If you feel you're being scammed in United States: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-382-4357 or report online at reportfraud.ftc.gov

Common Types of Scams

Learn to recognize the most prevalent scams targeting individuals online. Understanding these common tactics is your first line of defense against fraud and identity theft. Click on any scam type below to read detailed information about warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you've been targeted.

Common Types of Scams

Phishing Emails

Crypto Investment Scams

Romance Scams

Online Shopping Scams

Tech Support Scams

Job Offer Scams

Lottery or Prize Scams

Rental Scams

Fake Charity Scams

Bank or IRS Impersonation

Loan Scams

Social Media Giveaway Scams

Subscription Traps

Online Dating Verification

Investment Scams (Forex/Stocks)

Fake Government Websites

Advance Fee Scams

Online Marketplace Scams

Fake Reviews & Influencer Scams

Deepfake & AI Impersonation

QR Code Scams

Business Email Compromise

Online Education Scams

Medical & Insurance Scams

Too Good to Be True Deals

Common Types of Scams

Phishing EmailsFake emails pretending to be from banks, companies, or services to steal your login info

Phishing Emails

Crypto Investment ScamsPromises of high returns if you invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform

Crypto Investment Scams

Romance ScamsScammers build fake romantic relationships to extract money or information

Romance Scams

Online Shopping ScamsFake websites selling products that never arrive or are counterfeit

Online Shopping Scams

Tech Support ScamsCalls or popups claiming your device has a virus and asking for remote access

Tech Support Scams

Job Offer ScamsFake jobs that ask for personal info or upfront payments for training or equipment

Job Offer Scams

Lottery or Prize ScamsYou've won! emails asking you to pay a fee to claim a prize

Lottery or Prize Scams

Rental ScamsFake listings for apartments or homes, requesting deposits before you see the place

Rental Scams

Fake Charity ScamsFraudulent donation requests, often after disasters

Fake Charity Scams

Bank or IRS ImpersonationThreatening calls/emails claiming you owe money or must verify info

Bank or IRS Impersonation

Loan ScamsOffers of easy loans that require upfront processing fees

Loan Scams

Social Media Giveaway ScamsFake giveaways that trick users into giving up data or spreading scams

Social Media Giveaway Scams

Subscription TrapsFree trials that secretly enroll you in costly recurring charges

Subscription Traps

Online Dating VerificationAsking you to verify your identity on a scammy website

Online Dating Verification

Investment Scams (Forex/Stocks)Unregistered brokers or schemes offering insider info

Investment Scams (Forex/Stocks)

Fake Government WebsitesLookalikes that steal your info when you apply for services

Fake Government Websites

Advance Fee ScamsYou're promised a large sum in exchange for a small upfront fee

Advance Fee Scams

Online Marketplace ScamsFraudulent buyers/sellers on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, etc.

Online Marketplace Scams

Fake Reviews & Influencer ScamsPromoting scam products with fake credibility

Fake Reviews & Influencer Scams

Deepfake & AI ImpersonationUsing realistic voices/videos to impersonate people

Deepfake & AI Impersonation

QR Code ScamsFake QR codes leading to phishing or malware sites

QR Code Scams

Business Email CompromiseHackers pose as executives to trick employees into wiring money

Business Email Compromise

Online Education ScamsFake courses or degrees requiring payment

Online Education Scams

Medical & Insurance ScamsOffering fake policies, COVID tests, or miracle cures

Medical & Insurance Scams

Too Good to Be True DealsUnrealistic discounts or profits meant to bait and defraud you

Too Good to Be True Deals