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You’re told that a loan, payout, or “approved payment” is ready and will be sent to your bank “immediately” — but first you must pay a smaller fee (often called a release, processing, clearance, or compliance fee). Once you pay, the scammers either ask for more money because of “new problems,” or they disappear. No money is ever released.

Victims receive an email or message claiming that their casino winnings or payout request has been confirmed. The message uses fake verification details and official-looking logos to appear legitimate, luring the victim into clicking a link to a fraudulent casino site or handing over sensitive information. The goal is to steal money, credit card details, or encourage further gambling deposits that can never be withdrawn.

Scammers impersonate Coinbase and send fake alerts claiming that your Coinbase account has been paired with an external service (such as Ledger Live) without your authorization. The message pressures you to call a fake support number where scammers attempt to steal your login details, 2FA codes, or crypto assets.

Scammers send a text claiming to be from USPS or U.S. Customs saying your package can’t be delivered because of an “invalid ZIP code” or missing address. The message includes a link to “confirm” your information or asks you to reply with a single letter (like Y). The link leads to a fake website that steals your personal details and card numbers, or installs malware.

Scammers pretend to be a delivery company (for example UPS, USPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon, Royal Mail, Canada Post) and say your package is “out for delivery” or “waiting for delivery.” The link takes you to a look‑alike page that offers a cash or gift “survey reward” and shows a countdown timer to rush you. After a few easy questions, the site asks for personal details and a small payment “to claim the reward” or “cover shipping.” Victims can be charged repeatedly, signed up for unwanted subscriptions, or have their information misused.

You receive an email that looks like it’s from DocuSign (or another e‑signature service) saying “Your documents are ready to sign.” The button or link takes you to a website that looks like a Microsoft, Google, or company login page. If you enter your email and password there, the scammers steal your login and can get into your email and other accounts.

You get a text saying it’s from the DMV or E‑ZPass about an unpaid toll that must be paid right away. The message threatens fines or even suspension of driving privileges and gives you a link to “pay now.” The link goes to a fake site that collects your card and personal details.

You receive a frightening email claiming a hacker took over your computer and recorded you through your webcam while you visited adult websites. They threaten to send the “video” to your family, friends, and coworkers unless you pay in Bitcoin within a short deadline. These are mass-produced blackmail emails. The sender usually does not have any video or access to your device—they are trying to scare you into paying. This scam is very common on Hotmail/Outlook/Live accounts, where scammers often make the message look like it came “from” your own address.

Scammers pretend to be Meta/Facebook and claim your Facebook Page broke Community Standards. They warn your Page will be locked within 24 hours unless you “contact support” or “appeal” using a link they provide. The link goes to a fake login or “support chat” page designed to steal your Facebook password and 2FA codes. Once they get in, scammers can take over your Page, run ads on your card, or message your followers.

Scammers pretend to be well-known companies, like AAA or other membership services, and send emails inviting you to take a quick survey about your recent experience. The message often promises a free reward—such as a gift card, roadside kit, or other “thank you” item—for completing the survey. The link in the email doesn’t go to the real company. Instead, it leads to a fake site that either tries to steal your personal details, trick you into entering payment info for shipping, or installs harmful software on your device.

Scammers set up a fundraising website that looks like a real GoFundMe-style platform. People create campaigns and start seeing “donations” appear — often large amounts that feel life-changing. When they try to withdraw, the money is locked behind extra steps such as buying “points,” “badges,” “verification,” or paying “processing fees.” The goal is to make victims pay these upfront fees again and again, while no real payout ever happens. This scam often targets people already under financial stress.

Scammers send emails pretending to be from Interpol or another police unit, claiming you committed an “administrative offense.” They attach a fake letter with logos and official language, threaten arrest within 48 hours, and tell you to reply to a specific email address to “justify” yourself. Once you engage, they pressure you to pay a “fine” or hand over personal details. This is meant to scare you into acting quickly.

Scammers impersonate government tax or revenue departments and promise a refund or rebate. Victims are directed to click on a phishing link or provide personal/banking details, which are then stolen.

Scammers send a flashy investment pitch to a big iMessage or SMS group with people you don’t know. The message promises fast “retirement” gains, includes a short web link, and sometimes says to reply “YES” so they can “reopen” the link. The goal is to get you to click, talk to them privately, and eventually send money to a fake “investment” or trading account (often tied to crypto or forex). Once you deposit, your money becomes very hard to get back.

Unsolicited emails or letters claim you are due a large inheritance, “recovered funds,” or a prize. The message uses official‑looking logos and a reference number to appear real, then asks for your bank account details to “process the pay‑out.” After you reply, scammers often ask for upfront fees (tax, transfer, or clearance charges) or try to use your information for fraud.

A fraudulent internship scheme where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations or students, sending altered checks and demanding money back. Victims are tricked into revealing banking information and lose funds once the fake checks bounce.

Scammers pretend to be a law firm or legal team representing a known company. They email small businesses saying there are “issues” with the website (logos, reviews, privacy notice, or ads). The message sounds friendly and “cooperative,” and often includes a Word document (.docx) with “details” they want you to review. The aim is to make you open the attachment or contact them so they can push you to share information, install software, or pay a “resolution” fee.

You get an email that looks like it’s from Microsoft saying your password has expired and you must “Update Password Now” within 24 hours. It warns you could lose access to Outlook, OneDrive, Office 365, or Teams. The button leads to a fake sign-in page that steals your email and password. The message uses urgent, scary language to make you act fast.

Scammers send a fake PayPal invoice and push you to call a support number. From there, they escalate to remote control, fake refunds, and pressure to "return" money you never received.

Scammers are finding ways to use real notification emails sent by legitimate companies (like Facebook, Google, or Microsoft) to hide their phishing attacks. By registering fake accounts, business pages, or events on these platforms, they can include their scam website links in places like group names or business portfolio names. The real company then sends out official-looking emails—including the scam link—directly to users. Because these emails come from trusted sources, it’s easy to fall for the scam and click on the malicious link, which usually leads to a fake login page designed to steal your username and password.

Scammers send surprise texts pretending to be recruiters from well-known staffing firms or big stores. The message promises easy, part‑time remote work with very high daily pay and quick bonuses. Victims are pushed to reply by text, WhatsApp, or Telegram and are then coached into sharing personal details, paying “training/equipment” fees, or doing fake “tasks” that require deposits. No real job exists—the goal is to steal money or identity.

Scammers send emails pretending to be from a college or university IT department, warning students that their email account will be deactivated unless they “verify” or “update” their information. These messages usually include an urgent tone and a link to a fake website that looks like a real college login page. The true goal is to steal your school email login and password, which can be used to access your personal data, financial accounts, or send more scam emails to others.

Scammers send emails or texts that look like they’re from a subscription or streaming service, saying your payment failed or your card expired. They warn your account will be paused soon unless you “update billing.” The link or button takes you to a fake website that copies the real brand’s look to steal your login, credit card, and personal details. Common examples include messages pretending to be from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, or Apple. Red flags include urgent deadlines (24–48 hours), generic greetings, small spelling mistakes, and links that don’t lead to the company’s official website.

Scammers pretend to be from your bank, payment app (Zelle, Cash App, PayPal), crypto exchange, or broker and claim a withdrawal or transfer is about to happen. The message pushes you to click a link or call a number “right now” to stop it. The goal is to get your password and one‑time codes, or to talk you into moving money to the scammer’s “safe” account.

Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be from companies you pay each month (like domain providers, streaming services, or utilities). The message claims your recent payment failed or your card expired and urges you to “update your payment details” to avoid service interruption. The link takes you to a fake sign‑in or billing page designed to steal your account password and credit card information.

Scammers target people selling items on sites like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist by pretending to be interested buyers. They claim they’ll pay you using Venmo or Zelle and may ask for your email or phone number. After you provide it, you receive a fake message (by text or email) saying your payment is “on hold” or can’t be released unless you receive additional funds or verify your account. The message may mention business accounts, new rules, or KYC requirements, and often lists a phone number to call “support.” The scammer’s goal is to either trick you into sending them money, sharing personal info, or contacting them directly.