Scam Encyclopedia

Authority Figure Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as police, judges, or government officials to frighten victims into sending money immediately.

1-14 days

Catfishing Scams: How Fake Identities Target Your Heart

Scammers create fake online personas to build romantic relationships and manipulate victims into sending money or personal information.

1-6 months

Grandparent Scam: How to Protect Elderly Relatives

Scammers impersonate grandchildren in crisis, urgently requesting wire transfers. Victims lose an average of $5,000 within 24-72 hours.

1-3 days

Honey Trap Scams: Romance Lures and Sextortion

Scammers pose as romantic interests to extract intimate images, then blackmail victims for money or face exposure to family and friends.

1-4 weeks

Love Bombing Scam: Recognize the Romance Fraud Trap

Scammers create fake romantic relationships to build trust, then exploit victims for money through fabricated emergencies and investment schemes.

$15,000 Avg. Loss

2-6 months

Military Romance Scams: Spotting Fake Soldier Fraudsters

Scammers impersonate soldiers to build romantic relationships and extract money through emotional manipulation and false emergencies.

$10,000 Avg. Loss

2-6 months

Social Engineering Pretexting Scams

Scammers create false identities and build trust to manipulate victims into revealing personal information or sending money.

$8,000 Avg. Loss

1-30 days