Scam types, warning signs, and what to do next
Browse 41+ StopScam guides for phone scams, text scams, phishing links, fake shops, crypto fraud, identity theft, and other suspicious situations.
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Search by what happened, or explore every guide below. Each guide explains how the scam works, the warning signs, and practical next steps.
41 guides
Phishing Scam
Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.
Spear Phishing
Targeted phishing attacks using personal information to appear more legitimate.
Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Phone call scams to extract personal or financial information.
Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Phishing attacks via text messages with malicious links.
Robocall Scam
Automated phone calls delivering scam messages at scale.
Romance Scam
Fake online relationships to extract money from victims.
Catfishing
Creating fake identities to deceive people in online relationships.
Sextortion
Blackmail using intimate images or videos, real or fabricated.
Cryptocurrency Scam
Fraudulent schemes involving cryptocurrency investments.
Pig Butchering Scam
Long-term investment fraud building trust before stealing funds.
Ponzi Scheme
Investment fraud paying returns from new investor money.
Online Shopping Scam
Fake online stores that never deliver products.
Counterfeit Goods
Selling fake branded products as genuine.
Ticket Scam
Selling fake or non-existent event tickets.
Employment Scam
Fake job offers designed to steal money or information.
Mystery Shopper Scam
Fake mystery shopping jobs requiring upfront payment.
Reshipping Scam
Using victims to reship stolen goods internationally.
Tech Support Scam
Fake technical support to steal money or access computers.
Refund Scam
Fake refunds used to steal money through overpayment tricks.
Government Impersonation
Scammers posing as government officials.
Tax Scam
Fraud related to tax returns and refunds.
Banking Scam
Fraud targeting bank accounts and financial information.
Check Fraud
Scams involving fake or altered checks.
ATM Skimming
Devices attached to ATMs to steal card information.
Delivery Scam
Fake delivery notifications to steal information.
Lottery Scam
Fake lottery winnings requiring payment to claim.
Inheritance Scam
Fake inheritances from unknown deceased relatives.
Charity Scam
Fake charities stealing donations.
Identity Theft
Stealing personal information for fraud.
Social Media Scam
Fraud conducted through social platforms.
Fake Giveaway Scam
Fake contests requiring payment or personal info.
QR Code Scam
Malicious QR codes redirecting to phishing sites.
Rental Scam
Fake rental listings stealing deposits.
Grandparent Scam
Impersonating grandchildren in fake emergencies.
Utility Scam
Fake utility company threats and payment demands.
Auto Warranty Scam
Fake extended warranty offers for vehicles.
Extortion Scam
Threats to release information unless payment is made.
Ransomware
Malware that encrypts files and demands payment.
Travel Scam
Fraud related to travel bookings and vacations.
Pet Scam
Fake pet sales and adoption scams.
Contractor Scam
Home improvement and repair fraud.
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What scam types does StopScam cover?
StopScam covers common fraud patterns people meet in the U.S. every day: suspicious phone calls, scam texts, phishing URLs, fake stores, tech-support pressure, banking alerts, investment pitches, crypto fraud, employment scams, romance scams, and identity theft. Start with the guide that matches your situation, then use the checker or AI chat before you answer, click, reply, download, or pay.
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Frequently asked questions
1 What should I do first if I think something is a scam?
Pause before responding. Do not send money, share codes, click links, or call back from the original message. Use the checker, AI chat, or the matching guide to understand the warning signs.
2 Which guide should I use for a suspicious text?
Start with Text Scam Checker, Smishing, or Phishing Scam. If the text includes a link, also use the Phishing Link Checker before opening anything.
3 Which guide should I use for an unknown caller?
Start with Phone Scam Checker, Vishing, Robocall Scam, or Tech Support Scam depending on what the caller asked you to do.