Types of Scams

Explore the scam patterns people most often encounter online, by phone and through social platforms. Use these guides to recognise warning signs and choose a safer next step.

Learn the pattern before you respond

Scams change their wording, platforms and payment methods, but many rely on the same pressure tactics: urgency, secrecy, impersonation, a promise that seems unusually good, or a request to move money or information before you have time to verify.

These guides focus on practical warning signs. They do not identify a particular person, business or message as fraudulent. If you are concerned about something specific, use the Scam Checker for an educational assessment, then verify independently through official contact details you find yourself.

Explore scam types

Website & URL scams · Email & phishing scams · Phone & SMS scams · Online shopping scams · Investment & cryptocurrency scams · Romance & dating scams · Job & employment scams · Social media scams · Identity & impersonation scams · AI & deepfake scams.

If you have already paid or shared information

Stop contact with the person or account, preserve messages and transaction details, secure your accounts, and contact your bank or payment provider through an official channel. Visit Report & Recover for practical next steps and country-specific public reporting routes.