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
Reward Points Scam: Don't Fall for Fake Prize Claims
Scammers pose as retailers or loyalty programs claiming you've won free gift cards or rewards—then ask for personal info or payment.
Scratch Card & Instant Win Scams
Fake lottery scratch cards and instant win games that promise prizes but steal money and personal data from participants.
Social Media Giveaway Scams: Fake Celebrity & Brand Promotions
Scammers impersonate celebrities and brands on social media to trick users into sending money for fake prizes worth thousands of dollars.
Sweepstakes Scams: How Fake Prize Offers Steal Money
Scammers pose as lottery or sweepstakes operators, claiming you've won a prize and demanding upfront fees or personal information to claim it.
Unclaimed Funds Scam: How Scammers Exploit Unclaimed Money
Fraudsters contact victims claiming they've won unclaimed money, inheritance, or tax refunds—then demand upfront fees to release the funds.
Cause-Washing Scams: Fake Social Impact Fraud
Scammers exploit your desire to help by creating fake charities and social causes, pocketing donations meant for legitimate social impact.
Crowdfunding Fraud: Fake GoFundMe & Donation Scams
Fraudsters create fake crowdfunding campaigns claiming personal emergencies or disasters to steal donations, costing victims an average of $2,000 per incident.
Disaster Relief Scams: Fake Charities After Crises
Scammers exploit natural disasters by posing as legitimate charities to steal donations meant for victims.
Disaster Relief Supply Scams: How Fake Aid Fraud Works
Scammers impersonate relief organizations after disasters to sell fake supplies or steal donation money. Average victims lose $2,000.
Donation Skimming: Fake Charities Stealing Your Generosity
Scammers create fraudulent charities or pose as legitimate organizations to intercept and pocket donations meant for those in need.
Fake Charity Organization Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent Fundraisers
Scammers impersonate legitimate charities to steal donations meant for disaster relief and charitable causes, often exploiting emotional emergencies.
Fake GoFundMe & Crowdfunding Charity Scams
Fraudsters create fake charitable campaigns on crowdfunding platforms to steal donations meant for legitimate causes or disaster relief.
Fake Volunteer Organization Scams
Fraudsters impersonate legitimate volunteer organizations to solicit donations or personal information from well-meaning supporters.
Religious Charity Fraud: Fake Donations & False Causes
Scammers impersonate legitimate religious organizations to solicit donations for fabricated charitable causes, exploiting faith and generosity.
Veteran Charity Scams: How Fake Charities Exploit Patriotism
Scammers impersonate legitimate veteran charities to collect donations that never reach veterans, exploiting donor patriotism and trust.
Fake Airline Ticket Scams
Scammers sell fraudulent airline tickets that don't exist, leaving travelers stranded and out hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Fake Hotel Booking Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent Reservations
Scammers create counterfeit hotel booking confirmations to steal payment details and personal information from travelers seeking accommodation deals.
Fake Travel Agency Scams: Booking Fraud Guide
Scammers pose as legitimate travel agencies to steal money for fake bookings, leaving victims without flights, hotels, or refunds.
Fake Vacation Rental Scams: How to Book Safely
Scammers pose as vacation rental hosts, collect deposits for properties they don't own, then disappear before your arrival.
Resort Presentation Scam: The Free Vacation Trap
Scammers lure victims to fake resort presentations with promises of free vacations, then pressure them into timeshare contracts worth thousands.
Ride-Share Scams: Protect Yourself from Fake Drivers
Scammers pose as ride-share drivers or create fake apps to steal payment info, strand passengers, or commit robbery during fake rides.
Timeshare Scams: How to Spot Fraudulent Vacation Property Deals
Timeshare scammers promise luxury vacation ownership but trap victims in endless fees and impossible contracts. Protect yourself with these warning signs.
Travel Insurance Fraud: How Scammers File False Claims
Criminals exploit travel insurance by filing fake claims for cancellations, lost baggage, and medical emergencies to steal thousands in payouts.
Travel Package Fraud: Fake Vacation Deals
Scammers pose as legitimate travel agencies, selling non-existent vacation packages and pocketing deposits without providing services.