Some of the various most common types of scams are:
Attempts to gain your personal information
Scammers use all kinds of sneaky approaches to steal your personal details. Once obtained, they can use your identity to commit fraudulent activities such as using your credit card or opening a bank account.
Buying or selling
Scammers prey on consumers and businesses that are buying or selling products and services. Not every transaction is legitimate.
Dating and romance
Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details.
Fake charities
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major events.
Investments
If you are looking for a fast way to make money, watch out – scammers have invented all sorts of fake money-making opportunities to prey on your enthusiasm and get hold of your cash.
Jobs and employment
Jobs and employment scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort.
Threats and extortion
Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your money – including threatening your life or 'hijacking' your computer.
Unexpected money
Scammers invent convincing and seemingly legitimate reasons to give you false hope about offers of money. There are no get-rich-quick schemes, so always think twice before handing over your details or dollars.
Unexpected winnings
Don't be lured by a surprise win. These scams try to trick you into giving money upfront or your personal information in order to receive a prize from a lottery or competition that you never entered.
Attempts to gain your personal information
Scammers use all kinds of sneaky approaches to steal your personal details. Once obtained, they can use your identity to commit fraudulent activities such as using your credit card or opening a bank account.
Buying or selling
Scammers prey on consumers and businesses that are buying or selling products and services. Not every transaction is legitimate.
Dating and romance
Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details.
Fake charities
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major events.
Investments
If you are looking for a fast way to make money, watch out – scammers have invented all sorts of fake money-making opportunities to prey on your enthusiasm and get hold of your cash.
Jobs and employment
Jobs and employment scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort.
Threats and extortion
Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your money – including threatening your life or 'hijacking' your computer.
Unexpected money
Scammers invent convincing and seemingly legitimate reasons to give you false hope about offers of money. There are no get-rich-quick schemes, so always think twice before handing over your details or dollars.
Unexpected winnings
Don't be lured by a surprise win. These scams try to trick you into giving money upfront or your personal information in order to receive a prize from a lottery or competition that you never entered.
