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Fresh this week
What's new on Scam or Safe, and the scam we think deserves your attention right now.
- 2026-07-16New: the "Can you spot the scam?" quizTest yourself against ten realistic message patterns and learn the tell that gives each one away.
- 2026-07-16Scam of the Week launchedA rotating weekly spotlight on one high-impact scam, with the full in-depth guide behind it.
- 2026-07-12Report-a-scam hub rebuilt with country-specific contactsOfficial reporting bodies for the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the EU, plus an immediate-action checklist.
- 2026-07-10Cited fraud statistics added to every guideAll 600 guides now include figures sourced from the FTC, FBI IC3, UK Finance and other fraud-prevention authorities.
- 2026-07-08Ten in-depth flagship guides publishedStep-by-step breakdowns, realistic scenarios, variations and sources for the highest-impact scams, from fake bank alerts to crypto platforms.
PayPal Payment Pending Scam
This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.
Why we picked it →Popular scam categories
Browse common scam types and learn the red flags that give them away.
Text Message Scams
Scam texts (also called smishing) try to push you into clicking a link, calling a number, or sending money using urgency and fake alerts.
54 guides
Email Scams
Email scams (phishing) imitate companies you trust to trick you into logging in on a fake page, paying a fake invoice, or downloading an attachment.
57 guides
Marketplace Scams
Marketplace scams target buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, using fake payments, overpayment tricks, and pressure to move off-platform.
59 guides
Job Scams
Job scams offer easy, high-paying or remote work to collect your personal details, charge fake fees, or recruit you into moving money.
48 guides
Bank & Payment Scams
Bank and payment scams impersonate your bank or a payment service to trigger panic, then push you to share codes, move money, or log in on a fake page.
50 guides
Delivery & Postal Scams
Delivery scams impersonate couriers and postal services with fake 'missed delivery' or 'customs fee' messages that lead to phishing pages.
40 guides
Rental & Housing Scams
Rental scams advertise homes that are not available, then pressure you to pay a deposit or holding fee before you can view the property.
27 guides
Social Media Scams
Social media scams use DMs, fake giveaways, verification offers, and romance messages to steal logins, money, or personal information.
58 guides
Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams use fake stores, too-good-to-be-true deals, and fake order emails to take your money or card details.
50 guides
Crypto & Investment Scams
Crypto and investment scams promise high or guaranteed returns to lure you into fake platforms, then block withdrawals once you deposit.
29 guides
Government, Tax & Legal Scams
Government and tax scams impersonate agencies to threaten fines, arrest, or deportation, then demand urgent payment by unusual methods.
28 guides
Phone & Voice Scams
Phone scams (vishing) use live calls, robocalls, and voicemails to impersonate banks, agencies, and companies and pressure you into payments, codes, or remote access.
12 guides
Romance & Dating Scams
Romance scams build a fake relationship online to gain trust, then ask for money, gifts, or investment, or use intimate images for blackmail.
12 guides
Tech Support & Computer Scams
Tech support scams use fake virus warnings, pop-ups, and cold calls to gain remote access to your device, steal data, or trick you into bogus payments and refunds.
12 guides
Travel & Holiday Scams
Travel scams use fake flights, accommodation, packages, and visa services to take deposits and payments for trips that do not exist.
10 guides
Healthcare & Medical Scams
Healthcare scams exploit health worries with fake insurance, pharmacies, miracle cures, and medical-device offers, or phish your health and identity data.
10 guides
Identity Theft & Data Scams
Identity theft scams steal your personal data and credentials to take over accounts, open credit, or impersonate you, often after phishing or data breaches.
10 guides
Small Business & Workplace Scams
Business scams target companies and employees with fake invoices, CEO and supplier fraud, bogus directory and domain bills, and payroll diversion.
11 guides
Gaming & In-App Scams
Gaming scams target players with fake free-currency offers, account trades, phishing links, and in-game item fraud that steal logins, money, or accounts.
8 guides
AI & Deepfake Scams
AI scams use cloned voices, deepfake videos, and synthetic identities to impersonate people you trust and lend false credibility to fraud.
6 guides
Utility & Energy Scams
Utility scams impersonate energy, water, and broadband providers with fake bills, refunds, disconnection threats, and grant or meter cons.
9 guides
Popular guides
Detailed walk-throughs of scams people ask about most.
Fake Amazon Call Scam
In this scam, an automated or live call claims to be from Amazon about a suspicious order, charge, or account problem, pressuring you to press a key or share details, then leads to remote access or payment fraud.
Canada Post Text Scam
This scam sends a fake Canada Post delivery notice asking you to click a link or pay a small redelivery fee, then collects your card and personal details on a fake page.
Instagram Verification Scam
This scam offers a blue verification badge or warns your account is at risk, then links to a fake login page that steals your password.
Money Flip Scam
A post or direct message promises to 'flip' your money, claiming an insider method that turns a small payment into a much larger one, such as sending $100 to get $1,000 back. Victims send money through a payment app and receive nothing. Fake screenshots of 'happy clients' and a sense of limited slots are used to rush you into paying.
Fake Zoom Invite Scam
This scam sends a fake Zoom, Teams, or video meeting invite by email and urges you to join or review a missed meeting through a link that leads to a fake login page built to capture your work or email credentials.
SharePoint Phishing Scam
This scam sends a fake Microsoft SharePoint or OneDrive email saying a document has been shared with you, linking to a counterfeit Microsoft login page designed to steal your work email credentials. It is commonly aimed at businesses.
Fake Refund Email Scam
This scam emails that you are owed a refund and asks you to confirm bank or card details, or to accept a refund that is really designed to steal your money.
PayPal Payment Pending Scam
This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.
Can you spot the scam?
Ten realistic messages, some fraudulent, some genuine. Most people miss at least two. Learn the tell that gives each one away.
Take the 2-minute quizHow it works
1. Paste the message
Copy the suspicious text, email, or DM into the checker. Nothing is stored.
2. Review the red flags
See which common scam patterns appear and why they are a concern.
3. Learn what to do next
Get clear, careful steps and related guides so you can act safely.
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