How to spot the most common scams

Is that 'missed delivery' text a scam?

Millions of fake USPS, FedEx, UPS and DHL delivery texts are sent every day. Learn the exact signs t…

Is that PayPal 'verify your account' email a scam?

PayPal's name is used in more phishing emails than almost any other brand. Here's how to spot a fake…

Is that job offer a scam? How to spot fake recruiters and overpayment fraud

Fake job offers — including overpayment cheques, reshipping fraud, and task-based crypto traps — are…

Is your online relationship a romance scam? Warning signs to know

Romance scams — including 'pig butchering' crypto fraud — are among the most financially and emotion…

Is that crypto giveaway or doubling offer a scam?

Crypto doubling and celebrity giveaway scams run on YouTube, Twitter/X, and Telegram every day. Here…

Is that Geek Squad or Norton renewal email a scam?

The Geek Squad and Norton renewal email scam is one of the longest-running high-volume email frauds.…

Is that unexpected invoice email a scam?

Fake invoices target both individuals (fake Apple, Amazon, PayPal receipts) and businesses (Business…

Is that sextortion or blackmail email real? Here's what to do

Sextortion emails claim to have recorded you and threaten to send footage to your contacts. In the v…

Is that virus alert pop-up a scam? How to recognise fake tech support warnings

Fake Microsoft or Apple virus alerts that fill your screen and play audio are tech support scams. He…

Is that bank fraud alert text real or a scam?

Fake bank fraud alert texts are among the most convincing scams — they sometimes appear in the same …

Is that prize win or lottery notification a scam?

Unexpected lottery wins, competition prizes, and inheritance notifications that ask for an upfront f…

Is that buyer overpaying you on Facebook Marketplace a scam?

Overpayment scams on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and Gumtree follow a consistent playboo…

Is that charity appeal a scam? How to check before you donate

Fake charities spike after disasters, conflicts, and crises. Here's how to verify a charity is real …

Someone is asking you to pay with gift cards. That's always a scam

Being asked to pay for anything — tax debts, tech support, bail, utilities — with gift cards is a un…

Is that IRS, HMRC, or tax authority call a scam?

IRS, HMRC, and ATO impersonation scams use arrest threats and urgency to pressure people into immedi…

Is that rental listing a scam? How to spot a fake landlord

Fake rental listings on Craigslist, Facebook, Zillow, and Rightmove copy real properties and collect…

Is that emergency call from your 'grandchild' real or a scam?

Grandparent scams use urgency, shame, and a convincing impersonation to pressure older adults into s…

AI voice cloning scam: when the caller sounds exactly like your family member

AI voice cloning lets scammers impersonate your child, parent, or spouse using a few seconds of audi…

Is that QR code safe to scan? How QR code phishing works

QR codes in emails, on parking meters, and in restaurants can redirect you to phishing pages. Here's…

Is that investment platform a scam? How to spot fake trading sites

Fake forex, crypto, and stock trading platforms show convincing profits before making withdrawal imp…

Is that Amazon email or text a scam?

Amazon phishing emails and texts impersonate order confirmations, account alerts, and Prime renewal …

Is that Microsoft account security email a scam?

Microsoft account phishing emails impersonate security alerts, OneDrive warnings, and Teams notifica…

Is that message from a friend in trouble real or a hacked account scam?

Messages from hacked WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram accounts asking for money or a verification co…

Is that online shop real? How to spot a fake retail website

Fake online shops selling designer goods, electronics, or viral products at deep discounts are incre…

Is that utility shutoff call or text a scam?

Fake energy, gas, and water company shutoff threats demand same-day payment to avoid disconnection. …

Is that car or vehicle listing a scam? How to buy safely online

Fake car and motorcycle listings use below-market prices, absent sellers, and fake escrow services t…

Is that free trial a subscription trap?

'Free' trials for skincare, supplements, streaming, or software often conceal automatic recurring ch…

Is that work-from-home job offer a scam?

Work-from-home ads promising easy income for data entry, liking videos, or completing surveys almost…

Is that Social Security or Medicare call a scam?

Calls claiming your Social Security number has been suspended or your Medicare card needs renewal ar…

Is that dating profile real or a scam?

Fake profiles on Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, and other apps are used to steal money and personal informat…

Is that puppy or pet listing a scam?

Fake puppy and pet listings steal hundreds of dollars in deposits for animals that don't exist. Here…

Is that unpaid toll text a scam? (E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak)

Fake toll authority texts claiming unpaid balances are one of the fastest-growing smishing attacks. …

Is that debt collection call a scam? Your rights and what to do

Phantom debt collectors threaten arrest and lawsuits over debts you may not owe. Here's how to tell …

Is that student loan forgiveness offer a scam?

Fake student loan relief companies charge upfront fees for forgiveness programs that are entirely fr…

Is that McAfee or antivirus renewal email a scam?

Fake McAfee, TotalAV, and PC Protect renewal invoices use phone numbers to rope you into remote-acce…

Is that Amazon fraud prevention call a scam?

Fake Amazon calls about unauthorized purchases lead to remote access fraud and gift card demands. He…

Is that timeshare exit company a scam?

Timeshare exit companies charge thousands upfront and rarely deliver. Here's how to spot a fraudulen…

Is that government grant offer a scam?

Fake government grant texts, calls, and Facebook messages claim you've been 'pre-approved' for thous…

Is that cashier's check real? How fake check fraud works

Fake cashier's checks look genuine and temporarily 'clear' in your account — then bounce days later …

Is that vacation rental listing a scam?

Fake vacation rentals and fraudulent off-platform Airbnb bookings steal deposits for properties that…

Is that Instagram verification or account recovery message a scam?

Fake Instagram verification offers and account recovery messages steal your credentials and sell acc…

Is that Cash App or Zelle payment a scam?

Fake payment notifications, overpayment scams, and fraudulent 'bank safety' transfers via Cash App a…

Is that 'wrong number' text a scam?

Friendly 'wrong number' texts that lead to investment pitches or crypto platforms are a pig-butcheri…

Is that inheritance or fortune transfer email a scam? (419 / advance fee fraud)

Advance fee fraud — the '419 scam' — is the original email con and still costs people billions annua…

Real estate wire fraud: how your closing funds get stolen

Real estate wire fraud intercepts home-buying wire transfers by hacking or spoofing emails from your…

Is that health insurance offer a scam? How to enroll safely

Fake health insurance brokers during ACA open enrollment steal your data, pocket subsidies, and leav…

Is that DMV or vehicle registration renewal text a scam?

Fake DMV and vehicle registration expiry texts are a high-volume smishing attack. Here's how to tell…

Is that mystery shopping job offer a scam?

Fake mystery shopper jobs send you a check, ask you to wire part of it back, then the check bounces.…

Is that crypto site a wallet drainer? How NFT and DeFi scams steal everything

Wallet drainer attacks steal entire crypto portfolios in seconds through malicious smart contract ap…

Is that social media giveaway real or a scam?

Fake brand and celebrity giveaways on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok collect personal information a…