Scams

Consumer scams take many different forms. This catalogue classifies them according to what victims are led to believe is happening, with further distinctions based on how scammers lure, deceive, and defraud their victims.

Last updated:

Sep 30, 2026

Scams By Category

1. Consumer investment scams

Scams in which the victim expects to get investment returns.

2. Consumer product and service scams

Scams in which the victim is defrauded with worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent products and services.

3. Employment scams

Scams in which the victim expected employment.

4. Windfall scams

Scams in which the victim expected a windfall of money such as a prize, lottery, grant, giveaway, or inheritance.

5. Debt collection scams

Scams in which the victim expects to avoid the consequences of failing to pay a debt that the victim did not previously know they had, and that turn out to be fake.

5.1 Government Fee Collection Scam. Includes jury duty scams, toll scams, and IRS bill scams.
5.2 Debt Collection Scam
5.3 Escort Or Sex Worker Scam

6. Phantom crime scams

Scams in which the victim is trying to avoid being charged with a crime or some other serious legal infraction.

7. Charity scams

Scams in which the victim is trying to do a good deed or donate money to a charity or similar organization.

8. Relationship and trust scams

Scams in which the victim expects to foster a relationship.