Scams A–Z

Got a text about a Coinbase login, withdrawal, or verification code you didn't request? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a PayPal email about a payment, invoice, or account limit you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call saying your Social Security number is suspended or linked to a crime? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Smishing is phishing by text message. Here's what it means, six real examples annotated, and exactly what to do if one lands on your phone.

Got a text about an unpaid toll, a small balance due, or a late fee from E-ZPass, TxTag, or FasTrak? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a USPS text about a held package, an address problem, or a redelivery fee? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text about a Bank of America locked account, a card freeze, or a charge you didn't make? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

A “Chase” text about a locked account, a fraud alert, or a charge you didn't make? Here's how to spot the fake fast — and exactly what to do.

Got a text about a Wells Fargo transfer, locked account, or fraud alert you didn't expect? Here's the verdict on the Wells Fargo text scam and exactly what to do.

Got a text about an Amazon order, account hold, or delivery problem you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text about a FedEx package on hold, a missed delivery, or a fee to pay? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a UPS text about a held package, a delivery fee, or an address you need to confirm? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text about an Afterpay payment, locked account, or order you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do about the Afterpay text scam.

Got a Zelle text about a payment you didn't make, a locked account, or a code to confirm? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

A Venmo text about a payment, a login, or “suspicious activity” you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and the safe way to check in seconds.

Got a text about a Cash App payment, refund, or login you didn't make? Here's the verdict — and how to check safely in under a minute.

Got a text about an Apple Pay charge, locked account, or payment you didn't make? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got an Amazon email about an order, a locked account, or a charge you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got an email saying your Apple ID was locked, suspended, or accessed from a new device? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a Geek Squad email about a subscription renewal or auto-charge you don't remember? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A “Norton” email about an auto-renewal or a $400 charge you never approved? Here's why it's a scam — and what to do before you call that number.

Got a McAfee email about an auto-renewal charge or expired subscription you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a Microsoft email about a sign-in, account suspension, or expiring password you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a Netflix email saying your payment failed or your account is on hold? Here's the verdict on the Netflix payment scam and what to do.

Got a DocuSign email asking you to review or sign a document you weren't expecting? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a USPS email about a package on hold, a failed delivery, or a redelivery fee? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got an email about an IRS tax refund you need to claim or verify? Here's the verdict on the IRS refund email scam and what to do.

Got a call saying you owe back taxes and police are on the way? Here's the verdict on the IRS phone scam and what to do.

Got a call about your Medicare card being cancelled or a new card you need to "verify"? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call saying there's a problem with your Amazon order, account, or a charge you didn't make? Here's the verdict on the Amazon call scam and what to do.

Got a call from "Apple Support" saying your iCloud was hacked or your account is locked? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call saying Microsoft detected a virus or hackers on your computer? Here's the verdict on the Microsoft tech support scam and what to do.

Got a call saying your power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay now? Here's the verdict on the utility shutoff call scam and what to do.

Got a call from your bank's fraud department saying there's suspicious activity on your account? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Told you won a Publishers Clearing House prize but must pay a fee or taxes first? Real PCH never asks for money to claim. Here's what to do.

Got a call about a student loan forgiveness program that needs your details or a fee today? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call about your car's expiring warranty or "final notice"? Here's the verdict on the auto warranty call scam and what to do.

A package you never ordered showed up — maybe with a QR code to “claim a gift.” Here's what a brushing scam is, why it happened, and exactly what to do.

Buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace and something feels off — a “verification code,” an overpayment, or a move to Zelle? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A pop-up says your iPhone or Mac is infected and to call Apple Support now? The verdict: it's a scam. Here's what it is and exactly what to do.

A pop-up says your PC is infected or blocked and to call a Microsoft support number? It's a scam. Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Someone sent you a check and asked you to deposit it and send part back? The check is fake and you'll owe every cent. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a text about an overdue traffic ticket, a DMV final notice, or a license suspension with a link to pay? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text from “E-ZPass” about an unpaid toll, a late fee, or a suspended account? E-ZPass doesn't text payment links. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a text from “ParkMobile” about an outstanding parking fee with a link to pay? ParkMobile only takes payment in-app. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a text from “SunPass” about an unpaid toll balance and a link to pay? SunPass doesn't text payment links. Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text saying your Apple ID or iCloud has been locked and you must verify within 24 hours? Apple doesn't do that. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Seven real-world phishing emails — PayPal, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, DocuSign, IRS, and Geek Squad — each annotated so you can see exactly what gives it away.

Met someone online who professes love fast, then needs money for an emergency or an investment? Here's how romance scams work and exactly what to do.

Want to check whether a dating-profile photo is a catfish? Here's how to reverse-image-search a suspected scammer's picture in two minutes, and why it works.

Got a text offering easy remote “tasks” for $95–$300 a day? It's a task scam — the small early payouts are bait. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call from a “grandchild” or relative in a crisis, begging for money and secrecy? The voice can be AI-cloned. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call saying you're pre-qualified for a $0 health plan or a government subsidy, if you just verify your SSN? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Coinbase email about a blocked withdrawal, a locked account, or a purchase you never made? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Wells Fargo email about suspicious activity, a locked account, or an unrecognized purchase? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Venmo email about a pending payment, a frozen account, or money waiting for you? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Chase email about unusual activity, a locked account, or a purchase you don't recognize? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Zelle email about a pending payment, an incomplete transfer, or money waiting to be claimed? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Cash App email about a pending payment, a random deposit, or a sweepstakes you won? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text from PayPal about a payment on hold, unusual activity, or a purchase you never made? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text from Walmart about an order that can't ship, a package problem, or a reward you won? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text from DHL about a held parcel, a customs fee, or a failed delivery? DHL doesn't text payment links. Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a text from Netflix saying your payment was declined or your account is about to be cancelled? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Citibank text about a suspicious charge, a locked card, or account verification? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a U.S. Bank text about suspicious activity, a locked account, or a Zelle transfer you didn't make? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text from FasTrak about an unpaid toll, a late fee, or a hold on your registration? FasTrak doesn't text payment links. Here's what to do.

Got a call from Venmo support about an unauthorized charge or a problem with your account? Venmo doesn't cold-call users. Here's what to do.

Told to pay a bill, a fee, a fine, or your boss with gift cards? That demand is the scam. How the gift-card drain works and what to do if you paid.

Scanned a QR code on a parking meter, a menu, or a letter and landed on a payment page? Here's how QR code scams (quishing) work and what to check.

Got a call saying you missed jury duty and must pay a fine or be arrested? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call demanding payment on a debt you don't recognize, with threats of arrest or a lawsuit? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a call from a “grandchild” in jail or a “lawyer” who needs bail money fast and quietly? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A “buyer” wants you to text back a Google code to prove you're a real person? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A friendly text meant for someone else keeps chatting after you say “wrong number”? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Found a great rental, but the “landlord” can't show it and wants a deposit by wire or Zelle first? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Selling or buying on Craigslist and a distant buyer wants to use an escrow service, a shipping agent, or a cashier's check? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A caller wants a donation for disaster victims tonight — by gift card, wire, or crypto? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Paid for a puppy online and now there's a shipping, crate, or insurance fee before it can be delivered? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A buyer paid you too much — by check or payment app — and wants the difference sent back? Here's the verdict and what to do.

An email says a relative you've never heard of left you millions, and you just need to pay a processing fee? Here's the verdict and what to do.

An email claims they recorded you and shows an old password, or someone you met online is threatening to share your photos? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

A stranger on WhatsApp with a job offer, an investment tip, or a group you never joined? Here's the verdict and what to do.

An “investment manager,” a can't-lose trading platform, a fee to withdraw your profits? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Told you won a lottery or sweepstakes, but there's a fee, “taxes,” or a form to claim it? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A Discord DM says you were reported, offers free Nitro, or needs your login to “verify” you? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Got a T-Mobile text about a free gift, a failed payment, or a suspended line? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a Verizon text about a bill credit, a failed payment, or account verification? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got an AT&T text offering a reward, a bill credit, or asking you to sign in? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a call or voicemail saying your Xfinity discount is about to expire? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a call offering to cut your Spectrum bill in half if you prepay? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

A DM about your account, a friend needing a vote, an investment tip? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Got a text about a Robinhood login you didn't make, with a number to call? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Phone suddenly on No Service, or a caller asking for your account PIN? Here's the verdict on SIM swap and port-out fraud, and what to do.

Told to withdraw cash and feed it into a Bitcoin ATM to keep it safe? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do next.

A buyer wants a verification code, an overpayment refund, or to move you off the app? Here's the verdict and exactly what to do.

Worried someone is using your name to sell a property or change its deed? Here's what home title theft is, what a title-lock ad gets wrong, and what to do.

A caller promises free solar panels, a government rebate, or no more electric bills if you pay today? Here's the verdict and what to check before you sign.

A ticket seller wants payment now, sends a copycat link, or offers only a screenshot? Here's how to check the event, delivery method, and buyer protection first.

A Telegram DM or group promises guaranteed returns, sends a login link, or asks for a code? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A buyer or seller sends a fake eBay notice, pushes you off-platform, or asks for a wire or gift card? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A host moves you off Airbnb, sends a payment link, or pressures you to share a code? Here's the verdict and what to do.

A GoFundMe fundraiser, email, or DM asks for a fee, your banking details, or a donation outside gofundme.com? Here's how to check it.

A message or call claims to be Synchrony Bank and asks for account details, a login, or urgent payment? Here's how to check the impersonation safely.

A remote job promises big money with little work, asks for a fee, or sends a check to deposit? Here are the tells and recovery steps.