Scam Encyclopedia
Comprehensive guides covering 200+ scam types across 15 categories. Learn to recognize, avoid, and report every type of fraud.
201
Scam Types
15
Categories
12
Languages
24/7
Updated Daily
Payroll Diversion Scams: How to Protect Your Paycheck
Scammers intercept payroll systems to redirect employee wages to fraudulent accounts. Learn how to spot and stop this fast-moving employment fraud.
Vendor Impersonation Scams: Protect Your Business
Scammers pose as trusted suppliers to trick businesses into sending payments for fake invoices or services.
Work-From-Home Job Scams: Identify Fake Offers
Scammers pose as legitimate employers offering remote jobs, stealing upfront fees and personal data before disappearing.
Census Scams: Protect Your Data and Money
Census scams exploit trust in government by impersonating officials to steal personal information or money, often leading to identity theft and financial loss.
Court Summons Scam: Avoid Fake Arrest Threats
Scammers impersonate court officials or law enforcement, threatening immediate arrest or fines if you don't pay a fake court summons or missed jury duty fee.
Customs & Border Scam: Impersonation Fraud Alert
Scammers impersonate customs or border agents, threatening arrest or deportation over fake package issues or visa violations to extort immediate payments.
DMV & Motor Vehicle Scams: Protect Your License & Info
Scammers impersonate the DMV or motor vehicle departments to steal your personal information, money, or coerce you into fraudulent actions related to your vehicle or license.
Fake Government Grant Scams: Don't Get Fooled
Scammers impersonate government officials, promising large grants in exchange for upfront fees, leaving victims with no money and no grant.
Immigration Scams: Protect Your Future
Immigration scams exploit the hopes and fears of individuals seeking a new life, often impersonating government officials to steal money and compromise status.
IRS & Tax Authority Impersonation Scams
Scammers impersonate IRS agents demanding immediate payment for fake tax debts, using threats of arrest and legal action.
Jury Duty Scam: Avoid Fake Arrest Warrants
Scammers impersonate court officials, threatening immediate arrest for missed jury duty unless you pay a bogus fine, often leading to significant financial loss.
Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as police or government agents, threatening arrest or legal action to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Social Security Scams: How Criminals Impersonate SSA
Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration to steal personal data, money, and benefits through fake calls, emails, and texts.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Don't Get Fooled
Scammers exploit the desire for student loan relief, impersonating government agencies or loan servicers to steal money and personal information.
Utility Shutoff Threat Scam: Protect Your Power
Scammers impersonate utility companies, threatening immediate service disconnection to pressure victims into urgent payments, often via unconventional methods.
Ransomware Attacks: Protect Your Data from Digital Extortion
Ransomware encrypts your digital files, demanding payment to restore access, leading to significant financial loss and data disruption.
Remote Access Trojan (RAT) Scams
Remote Access Trojans (RATs) allow scammers to take full control of your computer, stealing data, installing malware, and causing significant financial and privacy damage.
Browser Locker Scams: Unmasking Fake Tech Support
Browser locker scams hijack your web browser with alarming fake security alerts, pressuring you to call fraudulent tech support for immediate payment.
Domain Expiration Scam: Protect Your Website
Domain expiration scams trick website owners into paying fraudulent renewal fees or transferring their domain to scammers, risking website loss and financial harm.
Fake Antivirus Scams: Protect Your Digital Life
Scammers trick you into installing malicious software disguised as antivirus, then demand payment to 'fix' non-existent problems or remove real threats they installed.
Fake Cloud Storage Warning Scam
Scammers trick victims with urgent fake cloud storage alerts, demanding payment or remote access to 'fix' non-existent issues and steal personal data.
Fake Data Recovery Service Scams: Don't Lose Your Data Twice
Fake data recovery service scams trick victims into paying for non-existent services, often leading to financial loss and permanent data loss.
Fake DMCA Takedown Notice Scams: Protect Your Content
Scammers impersonate copyright holders to threaten content creators and businesses with fake DMCA takedown notices, aiming to steal money, data, or credentials.
Fake Pop-up Alert Scams: Don't Fall for Tech Support Fraud
Scammers use alarming pop-up messages to trick you into believing your computer is infected, coercing you to call a fake tech support number and pay for unnecessary services.