Focused Scam Guides
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eSIM Swap Fraud Signalled via SMS
How SMS messages — both fraudulent phishing texts and legitimate carrier notifications — intersect with eSIM swap fraud, and what to do when you receive a SIM change notification.
PlatformOne-Ring Wangiri Scams Extended via SMS
How one-ring missed calls are increasingly supplemented with SMS follow-ups that increase callback rates by adding urgency or a plausible context for the missed call.
PlatformHotel Phishing Scams via SMS
How SMS messages impersonating hotels or booking platforms redirect travellers to fraudulent payment pages or request card details for 'pre-authorisation' charges.
PlatformFake Visa Services Scams via Phone Calls
How phone-based visa consultants charge high fees for assistance that is either unnecessary, incomplete, or fraudulent, leaving applicants with rejected applications and lost money.
PlatformFake Travel Insurance Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers sell fraudulent travel insurance policies that have no real coverage, leaving travellers unprotected and out of pocket when they need to claim.
PlatformFake Ticket Scams via Email
How phishing emails and fraudulent ticket confirmation messages deliver fake event tickets, leaving buyers locked out of events and unable to recover their money.
PlatformFake Travel Points and Miles Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers impersonating loyalty programme representatives trick frequent travellers into paying fees to unlock, protect, or transfer reward points.
PlatformFake Passport Renewal Scams via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating passport agencies or official government renewal services charge processing fees and collect personal data for identity theft or worthless assistance.
PlatformFake Cruise Deal Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers offer exclusive cruise deals with high-pressure tactics that result in worthless bookings, hidden fees, or cabin categories dramatically different from what was described.
PlatformFake Travel Agency Scams via Phone Calls
How fraudulent travel agencies operate telephone booking services that collect full holiday payments for trips that are never arranged or that collapse before departure.
PlatformFake Vacation Rental Host Scams on Booking Sites
How fraudulent listings on mainstream booking platforms harvest guest payments for properties that do not exist or are not available to let.
PlatformFake Global Entry and TSA PreCheck Scams via Phone
How callers impersonating US Customs and Border Protection or TSA charge fees for Global Entry or PreCheck enrolment assistance that provides no genuine value or service.
PlatformFake Lost Luggage Compensation Scams via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating airlines or compensation claims services charge fees to process lost luggage compensation claims that they do not file.
PlatformFake Car Rental Deposit Scams via Email
How phishing emails impersonating car rental companies generate fraudulent deposit requests or capture card details during the booking confirmation process.
PlatformFake Event Travel Package Scams via Phone Calls
How callers sell sports, concert, or festival travel packages over the phone, collecting full payment for flights, hotels, and event tickets that are fraudulent or do not exist.
PlatformHoliday Club and Timeshare Presentation Scams via Phone
How phone calls offer free holidays or holiday club trials to lure consumers into high-pressure timeshare or holiday membership sales presentations.
PlatformFake Airbnb Host Deposit Scams via WhatsApp
How fraudulent hosts move Airbnb or vacation rental communication to WhatsApp to solicit additional deposits or off-platform payments outside of any buyer protection.
PlatformFlight Upgrade Offer Scams via Phone Calls
How callers impersonating airlines offer upgrades or seat changes that never materialise, charging premium fees for nothing.
PlatformFake Energy Broker Scams via Email
How email campaigns impersonating energy suppliers or brokers mislead businesses and households into switching to contracts with hidden terms, high exit fees, or no actual supply.
PlatformFake Utility Rebate Scams via Email
How phishing emails impersonating energy, water, or telecoms providers claim an overpayment is available, directing consumers to fraudulent refund pages.
PlatformSmart Meter Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers impersonating energy suppliers or government programmes charge fees for smart meter installations that are offered free of charge by law.
PlatformGreen Grant Scams via Email
How phishing emails impersonating government energy efficiency schemes solicit application fees, surveys, or personal details under the guise of qualifying for insulation, heat pump, or renewable energy grants.
PlatformFake Broadband ISP Scams via Email
How phishing emails impersonating broadband providers mislead consumers into paying fraudulent bills, switching contracts under false pretences, or providing account credentials.
PlatformFake Boiler Cover Scams via Email
How phishing emails impersonating boiler cover providers collect renewal payments or policy details for cover that does not exist or will not pay out.
PlatformFake Meter Reading Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers impersonating energy suppliers collect meter readings, personal details, or payments under the pretence of a routine meter check or billing update.
PlatformFake Tree Removal Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers impersonate council tree departments or arborist services to charge upfront fees for tree inspections or removal work that is never performed.
PlatformUtility Disconnection Threat Scams via SMS
How text messages impersonating energy, water, or telecoms providers threaten immediate service disconnection unless a payment is made within hours.
PlatformFake Solar and Green Energy Scheme Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers sell solar panel installations, heat pumps, or green energy investments under the pretence of government grants or exceptional returns that do not materialise.
PlatformFake Insulation Grant Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers impersonating government insulation grant schemes charge homeowners for surveys or deposits on insulation work that qualifies for free government funding.
PlatformFake Water Quality Scams via Phone Calls
How cold callers impersonating water authorities or health agencies claim local water supply problems and charge for filtration systems or water quality tests.
PlatformJuice Jacking Scam Awareness via Phone Calls
How vishing calls warn of fake juice jacking incidents to harvest banking credentials or push victims to download fake security tools.
PlatformFake Wi-Fi Captive Portal Fraud Enabled by Phone Social Engineering
How vishing calls impersonating hotel or venue IT support direct victims to connect to rogue Wi-Fi networks and accept malicious captive portal terms.
PlatformFake Pet Food & Supplement Store Scam on Instagram
Scammers use boosted Instagram ads and shoppable posts to sell counterfeit or nonexistent 'premium' pet food and supplements, then vanish after taking payment.
PaymentFake Pet Food & Supplement Store Scam via Credit Card
Fake pet supplement and food storefronts are built to accept only credit cards, using hidden subscription traps and processor tricks to keep charging victims after the first sale.
PlatformPet Cloning Service Scam on TikTok
Viral TikTok videos promise to clone a deceased or aging pet, collecting a deposit for a DNA preservation kit and a cloning package that is never delivered.
PaymentPet Cloning Service Scam via Wire Transfer
Fake pet cloning operations push grieving owners toward international wire transfers for 'preservation' and 'processing' fees, a payment method that is nearly impossible to reverse.
PlatformFake Lost Pet Recovery Service Scam on Facebook
Scammers monitor local Facebook lost-and-found pet groups and pose as professional pet trackers or finders who claim they've spotted or captured the animal, demanding payment before 'releasing' it.
PaymentFake Lost Pet Recovery Service Scam via Zelle
Fake pet finders push distressed owners to send 'finder's fees' or 'transport costs' through Zelle, exploiting its instant, largely irreversible transfers.
PlatformFake Service Dog Training Scam on Instagram
Scammers use polished Instagram pages showing 'trained' service dogs to sell overpriced, incomplete, or entirely fictional training programs and certification packages.
PaymentFake Service Dog Training Scam via Venmo
Fake service dog trainers request Venmo payments framed as informal deposits between individuals, sidestepping any business-level purchase protection.
PlatformHorse & Livestock Sale Deposit Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Fraudulent listings for horses, cattle, and other livestock on Facebook Marketplace collect a 'hold' deposit for an animal that doesn't exist or was never for sale by the lister.
PaymentHorse & Livestock Sale Deposit Scam via Wire Transfer
Livestock sale scammers insist on wire transfers for deposits, exploiting the fact that agricultural sales often legitimately involve larger sums moved by wire, which makes the request feel normal.
PlatformFake Pet Rehoming & Transport Scam on Facebook
Scammers post free or low-cost 'rehoming' pet ads on Facebook and then charge escalating transport, crate, or health certificate fees for an animal that is never actually shipped.
PaymentFake Pet Rehoming & Transport Scam via Cash App
Pet rehoming and transport scammers request Cash App payments for fees and 'transport costs,' relying on its instant, hard-to-reverse transfers to lock in each new charge.
BrandPet Sitting & Boarding Prepayment Scam Impersonating the Rover Brand
Scammers impersonate the Rover pet-sitting brand or its sitters, directing owners to pay boarding or sitting fees outside the platform where none of its protections apply.
PaymentPet Sitting & Boarding Prepayment Scam via Zelle
Fake or no-show pet sitters ask owners to prepay boarding or sitting fees through Zelle, an instant transfer method with no purchase protection if the sitter never shows.
CountryFake Refugee Resettlement Fee Scam in the United States
Scammers pose as resettlement agency staff or federal officials demanding fees from refugees and asylum seekers in the US to 'process' or 'expedite' resettlement paperwork that is actually free.
PlatformFake Court Interpreter Certification Scam on Facebook
Scammers use Facebook groups and ads targeting bilingual professionals and immigrant communities to sell bogus 'court certified interpreter' credentials that courts do not recognize.
PaymentFake Power of Attorney Document Scam via Wire Transfer and Notary Fees
Scammers draft fraudulent power of attorney documents for elderly or vulnerable victims and collect 'notary,' 'filing,' or 'legal processing' fees by wire transfer, gaining control of the victim's finances or property.
PlatformFake Inheritance Probate Lawyer Scam via Email
Scammers email targets claiming to be a probate attorney handling the estate of a distant or unknown relative, requesting fees to release a fabricated inheritance.
PlatformFake DNA Immigration Test Scam on Facebook
Scammers advertise DNA testing kits on Facebook claiming results will prove family relationships needed for immigration or family reunification petitions, but the tests are unaccredited or the results are never usable.
PlatformStreaming Service Renewal Phishing Scam via SMS
Fraudulent text messages claim your streaming subscription has failed to renew or been suspended, directing you to a fake login page that steals your account and payment details.
PaymentFake Subscription Refund Callback Scam via Remote Access and Bank Transfer
Scammers call claiming a subscription refund was issued in error, then use remote-access software and manipulated bank screens to trick victims into 'returning' far more money than any refund.
PlatformGym Membership Cancellation Scam via Phone Call
Callers posing as gym billing or retention staff offer to 'process' a membership cancellation for a fee, or use the call to harvest payment details under the guise of confirming an account closure.
PlatformMeal Kit Box Subscription Trap Scam on Instagram
Instagram ads offer a heavily discounted 'free trial' meal kit box that quietly enrolls buyers into an expensive recurring subscription that is deliberately difficult to cancel.
PlatformFake Loyalty Rewards Renewal Scam via Email
Emails impersonating airline, hotel, or retail loyalty programs claim reward points are expiring or a paid membership tier needs renewal, directing victims to a phishing page that steals login and payment details.
PaymentSubscription Bundle Hidden Fee Scam via Credit Card Billing
Bundled subscription offers combine several services into one checkout, quietly attaching add-on fees and recurring charges to a credit card that are never clearly disclosed at the point of sale.
PlatformFake Cloud Storage Billing Scam via Email
Phishing emails impersonate major cloud storage providers, warning that storage is full or a payment failed, to trick victims into entering card details or login credentials on a fake billing page.
PlatformCharity Recurring Donation Trap Scam on Facebook
Facebook fundraiser posts and ads solicit a one-time emotional donation but quietly enroll donors into a recurring monthly charge to an unregistered or fake charity that is difficult to cancel.
PlatformFake Domain Hosting Renewal Scam via Email
Scammers email website and domain owners official-looking renewal notices for domains or hosting they don't actually manage, at inflated prices, hoping owners renew through the scammer instead of their real registrar.
PaymentDating App Premium Auto-Renew Scam via App Store Billing
Dating apps use app store in-app purchase systems to enroll users in premium tiers with auto-renewal terms buried in fine print, then make cancellation deliberately confusing across two separate settings menus.
PlatformHealth and Wellness Supplement MLM Scam on Instagram
Instagram influencer-style posts recruit followers into supplement multi-level marketing schemes using exaggerated health transformation claims and pressure to buy inventory and recruit downlines.
PlatformEssential Oils MLM Scam on Facebook
Facebook groups and personal pages recruit members into essential oil multi-level marketing under the guise of wellness communities, encouraging inventory purchases and downline recruitment over genuine retail sales.
PlatformBeauty and Cosmetics MLM Scam on Instagram
Instagram beauty influencer accounts recruit followers into cosmetics MLM opportunities by mixing genuine-looking makeup content with 'boss babe' business pitches and inventory-heavy starter kits.
PlatformFake Real Estate Investment Club Scam on Facebook
Facebook groups branded as real estate investment 'clubs' recruit members into paying for coaching, mentorship tiers, and recruitment bonuses rather than any genuine property investment.
PlatformNFT and Web3 Referral Pyramid Scam on Discord
Discord servers built around an NFT or Web3 project use tiered referral bonuses and mandatory buy-ins to create a pyramid structure disguised as community-driven token or NFT growth.
PlatformPassport Identity Cloning Scam on Telegram
Criminals use Telegram's encrypted channels and bots to trade cloned passport scans, synthetic identity kits, and document-editing services built from stolen photos.
PaymentPassport Identity Cloning Scam via Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is the near-universal settlement method for cloned passport and identity-document sales because it is fast, cross-border, and hard to reverse.
PlatformSIM-Based Identity Verification Bypass Scam on WhatsApp
After hijacking a phone number through a SIM swap, criminals immediately re-register the number on WhatsApp to hijack the victim's account, contacts, and linked verification codes.
BrandSIM-Based Identity Verification Bypass Scam Impersonating Mobile Carrier Support
Scammers pose as mobile carrier support staff to trick victims into approving a SIM swap themselves, or to social-engineer store employees into approving a fraudulent port.
PaymentFake Identity Monitoring Service Scam via Credit Card
Fraudulent identity-monitoring services lure victims into a recurring credit card subscription that delivers little or no real monitoring while harvesting the very personal data it claims to protect.
PlatformFake Identity Monitoring Service Scam on Facebook
Fake identity-monitoring companies buy Facebook ad space with alarming 'your data was leaked' messaging to drive signups for a subscription that delivers little real protection.
PlatformLoan Stacking Identity Fraud Scam on Online Lending Apps
Fraudsters use stolen identities to apply for multiple instant online loans within hours, across many different lending apps at once, before any single lender's fraud checks catch up.
PlatformRental Application Identity Theft Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Fake landlords on Facebook Marketplace collect full rental applications, including Social Security numbers and pay stubs, from multiple applicants for a property they don't own or that doesn't exist.
PaymentRental Application Identity Theft Scam via Wire Transfer
After harvesting a renter's identity through a fake application, scammers also push for a wired deposit or first month's rent, doubling the loss beyond the stolen data itself.
CountryBenefits and Unemployment Identity Fraud Scam in the United States
Fraudsters use stolen Social Security numbers to file unemployment claims in states where the victim never lived or worked, exploiting decentralized, state-run benefits systems.
PaymentBenefits and Unemployment Identity Fraud Scam via Prepaid Debit Card
Fraudulent unemployment claims often direct payouts to a prepaid debit card the scammer controls, since many benefits agencies default to card disbursement and cards are easier to cash out anonymously than bank transfers.
PlatformBiometric Face and Voice Spoofing Fraud Scam on Video Conferencing Platforms
Criminals use AI-generated deepfake video and voice cloning on video calls to impersonate executives, colleagues, or family members and authorize fraudulent transfers or disclosures.
PaymentBiometric Face and Voice Spoofing Fraud Scam via Wire Transfer
The end goal of most deepfake biometric spoofing schemes is an urgent, one-time wire transfer, chosen because wires are fast, cross-border, and virtually impossible to reverse once sent.
PlatformFake Background Check Service Scam on Facebook Ads
Facebook ads promising instant, cheap background checks lure people searching for a landlord, date, or babysitter check into paying for a report that is fabricated, generic, or never delivered.
PlatformFake Meta Business Suite Alert Scam on Facebook
Scammers send fake Meta Business Suite policy violation alerts to Facebook Page admins, pushing them to a phishing page that steals login credentials and hijacks the business account.
PlatformLinkedIn Recruiter Phishing Scam on LinkedIn
Fake recruiters build convincing LinkedIn profiles to message job seekers directly, moving the conversation off-platform to phish credentials or personal data under the guise of a hiring process.
PaymentLinkedIn Recruiter Phishing Scam via Gift Cards
After a fake LinkedIn recruiter 'hires' a target, they often ask the new hire to purchase gift cards to cover onboarding costs or software licenses, a request no real employer would ever make.
PlatformTikTok Creator Fund Phishing Scam on TikTok
Scammers impersonate TikTok's Creator Fund team, messaging creators about 'unclaimed earnings' or 'fund upgrades' to phish login credentials and payout account details.
PlatformYouTube Channel Strike Phishing Scam on YouTube
Scammers send fake copyright or community guideline strike notices to YouTube creators, using the fear of losing a channel to phish login credentials or extort a payment.
PlatformFake Apartment Tour & Application Fee Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Scammers post attractive rental listings on Facebook Marketplace, then collect 'application' or 'tour scheduling' fees for units they don't own or that don't exist.
PaymentFake Apartment Tour & Application Fee Scam via Zelle
Fake landlords steer rental applicants toward Zelle for application and tour-scheduling fees because the transfers are instant and essentially irreversible.
BrandVacation Rental Booking Scam Impersonating the Airbnb Brand
Scammers impersonate Airbnb's look, emails, and support chat to convince travelers to pay for bookings or 'verification' outside the real platform.
PlatformVacation Rental Booking Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Fraudsters list vacation properties on Facebook Marketplace and vacation-rental groups, collecting deposits for beach houses or cabins that aren't theirs to rent.
PaymentFake Mortgage Preapproval Lender Scam via Wire Transfer
Fraudulent 'lenders' issue quick preapproval letters, then request an upfront wire transfer for fees, points, or an 'insurance deposit' before any real loan exists.
CountryFake Mortgage Preapproval Lender Scam in the United States
In the competitive US housing market, fake lenders exploit buyer urgency and confusion around NMLS licensing to sell worthless preapproval letters and collect upfront fees.
PlatformProperty Management Fee Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Scammers pose as third-party property managers on Facebook Marketplace, collecting move-in fees or deposits for units they don't actually manage.
PaymentProperty Management Fee Scam via Zelle
Fake property managers request move-in fees and deposits through Zelle specifically because the transfers are instant and offer renters no dispute path.
PaymentFake Home Inspection & Appraisal Scam via Wire Transfer
Scammers posing as inspectors or appraisers request wire transfers for services never performed, often timed around real estate closings when wiring money feels routine.
PlatformSquatter Fake Lease Scam on Facebook Marketplace
Scammers list vacant or empty-looking homes on Facebook Marketplace, produce a forged lease, and use it to move in as a squatter or to defraud a renter.
CountrySquatter Fake Lease Scam in the United States
In the US, forged leases are used to exploit slow, state-specific eviction procedures, turning a fraudulent tenancy claim into a months-long legal battle for property owners.