The Scam Archive

Real examples, plainly explained. Search by scam, sender, domain, or phone number and learn the red flags before you click.

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Recent Scams

Fresh sightings with quick takeaways you can share.

Scam example
Delivery Survey

Delivery Reward Scam

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.

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Scam example
Phishing Impersonation

Fake Company Survey with Free Gift Scam

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.

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Browse by category

Start with the most common patterns and their warning signs.

P

Phishing

Attempts to trick victims into revealing credentials or sensitive info by impersonating trusted services.

R

Refund / Invoice Bait

Fake invoices or 'refund' notices that trick victims into calling scammers or installing remote-access tools.

T

Tech Support / Remote Access

Scammers claim there is a virus or issue and request remote access or payment for fake fixes.

I

Investment / Crypto

Fraudulent investments or crypto scams promising guaranteed returns or exclusive offers.

R

Romance / Dating

Emotional manipulation via dating platforms leading to requests for money or gifts.

B

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Targeted fraud against companies by spoofing executives, vendors, or partners.

M

Marketplace / Classifieds

Fake listings, rental scams, or overpayment schemes on marketplaces and classifieds.

J

Job / Work-From-Home

Fake job offers requiring upfront fees, equipment purchases, or acting as a money mule.

L

Lottery / Prize

Fraudulent prize claims requiring fees or sensitive info to claim winnings.

C

Charity / Disaster Relief

Fake charities exploiting disasters or tragedies to solicit fraudulent donations.

S

Shipping / Delivery

Fake delivery notifications tricking victims into clicking malicious links or paying fees.

I

Impersonation / Social Media

Accounts or pages impersonating individuals or brands to defraud followers.

S

Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Phishing attempts delivered by text message linking to fake sites or requesting responses.

V

Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Phone-based scams impersonating banks, government, or companies.

E

Extortion / Sextortion

Threats to expose sensitive or fake compromising information unless paid.

M

Malware / Attachment

Emails or downloads containing malicious attachments or links to malware.

C

Credential Harvesting

Fake websites or forms designed to steal login details, MFA codes, or personal data.

M

Money Mule / Asset Transfer

Victims recruited to move money or goods, often unknowingly laundering funds.

C

Crypto Wallet / Exchange Impersonation

Fake crypto wallets, exchanges, or airdrops designed to steal private keys or funds.

I

Image-Based Fraud

Scams using doctored screenshots, payment proofs, or manipulated images.

Quick tip: Pause before you pay

Unexpected refunds, gift-card demands, and urgent invoices are classic pressure tactics. Verify using a trusted phone number or website—not the link you were sent.