Is this site an overview of all types of scams?
No, this site is not a list of every type of scam. There are many different types of scams not listed here, but these are just the most common ones so they are the ones that it is best to be informed about.
How do I defend myself against X scam?
If you are looking for a way to defend against or identify certain scams, please first check each one of the additional pages on this site for more information. If there is nothing there that answers your question, the best place to start would be to simply look it up.
What should I do if I am the victim of a scam?
If you think you are or have been the victim of a scam, it is best to immediately drop all contact with the scammer, and contact either local law enforcement or the relevant authorities, which varies by country. You should then change the password and/or lock any email, bank, or other accounts that you think may have been accessed, while also contacting the company providing these accounts.
Is it possible for a seemingly legitimate business to scam people?
While not all scams will do this, it is possible, and quite common, for a scammer or a group of scammers to impersonate a business or have a fake business, sometimes complete with a fake website, and fake call center.
How should I report a scam?
If you think you have identified a scam, you should report it to the relevant authorities, which would vary by country.
How can I help someone whom I think is being scammed
It would be best to approach someone whom you think is being scammed with kindess and empathy, while also providing proof of the scam, and encouraging them to report it and drop contact with the scammer. This can be difficult, especially for a romance scam, where they may think that a relationship might depend on them staying in contact and continuing to send money. If needed, seek professional intervention.
Who do scammers target?
Although scammers will most likely go for the most vulnerable people, like seniors. There are other types of scams that can have different targets, like investment scams and crypto scams, who can target anybody.
Who do scammers tend to impersonate?
Although scammers may impersonate businesses, they can also impersonate friends and family through social media, especially if the friends' and families' accounts have been compromised. Ai is also being used to impersonate others over the phone, which is another thing to be wary of.
Do all scammers only demand one-time payements?
No, some scams will have victims paying a monthly or yearly fee for a service, like an anti-virus, that in reality is not doing anything. This is important to keep in mind as it can makes indentifying and reporting scams as soon as you are aware of them even more important.
Why isn't X scam listed on the site?
The most likely reason that a scam isn't listed here is because it is either uncommon, or may even fall under one of the listed categories, (especially social engineering, which is a broad subject). It is always possible I have not been informed of the type of scam, and if you think this is the case, please infom me using the above feedback form, and I will see if it should be added to the site.