Scam Guides
Short, independent explainers for the most common consumer scams. Each guide covers the warning signs, what to do, and the safest next steps. New guides are added every week.
50 guides published. More on the way.
Foundational (5)
How to Check if a Website Is Legit
A simple, honest checklist for spotting a fake or scam website in 30 seconds before you share information or pay.
Fake Delivery Text Scams: What to Watch For
Fake USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL delivery texts are the single most common consumer scam. Here is exactly how to spot them.
PayPal Scam Emails: Common Warning Signs
Phishing emails pretending to be from PayPal are one of the oldest and most polished scams online. Here is how to spot a fake.
Facebook Marketplace Scam Warning Signs
Marketplace is convenient but has no built-in escrow. Here is the short list of patterns every buyer and seller should know.
Online Shopping Scam Warning Signs
Fake shops copy real brands, take your payment, and ship nothing - or counterfeits. Here is the 30-second checklist that catches most of them.
Brand impersonation (19)
Fake PayPal Invoice Scam: How It Works
Fake PayPal invoices for products you never bought are designed to make you call a fraudulent support number. Here are the red flags.
Fake PayPal Payment Failed Email
A fake "PayPal payment failed" email tries to scare you into clicking a link to update billing. Here is how to spot it.
Fake Amazon Account Locked Email or Text
Amazon "account locked" scams are everywhere. Here is how to spot the fake and protect your account.
Fake Amazon Order Confirmation Scam
Scam emails confirm a big Amazon order you never placed, then push you to call a fake support number. Here is the playbook.
Fake Amazon Prime Billing Scam
Fake Amazon Prime renewal or billing emails ask you to verify a charge. Here is what to do instead.
Fake Apple ID Security Alert
A fake "your Apple ID was used to sign in" message pushes you to a phishing page. Here is how to confirm and respond.
Fake Apple ID Locked Scam
Fake "Apple ID locked" messages try to push you to a fake unlock page. Here is the right way to verify.
Fake Microsoft 365 Suspension Email
Fake Microsoft 365 suspension emails push you to a phishing login page. Here is how to verify and avoid losing access.
Fake Microsoft Defender Renewal Invoice
Fake Microsoft Defender or Windows Defender renewal invoices include a scam phone number. Here is what is real and what is not.
Fake Gmail Security Alert
Fake Gmail security alerts impersonate Google and push you to a fake sign-in. Here is what to check.
Fake Google Drive Shared Document Scam
Scam Google Drive sharing notifications lead to a malicious doc and a phishing prompt. Here is how to spot them.
Fake Netflix Payment Failed Email
Fake Netflix payment emails push you to a fake login and billing page. Here is what to check.
Fake Netflix Account Suspended Email
Fake "Netflix account suspended" emails are phishing. Here is how to confirm your account is fine.
Fake Chase Fraud Alert Text
Fake Chase fraud alerts ask you to reply YES or NO, then route you to a fake "agent" who drains your account. Here is the pattern.
Fake Bank of America Fraud Alert Text
Fake BofA fraud alerts are designed to get a 'NO' reply and route you to a scam caller. Here is what to do.
Fake Wells Fargo Fraud Alert Text
Wells Fargo fraud alert text scams follow a predictable script. Here is how to recognize the fake and call the real bank.
Venmo Payment Request From a Stranger
Small Venmo requests from familiar-sounding names are a setup. Here is how to recognize the trick.
Cash App $500 Giveaway Scam
Cash App "cashback giveaway" or "flip" scams ask for an upfront payment that never comes back. Here is the pattern.
Zelle Imposter Bank Scam
The most damaging Zelle scam impersonates your bank's fraud line and walks you into wiring funds 'to yourself'. Here is the script.
Delivery scams (8)
FedEx Tracking Text Scam: Warning Signs
Fake FedEx tracking texts about a missed delivery are designed to take your card. Here is the pattern.
FedEx Redelivery Fee Scam
Real FedEx never charges to re-deliver a domestic package. Here is what to do with the text instead.
UPS Tracking Text Scam
Fake UPS tracking texts are extremely common. Here is how to recognize the fake from the real.
UPS Customs Payment Scam
Fake UPS customs scams target international shipments. Here is the playbook.
USPS Missed Delivery Scam
USPS "missed delivery" texts are the #1 SMS scam in the US. Here is how to spot them in seconds.
USPS Package Redelivery Scam
USPS does not text you to schedule redelivery. Here is what the real process looks like.
DHL Tracking Text Scam
Fake DHL tracking texts ask for address verification or customs payment. Here is the pattern.
DHL Redelivery Fee Scam
Fake DHL redelivery fees do not exist for normal shipments. Here is the scam pattern.
Government impersonation (6)
Fake IRS Tax Refund Text
The IRS does not text taxpayers about refunds. Here is how the scam works and what to do.
Fake IRS Tax Owed Phone Call
The IRS never threatens arrest by phone. Here is the script and what to do.
Fake IRS Audit Letter
Fake IRS audit letters list a phone number that is not the IRS. Here is how to verify a real notice.
Fake Social Security Suspension Call
The SSA does not suspend Social Security numbers. Here is the robocall scam pattern.
Fake Social Security Benefits Suspended Text
Fake "your Social Security benefits will be suspended" texts impersonate the SSA. Here is what is real.
Medicare Card Replacement Scam
Fake Medicare card replacement calls and texts harvest Medicare numbers. Here is the pattern.
Marketplace and platform (4)
Craigslist Scam Warning Signs
Craigslist scams keep evolving but share core patterns - rentals, items, jobs. Here is the short list.
eBay Off-Platform Payment Scam
Sellers or buyers who push you off eBay to Zelle or wire are scammers. Here is why.
Fake Etsy Shop Scam
Fake "handmade" Etsy shops dropship from AliExpress with branded markup. Here is how to spot them.
Facebook Marketplace Verification Code Trick
Buyers or sellers who ask you to share a 6-digit code are running an account-takeover. Here is why.
Money scams (7)
Gift Card Scam: Warning Signs
Any request to pay with gift cards is a scam, full stop. Here is what to know.
Wire Transfer Scam: Warning Signs
Wire transfers cannot be reversed. Here is when you should never wire money.
Crypto Investment Scam Warning Signs
Promised crypto returns that are too good to be true are. Here is the playbook.
Romance Scam: Warning Signs
Online relationships that pivot to money requests follow a predictable script. Here is what to watch.
Tech Support Scam: Warning Signs
Fake "your computer is infected" calls and pop-ups follow predictable scripts. Here is what to do.
Job Offer Scam Warning Signs
Fake remote-job offers requiring upfront purchases or check deposits are scams. Here is the pattern.
Rental Scam: Warning Signs
Fake apartment and vacation rental listings vanish after deposit. Here is how to verify.