbers or pay through unsafe links.
PlatformFake Census Scams via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating census or statistical agency workers conduct fake surveys to harvest personal and financial information under the guise of an official population count.
PlatformFake Child Support Scams via SMS
How text messages impersonating child support enforcement agencies pressure parents with fake enforcement notices and urgent payment links.
CountryFake Passport Renewal Fee Scams in the UK
How fraudulent websites and emails impersonating His Majesty's Passport Office collect renewal fees and identity documents from UK applicants seeking a new or renewed passport.
PlatformFake Healthcare Enrollment Scams via Email
How fraudulent emails impersonating health insurance marketplaces and government health programs enroll recipients in worthless plans or harvest Social Security numbers during open enrollment windows.
PlatformFake Electoral Registration Scams via SMS
How text messages impersonating voter registration authorities warn of lapsed registrations and direct recipients to fake portals that collect personal information.
PlatformFake Court Fine Scams via SMS
How text messages impersonating courts, traffic enforcement agencies, and toll authorities create urgent fine payment demands and direct recipients to fake portals.
PlatformFake FEMA and Disaster Aid Scams via Email
How fraudulent emails impersonating FEMA and disaster relief organisations collect personal information and application fees from disaster survivors seeking legitimate assistance.
PlatformFake Court e-Summons Scams via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating court clerks and officers pressure recipients into paying fees to reschedule or resolve a supposed pending summons, exploiting the fear of missing a court date.
PlatformFake Government App Download Scams via Email
How fraudulent emails direct citizens to install malicious apps disguised as official government tax, benefit, or identity apps, enabling credential theft and device compromise.
PlatformMedical Identity Theft via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating healthcare providers, insurers, and government health programs extract insurance member IDs and patient credentials that enable medical identity theft.
PlatformFake Medical Equipment Scams via Email
How fraudulent medical equipment emails promote deeply discounted or free devices that turn out to be counterfeit, non-functional, or never delivered.
PlatformFake Addiction Treatment Scams via Email
How fraudulent emails targeting people seeking addiction treatment steer recipients toward unqualified or non-existent treatment facilities through compelling recovery narratives.
PlatformFake Dental and Vision Plan Scams via Email
How email offers for dental and vision discount plans use persuasive plan summaries and low monthly costs to enroll consumers in memberships that deliver little or no real benefit.
PlatformFake Supplement Subscription Scams via Phone Calls
How callers promoting health supplement offers enroll consumers in expensive recurring subscriptions without clearly disclosing the ongoing billing terms.
PlatformFake Medical Crowdfunding Scams via Email
How email-based medical fundraising appeals exploit compassion and personal networks to solicit donations for fabricated or exaggerated medical emergencies.
PlatformFake Weight Loss Program Subscription Scams on Facebook
How Facebook advertisements for weight loss programs use dramatic testimonials and celebrity-adjacent imagery to funnel users into expensive hidden subscription traps.
PlatformFake Online Therapy and Counselling Scams via Phone Calls
How callers posing as therapy intake coordinators enroll vulnerable people in counselling subscriptions backed by unlicensed practitioners or no genuine service at all.
PlatformFake Clinical Trial Recruitment Scams via Phone Calls
How callers posing as clinical trial recruiters exploit patients' hope for new treatments to collect personal data, insurance details, and enrolment fees.
PlatformTelemedicine Platform Fraud via Email
How fraudulent telehealth emails attract new patients with low-cost consultation offers, then collect insurance data and prescribe unnecessary products through the fake platform.
PlatformHealthcare Billing Fraud via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating healthcare billing departments collect card payments for manufactured debts and harvest insurance details to enable fraudulent claims.
PlatformPrescription Discount Card Scams via Email
How emails promoting prescription savings cards enroll consumers in paid memberships that deliver negligible savings compared to free alternatives.
PlatformFake Medical Alert Device Scams via Email
How emails promoting free or subsidised medical alert devices for seniors collect Medicare numbers and personal information while hiding expensive monitoring contracts.
PlatformForeclosure Relief Scams via Email
How fraudulent emails targeting homeowners in foreclosure offer loan modification and relief services that collect upfront fees and sensitive financial documents but deliver nothing.
PlatformMortgage Modification Scams via Phone Calls
How callers posing as mortgage relief specialists pressure financially stressed homeowners into paying upfront fees for loan modifications that are never pursued.