Scam Examples

Phishing emails impersonating the U.S. Department of Education ask students to 'verify' their FSA ID credentials on a fake site. Victims lose access to financial aid accounts.

Text messages claiming a package couldn't be delivered and asking recipients to click a link and pay a small redelivery fee. The link steals credit card info.

Scammers use AI to clone a family member's voice and call grandparents claiming to be in jail, a hospital, or an accident — demanding immediate wire transfers or gift cards.

Fake Fortune 500 company recruiters contact students via LinkedIn and email with high-paying remote internship offers, ultimately collecting personal info or getting victims to cash fraudulent checks.

Deepfake videos of celebrities and influencers promoting fake crypto giveaways. Victims are asked to 'send crypto to receive double back.'

Fake brand accounts DM users offering ambassador programs for free products. Victims are asked to pay upfront for 'shipping' or provide bank info for 'direct deposit commissions.'

DMs sent from compromised Discord accounts offer free Nitro subscriptions via a link that redirects to a fake Discord login page to steal credentials.

Emails and texts warning of suspicious Apple ID activity, redirecting victims to a fake Apple login page that captures credentials and two-factor codes in real time.

Callers pose as Amazon support agents claiming a refund was processed incorrectly and too much was deposited. They ask victims to send back the 'overpayment' via gift cards.

Buyer sends a check for more than the asking price and asks the seller to wire back the difference before the check clears. The check later bounces.

Scammers pose as bank fraud departments, tell victims their account is compromised, and instruct them to 'protect' their money by sending it via Zelle to themselves — which actually sends it to the scammer.

Scammers capitalize on student loan news by calling or emailing borrowers offering guaranteed forgiveness programs that require upfront fees or FSA ID access.

Fraudsters call grandparents claiming a grandchild is in legal or medical trouble and needs immediate money via gift cards or wire transfer — increasingly using AI-cloned voices.

Browser pop-ups display alarming Microsoft or Apple security warnings and a phone number to call. Victims are granted remote access, then charged hundreds of dollars for fake 'repairs.'

Following major natural disasters or news events, fake charity websites and social media pages solicit donations that never reach victims.