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Everyday Scam Report Report a scam

Scam reports

Every scam people told us about

Newest first. Pick a kind of scam or a time to narrow the list.

21 reports

Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

Romance scams: love, then an emergency

A new partner online cannot meet or video call, then has a medical bill, a ticket or a fee that needs money. They ask for hard-to-reverse payments.

Fake romance and emergenciesDating app or social media
Sun 18 OctOur write-upGrowing

Family emergency calls, now with cloned voices

A caller sounds like your child or grandchild and says they are in trouble and need money, in secret. A short audio clip can be enough to clone a voice.

Fake romance and emergenciesPhone call
Sun 18 OctOur write-upGrowing

Financial sextortion aimed at teenagers

A stranger posing as someone else gets a young person to share images, then demands money or threatens to share them. It can happen within minutes.

Fake romance and emergenciesSocial media and chat apps
Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

“You have won” prizes, sweepstakes and lotteries

A call, message or letter says you have won a prize but must pay a fee, a tax or shipping first. Real prizes are free.

Prizes, loans and charityPhone, text, email or letter
Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

Guaranteed loans that ask for a fee first

An ad or caller promises a loan or credit card whatever your credit history, then asks you to pay a "processing" or "insurance" fee up front.

Prizes, loans and charityOnline advert or phone call
Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

Charity scams and fake fundraisers

A caller, message or look-alike website asks for a donation, often after a disaster. The money does not go to any charity.

Prizes, loans and charityPhone, text, social media or website
Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

Recovery scams: people who say they can get your money back

After you lose money, someone contacts you offering to recover it for a fee. They are often working from a list of earlier victims.

Prizes, loans and charityPhone, email, text or social media
Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

“Your computer is infected” pop-ups and fake tech support

A loud pop-up or call says your device has a virus and gives a number. The "technician" wants remote access and a payment.

Tech support and business fraudPop-up, call or text
Sun 18 OctOur write-upOngoing

Fake invoices and changed payment details (business email compromise)

An email that looks like it is from a vendor or a title company asks you to pay a new account. The sender is a criminal, and the money is hard to get back.

Tech support and business fraudEmail