Learn about scams
Scams fall into a few patterns. Start with a category to understand how the tactic works, or jump straight to a company scammers like to impersonate.
Fake Identity
Scams where someone pretends to be a person or organization you trust, like a love interest, tech support, a government agency, or even a family member.
5 scam types →
Too Good to Be True
Scams that lure you with amazing deals, guaranteed returns, or easy money. If it sounds too good to be real, it probably isn't.
6 scam types →
Exploitation
Scams that take advantage of a difficult moment, like your generosity after a disaster, confusion about health insurance, or stress about debt.
3 scam types →
Threats
Scams that use fear, intimidation, or blackmail to force you into paying. They threaten to expose something, arrest you, or harm someone you love.
3 scam types →
Scams by company
Scammers impersonate the brands you already deal with. Pick the kind of company that contacted you. Each guide covers how the scam works, what the real company will never ask you for, and exactly what to do.
Retail & shopping
Stores whose order confirmations, refunds and rewards get faked at enormous volume.
Amazon, Geek Squad / Best Buy, Walmart
14 companies →
Tech & software
Operating systems, security software and productivity tools used to open a support-scam call.
Microsoft, Apple, Google
16 companies →
Shipping & delivery
Carriers behind the "your package is held" text, one of the most-sent scam messages there is.
USPS, FedEx, UPS
4 companies →
Payments & money transfer
Payment apps and wire services. Once money leaves through one of these, it is usually gone.
PayPal, Zelle, Cash App
6 companies →
Government & benefits
Agencies impersonated to manufacture fear: taxes, benefits, immigration, warrants.
IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare
12 companies →
Social & messaging
Where the approach happens: hacked accounts, fake support, and the first message of a long con.
Facebook / Meta, Instagram, WhatsApp
13 companies →
Banks & credit
Banks, card issuers and credit bureaus — the brands behind "fraud alert" calls and texts.
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo
12 companies →
Streaming & gaming
Subscriptions and game platforms — small, believable charges and stolen-account resale.
Netflix, Spotify, Disney+
12 companies →
Phone, internet & utilities
Providers impersonated with shutoff threats and "loyalty discount" prepayment demands.
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
7 companies →
Crypto & investing
Exchanges, wallets and brokerages impersonated to move you into an irreversible transfer.
Coinbase, Binance, Robinhood
7 companies →
Marketplaces & classifieds
Person-to-person selling platforms, where the platform is real and the counterparty is not.
Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist
10 companies →
Jobs, housing & money admin
Hiring, renting, taxes and giving — the brands attached to a decision you were already making.
DoorDash, Publishers Clearing House, Intuit TurboTax
10 companies →
Travel & transport
Bookings, rides and airline support — high-value, time-pressured, and hard to reverse.
Uber, Lyft, Booking.com
10 companies →
Health & insurance
Insurers and health programs used to harvest policy numbers and open medical identity theft.
Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, State Farm
5 companies →