Scam Patterns Database

Learn to recognize common scam tactics and protect yourself

Phishing

CRITICAL THREAT

Fraudulent messages impersonating legitimate companies to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal information.

Example

"Your Netflix account has been suspended. Click here to update your payment information immediately: http://netfl1x-billing.com/update"

Package Delivery

HIGH THREAT

Fake notifications about package deliveries that require a small payment or personal information to 'release' your package.

Example

"USPS: Your package #US9214551 has been held at customs. Pay $1.99 shipping fee to release: usps-customs-pay.xyz"

Bank/Financial

CRITICAL THREAT

Impersonation of banks or financial institutions to trick you into revealing account credentials or authorizing fraudulent transfers.

Example

"Bank of America Security Alert: Unusual activity detected on your account ending in 4821. Call 1-888-555-0142 to verify."

IRS/Government

HIGH THREAT

Scammers pretending to be the IRS, SSA, or other government agencies threatening arrest or legal action unless immediate payment is made.

Example

"IRS FINAL WARNING: You owe $3,847 in back taxes. Failure to pay within 24 hours will result in arrest warrant #IRS-2026-8842. Call immediately."

Tech Support

HIGH THREAT

Fake alerts or cold calls claiming your computer is infected, then charging for unnecessary 'repairs' or installing malware.

Example

"MICROSOFT WARNING: Your computer has been infected with a Trojan virus. Call our certified technicians immediately at 1-888-555-0199 to prevent data loss."

Romance

HIGH THREAT

Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, build emotional relationships, then request money for emergencies.

Example

"I'm a US military officer stationed overseas. I want to send you a package but I need $500 for customs fees. I'll pay you back when I return. I love you so much."

Crypto/Investment

CRITICAL THREAT

Fake investment opportunities promising guaranteed high returns, often involving cryptocurrency or forex trading.

Example

"Join our exclusive crypto trading group! Our AI bot generates 500% returns monthly. Early investors get bonus tokens. Minimum investment only $250."

Lottery/Prize

HIGH THREAT

Notifications claiming you've won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize that requires a fee to claim.

Example

"CONGRATULATIONS! You've been selected as the winner of our $1,000,000 International Lottery. To claim your prize, pay the $99 processing fee."

Job Offer

MEDIUM THREAT

Fraudulent job postings or unsolicited offers designed to steal personal information or money through fake 'training fees.'

Example

"We found your resume online! Work from home and earn $5,000/week as a data entry specialist. No experience needed. Pay $199 for training materials to start."

Social Media

MEDIUM THREAT

Hacked accounts, fake profiles, and deceptive posts on social platforms designed to steal information or money.

Example

"OMG look at this video of you! 😱 [suspicious-link.com] I can't believe someone posted this!!!"

Marketplace Fraud

HIGH THREAT

Fraudulent buyers or sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay using fake payments, overpayment tricks, or advance-fee schemes.

Example

"I'll send you a Zelle payment for $800 but I accidentally sent $1,200. Please refund the $400 difference before I arrange pickup."

Elder Scam

CRITICAL THREAT

Scams specifically designed to exploit older adults through grandparent emergencies, fake government officials, or caregiver fraud.

Example

"Grandma, it's me! I was in a car accident and I'm in jail. Please don't tell Mom and Dad — just wire $3,000 for bail money to my lawyer."

Ticket Scam

HIGH THREAT

Fraudulent ticket sellers offering counterfeit, invalid, or non-existent tickets to high-demand concerts, sports, or events.

Example

"2 Taylor Swift VIP tickets, floor seats, $350 each. Last minute can't go. Will send PDF after Venmo payment. No refunds."

Investment Fraud

CRITICAL THREAT

Fraudulent investment opportunities including Ponzi schemes, unregistered securities, and forex/crypto 'guaranteed return' platforms.

Example

"Our AI-powered trading bot generates 40% monthly returns. Join 10,000 members already earning passive income. Slots closing in 48 hours. Min deposit: $500."

Employment Scam

HIGH THREAT

Fake job offers that turn victims into unwitting money mules or package reshippers, exposing them to legal liability and financial loss.

Example

"Work from home! Receive packages, repackage, and ship overseas. $50/package. You'll receive a check for supplies — keep $200, wire the rest."

Bank OTP Bypass

CRITICAL THREAT

Phone-based scams where impersonators pose as bank fraud departments to extract one-time passcodes and authorize fraudulent transfers.

Example

"This is Citibank Fraud Prevention. We detected suspicious activity on your account. To freeze it, please confirm the 6-digit code we just sent you."