Online scams are more sophisticated than ever. Fraudsters use real brand names, convincing language, and emotional manipulation to steal money and personal information. Here are the 5 most common scams you should know about — and how to protect yourself from each one.
Delivery & Package Scams
How it works: You receive a text or email claiming a package is waiting for you, but you need to pay a small fee or verify your address by clicking a link. The link leads to a fake website designed to steal your credit card information.
Example message:
"Your package #3847291 is pending delivery. Please confirm your address and pay $1.99 shipping fee: [suspicious-link.com]"
How to avoid it: Track packages only through official carrier websites. Never click links in delivery texts. If in doubt, paste the message into ScamSense for instant verification.
Prize & Lottery Fraud
How it works: You're told you've won a prize, lottery, or gift card — but you need to pay a "processing fee" or provide personal details to claim it. Real lotteries never ask winners to pay to collect their prize.
Example message:
"Congratulations! You've been selected to win a $5,000 gift card! Click here to claim your reward before it expires in 24 hours."
How to avoid it: If you didn't enter a contest, you didn't win one. Never pay to claim a "prize." Scan the message with ScamSense to confirm it's a scam.
Investment & Crypto Scams
How it works: Scammers promise guaranteed high returns on investments, cryptocurrency, or forex trading. They may use fake screenshots of "profits" or impersonate celebrity endorsements to seem credible.
Example message:
"I made $15,000 in just one week with this trading platform! Join now and start earning: [fake-investment-site.com]"
How to avoid it: There's no such thing as guaranteed returns. Research any platform thoroughly before investing. Check suspicious investment offers with ScamSense.
Tech Support Scams
How it works: Scammers pose as tech support from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider, claiming your device is infected with malware. They pressure you to install remote access software or pay for unnecessary "fixes."
Example message:
"WARNING: Your computer has been compromised! Call our Microsoft support team immediately at 1-800-XXX-XXXX to prevent data loss."
How to avoid it: Real tech companies don't send unsolicited warnings. Never give remote access to someone who contacts you first. Verify any warning message with ScamSense.
Romance & Relationship Scams
How it works: Scammers build emotional relationships online over weeks or months, then ask for money — usually citing emergencies, medical bills, or travel costs to meet you. They often use stolen photos and fake identities.
Warning signs:
They refuse video calls, claim to be overseas (often military or working abroad), quickly profess love, and eventually ask for money wire transfers or gift cards.
How to avoid it: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Be suspicious of people who avoid video calls. If their messages seem rehearsed, scan them with ScamSense.
The Simple Rule: Check Before You Trust
The common thread across all scams is deception. Scammers are experts at making things look real. Instead of trying to memorize every scam pattern, use ScamSense to verify anything that feels off. One quick scan can save you from financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress.
Stay ahead of scammers.
Download ScamSense and protect yourself with 5 free scans every month.
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