Scams A–Z

Coinbase text scam: is that message real?

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

PayPal email scam: is that invoice or alert real?

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

Social Security phone scam: is that call real?

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

Smishing: what it is, with 6 illustrated examples

Smishing is phishing by text message. See six illustrated examples with warning signs, how to verify a message, and what to do if you interacted.

Unpaid toll text scam: is that E-ZPass message real?

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.

Package delivery scams: fake texts and mystery parcels

Got a delivery text with a tracking link, or a package you never ordered? Here are the two common package scams and exactly what to do.

USPS text scam: is that delivery text real?

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

Bank of America text scam: is that alert real?

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.

Chase text scam: 3 signs that alert is fake

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.

Wells Fargo text scam: is that message real?

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.

Amazon text scam: is that message real?

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.

FedEx text scam: is that delivery text real?

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.

UPS text scam: is that delivery text real?

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.

Afterpay text scam: is that message real?

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.

Zelle text scam: is that message real?

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.

Venmo text scam: how to spot the fake alert

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.

Cash App text scam: is that payment alert fake?

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.

Apple Pay text scam: is that message real?

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.

Amazon email scam: is that order or account alert real?

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.

Apple ID email scam: is that “locked account” alert real?

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

Geek Squad email scam: is that renewal real?

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

Norton email scam: is that renewal charge fake?

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.

McAfee email scam: is that renewal charge real?

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

Microsoft email scam: is that account alert real?

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.

Netflix payment scam: is that “payment failed” email real?

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.

DocuSign email scam: is that document real?

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

USPS email scam: is that delivery notice real?

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

IRS refund email scam: is that refund notice real?

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.

IRS phone scam: is that tax call real?

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.

Medicare phone scam: is that call real?

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.

Amazon call scam: is that call real?

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.

Apple Support call scam: is the call real?

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

Microsoft tech support scam: is that call real?

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.

Utility shutoff call scam: is that call real?

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.

Bank fraud call scam: is that call real?

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.

Publishers Clearing House scam: the fee is the tell

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.

Government grant scam: the free-money offer is the trap

Someone says you qualify for a government grant for bills, repairs, or debt? Here's how to spot the scam and what to do.

Student loan forgiveness scam call: is it real?

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.

Auto warranty call scam: is that call real?

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.

Brushing scam: why did a package I didn't order arrive?

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.

Facebook Marketplace scams: spot the 3 common tricks

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.

Pop-upScam

Apple security alert scam: is that virus warning real?

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.

Pop-upScam

Microsoft pop-up scam: is that security warning real?

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.

Fake check scam: why you'll owe the money back

Someone sent you a check and wants you to send part back? That is a fake-check scam pattern. Available funds are not proof the check is valid.

DMV scam text: that overdue-ticket message is fake

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.

E-ZPass text scam: is that unpaid-toll message real?

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.

ParkMobile scam text: that parking-fee message is fake

Got a text from “ParkMobile” about an outstanding parking fee with a link to pay? Here is how to check the message safely.

SunPass text scam: is that unpaid-toll message real?

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.

Apple text scam: is that “Apple ID locked” message real?

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.

Phishing email examples: 7 illustrations, annotated

Seven illustrated phishing emails impersonating familiar organizations, with annotated warning signs, independent checks, and steps after exposure.

Romance scams: how they work and how to get out

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.

Romance scam pictures: how to check if a photo is fake

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.

Task scam texts: why you never pay to get paid

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.

AI voice scam: that panicked call may be a cloned voice

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

Health insurance scam call: “you qualify” is the bait

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.

Coinbase email scam: is that alert or invoice real?

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.

Wells Fargo email scam: is that alert real?

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

Venmo email scam: is that payment email real?

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.

Chase email scam: is that fraud alert real?

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.

Zelle email scam: is that payment email real?

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.

Cash App email scam: is that payment email real?

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.

PayPal text scam: is that payment alert real?

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.

Walmart text scam: that order or reward text is fake

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.

DHL text scam: that parcel-fee message is fake

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.

Netflix text scam: that payment-declined text is fake

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.

Citi text scam: is that Citibank fraud alert real?

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

U.S. Bank text scam: is that fraud alert real?

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.

FasTrak text scam: is that unpaid-toll message real?

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.

Venmo call scam: that “support” call isn't Venmo

An unexpected caller claims to be Venmo support and wants a code or a transfer? Hang up and verify through Venmo’s official support routes.

Gift card scams: why scammers ask for them

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.

Pop-upScam

Quishing: the QR code scam on meters, menus, and mail

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.

Jury duty scam calls: the warrant threat is fake

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

Debt collection scams: is that collector real?

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.

Grandparent scam calls: “I'm in jail, don't tell Mom”

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.

Google Voice scam: never send that verification code

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.

Wrong number scam texts: the “oops” is on purpose

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

Rental scam: how to spot a fake listing before you pay

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.

Craigslist scams: fake escrow, shipping, and wire tricks

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.

Charity scam: is that donation call real?

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

Puppy scam: that online puppy probably doesn't exist

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.

Overpayment scam: refunding the difference is the trap

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.

Inheritance scam: that unclaimed estate email is fake

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.

Sextortion scam: don't pay — here's 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.

WhatsApp scams: that stranger's message is a script

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.

Crypto scams: guaranteed returns are the giveaway

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

Lottery scams: you can't win one you never entered

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.

Discord scams: fake admins, free Nitro, stolen tokens

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.

T-Mobile text scam: is that T-Mobile message real?

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.

Verizon text scam: is that Verizon message real?

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

AT&T text scam: is that AT&T rewards text real?

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.

Xfinity scam call: is that discount offer real?

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

Spectrum scam call: is that discount real?

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

Instagram scams: is that DM real?

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

Robinhood text scam: is that login alert real?

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

SIM swap scam: how your number gets stolen

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.

Crypto ATM scam: why they want cash in the machine

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.

OfferUp scams: spot the fake buyer in one line

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.

Home title theft: spot the deed scam before it moves

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.

Home warranty scam: is that notice real?

A final-notice letter or call says your home warranty is expiring and you must act? Here's the scam pattern and how to verify any real coverage.

Car wrap scam: is the paid-ad offer real?

A text, email, or ad promises easy money to wrap your car, then sends a check and asks you to pay an installer? Here's the scam pattern and what to do.

Solar panel scams: the “free” offer is the trap

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.

Ticket scams: spot the fake seller before you pay

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.

Telegram scams: spot the fake group before you pay

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.

eBay scams: spot the fake buyer or seller

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.

Airbnb scams: spot the fake host or payment link

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.

GoFundMe scam: is that fundraiser or message real?

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.

Synchrony Bank scam: is that message or call real?

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.

Work-from-home scam: is that job offer real?

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.

Investment scams: warning signs and what to do

A stranger promises big returns with little risk, shows fake profits, or asks you to pay to unlock an investment? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Mystery shopper scam: the check is the trap

A secret-shopper job sends you a check, asks for an upfront fee, or tells you to wire money back? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Steam scams: fake reports, codes, and trades

A Steam message says you were falsely reported, asks for a code, or pressures you into a trade or gift card? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Online shopping scam: spot the fake store

A bargain site takes your payment, never sends the item, or insists on a gift card or crypto? Here's the verdict and what to do.

Social media scams: spot fake offers and profiles

A social post, ad, or new contact promises a bargain, romance, or foolproof investment? Here's the scam pattern and what to do.