Scams by company or brand

Retail

Amazon is the most impersonated brand in the United States. The scams are fake order confirmations with a number to call, "Amazon Prime is renewing" robocalls, and texts about a suspended account. Amazon will never call you unprompted, never asks for remote access to your device, and never takes payment in gift cards.

Tech

The Microsoft scam is a screen-filling warning that your computer is infected, with a phone number to call. Microsoft never puts a phone number in an error message, never calls you about a virus, and never needs remote access to a computer you did not ask them to look at.

Shipping

The USPS scam is a text saying a package is held and a small redelivery or address fee is due. USPS does not text about delivery unless you signed up for tracking alerts, never charges a redelivery fee by text, and never sends a link to pay one. The small amount is the point — it gets a card entered without a second thought.

Tech

Apple scams arrive as texts about a locked Apple ID, pop-ups claiming your iPhone is infected, calls from "Apple Support", and receipts for App Store purchases you did not make. Apple will never call you unprompted, never asks for your password or a verification code, and never takes payment in gift cards.

Payments

PayPal scams involve fake invoices, phishing emails pretending to be from PayPal, and overpayment schemes. PayPal will never ask you to send money to keep your account active or click a link to verify your identity. Always log in directly at paypal.com.

Tech

Google scams include fake security alert emails about unauthorized sign-ins, Google Voice verification code scams, and phishing messages pretending to be from Google support. Because your Google account connects Gmail, Drive, Photos, and payment methods, a compromised account exposes your entire digital life. Google will never call you about account problems or ask for your password by email.

Tech

Gmail is both a target and the delivery route for nearly everything else. The scams aimed at Gmail itself are fake "unusual sign-in" alerts and storage-full warnings designed to capture your password. Your email account is the master key to every other account, so it deserves the strongest protection you have.

Retail

The Geek Squad scam is an emailed invoice for a subscription renewal of $300 to $500 that you never bought, with a phone number to cancel it. There is no link and no attachment, which is how it gets past spam filters. Calling the number is the scam — Best Buy does not email unexpected renewal invoices.

Government

The IRS contacts people by post first. It does not call demanding immediate payment, does not threaten arrest or deportation over the phone, does not email or text about refunds, and never accepts gift cards, wires or crypto. Any contact that does any of those things is an impersonation, without exception.

Government

Social Security scams involve phone calls or letters claiming your Social Security number has been suspended, compromised, or linked to criminal activity. The SSA will never call to threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask you to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency. Your Social Security number cannot be "suspended."

Social

Facebook scams include account hacking, fake profiles impersonating friends, phishing links in Messenger, and fraudulent ads. Scammers hack accounts and message the victim's friends asking for money or spreading malicious links. Facebook will never ask for your password via message or email.

Payments

A Zelle payment is instant and usually final, which is why scammers ask for it. The most common Zelle scam is a call from your "bank's fraud department" telling you to Zelle money to yourself to stop a fraudulent transfer — which actually sends the money to them. No bank ever asks you to do that.

Payments

Most Cash App losses start with a phone number found by searching. Cash App has no inbound support line, so every "Cash App customer service number" on a search result, ad or forum belongs to a scammer. Payments you send are also not reversible — Cash App is designed to work like cash.

Banks

Chase scams involve fake fraud alert texts, phishing emails about account lockouts, and calls from spoofed Chase phone numbers. Scammers trick you into sharing verification codes or moving money to a "safe" account. Chase will never ask you to transfer money to protect it, share your full password, or provide one-time passcodes over the phone.

Banks

Bank of America scams typically start with a fake fraud alert text or email, followed by a call from someone impersonating BofA's fraud department. Scammers ask for your login credentials, one-time passcodes, or trick you into sending Zelle payments. Bank of America will never call and ask for your password, full account number, or one-time access code.

Banks

Wells Fargo scams involve fake fraud alert texts, phishing emails about account suspension, and phone calls from spoofed Wells Fargo numbers. Scammers trick you into sharing your login credentials or sending Zelle payments to "secure" your account. Wells Fargo will never call or text you asking for your password, PIN, or one-time access code.

Streaming

Netflix scams involve fake emails saying your account has been suspended due to a payment problem. They ask you to click a link to update your billing information. The link goes to a fake Netflix page that steals your login credentials and credit card number. Netflix will never ask for your password, payment info, or personal information by email or text.

Tech

Norton and LifeLock scams involve fake subscription renewal emails claiming you're being charged $300-$500 for a product you never ordered. The email includes a phone number to "cancel." Calling connects you to a scammer who requests remote access to your computer and steals money from your bank account. Norton will never send unsolicited invoices or ask for remote access to process a refund.

Tech

McAfee scams involve fake subscription renewal emails, browser popups claiming your McAfee protection has expired, and phishing emails about account problems. These scams use McAfee's brand to either steal your credit card information or connect you with a fake tech support agent. McAfee will never show virus warnings with phone numbers in your browser or send unexpected renewal invoices.

Shipping

FedEx scams involve fake delivery notification texts or emails claiming your package can't be delivered. The messages include links to phishing sites that steal your personal or financial information. FedEx will never text or email you asking for payment or personal details to deliver a package.

Shipping

UPS scams are delivery-failure texts asking for a small fee, customs-charge emails, and occasionally a fake driver asking for payment at the door. UPS collects duties through its own billing, never by a link in a text, and its drivers never take payment from you at delivery.

Retail

Walmart scams include fake gift card giveaways, phishing emails about orders you didn't place, and bogus customer survey rewards. Walmart will never call, text, or email asking for gift card numbers, personal information, or payment to claim a prize. Always verify orders at walmart.com.

Payments

Venmo scams include fake payment notifications, phishing texts about account suspension, and overpayment schemes on marketplace sales. Venmo payments are instant and difficult to reverse. Venmo will never contact you asking for your password, PIN, or verification code via text, email, or phone.

Telecom

AT&T scams involve fake billing texts, phishing emails about account suspension, and SIM swap attacks that hijack your phone number. AT&T will never text you a link to pay your bill or ask for your password. Always log in directly at att.com or use the myAT&T app.

Telecom

Verizon scams involve fake billing texts, phishing emails about account problems, and SIM swap attacks. Scammers send texts claiming your bill is overdue or your account needs verification. Verizon will never ask for your password via text or email. Always check your account at verizon.com or in the My Verizon app.

Telecom

T-Mobile scams include fake billing texts, phishing emails about account verification, and SIM swap attacks that steal your phone number. T-Mobile will never ask for your password or PIN by text, email, or phone call. Always manage your account through the T-Mobile app or at t-mobile.com.

Government

Medicare scams target seniors and people with disabilities through fake calls about new Medicare cards, free medical equipment, or required "benefits reviews." Medicare will never call you unsolicited to ask for your Medicare number, offer free products in exchange for your ID, or threaten to cancel your coverage.

Crypto

Coinbase scams involve phishing emails about account lockouts, fake Coinbase support calls requesting remote access, and fraudulent text messages with verification code requests. Once scammers access your Coinbase account, crypto transfers cannot be reversed. Coinbase will never call you asking for your password, 2FA codes, or to install remote access software.

Marketplaces

On Facebook Marketplace the signature scam is the verification code: a "buyer" asks you to confirm you are real by reading back a code they sent. That code creates a Google Voice number in your name or takes over one of your accounts. No genuine buyer ever needs a code from you.

Social

Instagram scams include fake giveaway DMs, phishing links that steal your login, influencer impersonation, and "money flipping" schemes. Instagram will never DM you about winning a contest or ask for your password. If a deal sounds too good to be true on Instagram, it is.

Social

WhatsApp scams involve verification code theft to hijack your account, impersonation of friends or family asking for money, and phishing links sent through messages. WhatsApp will never contact you through the app to ask for your verification code. Never share your 6-digit WhatsApp code with anyone.

Banks

Capital One scams involve fake fraud alert texts, phishing emails about account security, and phone calls from spoofed Capital One numbers. Scammers try to steal your login credentials or trick you into sharing verification codes. Capital One will never call, text, or email you asking for your password, PIN, or one-time access code.

Banks

Citibank scams involve phishing emails about account suspensions, fake fraud alert texts, and calls from spoofed Citi phone numbers asking for verification codes. Citibank will never email you a link to verify your account, ask for your full card number by phone, or request payment in gift cards.

Marketplaces

eBay scams target both buyers and sellers. Buyers face fake listings, non-delivery of items, and counterfeit products. Sellers deal with false "item not received" claims and overpayment schemes. Always use eBay's official checkout and payment system. Never pay outside the platform.

Retail

Temu scams borrow the app's own referral mechanics: fake "claim your cash" links that harvest logins or card details, plus counterfeit storefronts and parcel-fee texts. Every real Temu promotion runs inside the Temu app — never through a link from someone you do not know.

Retail

Target scams include fake gift card giveaways, phishing emails about orders you didn't make, and bogus Target coupon offers shared on social media. Target will never contact you to ask for gift card numbers, personal information, or payment to claim a prize.

Retail

Costco scams include fake membership renewal emails, "anniversary promotion" gift card offers, and phishing messages about your Costco account. Costco will never email you asking to click a link to renew your membership or claim a free reward. Always manage your membership at costco.com.

Money admin

DoorDash scams centre on the verification code. Someone calls claiming to be DoorDash support about an order or account problem and asks for a code — that code takes over the account. DoorDash never asks for it, and there is no inbound support number.

Travel

Uber scams include phishing emails about suspicious charges, fake ride receipts, and in-person scams where drivers manipulate fares. Uber will never ask you to share your password, call you about account problems, or request payment outside the app. Always verify charges in the Uber app directly.

Shipping

DHL scams involve fake shipping notifications and customs fee emails claiming your package requires payment before delivery. These messages contain links to phishing sites that steal payment and personal information. DHL will never request personal information or prepayment via unsolicited email or text.

Social

LinkedIn scams involve fake job offers that require upfront payments, fake recruiter profiles harvesting personal information, and phishing messages disguised as professional opportunities. Legitimate employers never ask you to pay for training, equipment, or background checks before starting a job.

Social

TikTok scams include fake promotion and giveaway offers, phishing links in bio profiles, impersonation of popular creators, and scam "side hustle" opportunities promoted in videos. TikTok will never ask you for your password via DM. Be skeptical of any TikTok content promising easy money.

Streaming

Spotify scams involve fake emails about payment failures, account suspensions, or free Premium upgrades. These emails link to fake Spotify login pages that steal your credentials. Spotify will never ask you to provide your password via email or click a link to confirm your identity. Go directly to spotify.com to manage your account.

Streaming

Disney+ scams involve fake emails claiming your subscription payment failed, your account has been suspended, or you need to update your billing info. These emails include links to fake Disney+ login pages that steal your credentials. Disney+ will never ask you to click a link to verify your account. Always go directly to disneyplus.com.

Streaming

Hulu scams are billing-failure emails that capture a card, and "cancellation refund" calls that lead to remote access or bank details. Hulu takes payment only through your account at hulu.com or the store you subscribed through.

Telecom

Xfinity scams are discount calls requiring gift card prepayment, billing-failure texts that capture a card, and SIM swaps against Xfinity Mobile numbers. Xfinity never takes gift cards and never demands payment within the hour.

Telecom

Spectrum scams are discount calls requiring gift card prepayment and disconnection threats demanding immediate payment. Spectrum does not accept gift cards, does not demand payment within the hour, and does not send technicians you did not request.

Money admin

Publishers Clearing House scams involve fake calls, emails, or letters saying you won a PCH prize and must pay taxes, fees, or shipping costs to claim it. The real PCH will never ask you to pay anything to receive a prize, never calls to tell you that you won, and always awards prizes in person with their famous Prize Patrol.

Tech

Adobe scams involve fake subscription renewal emails for Creative Cloud or Acrobat, phishing messages about account verification, and fraudulent invoices for products you didn't order. Scammers exploit Adobe's complex subscription model to make fake charges seem plausible. Adobe will never ask for your password or financial information via email.

Tech

DocuSign scams come in two forms: fake emails imitating a signature request, and genuine DocuSign envelopes sent by fraudsters carrying a fraudulent invoice. The safe habit for both is the same — never click the button in the email; go to docusign.com and enter the security code instead.