Financial Scams
5 documented financial scam patterns. Learn how each one works, who it targets, and what warning signs to watch for.
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Advance Fee Fraud
You're promised a large sum of money — an inheritance, lottery win, or business opportunity — but must first pay a small 'processing fee' to release it. The money never arrives, but the fees keep escalating.
Charity Scam
Scammers impersonate charities or create fake ones to steal donations. Often timed to major disasters, holidays, or crisis news cycles when people are most motivated to give.
Investment Fraud
Scammers promise unrealistic returns on investments that don't exist or are structured to pay early investors with later investors' money (Ponzi schemes). Common targets include forex, crypto, real estate, gold, and 'guaranteed returns' programs.
Lottery and Prize Scam
A notification tells you you've won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize — often one you never entered. To claim the prize, you must first pay 'taxes,' 'processing fees,' or 'insurance.' The prize doesn't exist; the fees go directly to the scammer.
Overpayment / Fake Check Scam
Someone sends you a check for more than an agreed amount and asks you to wire the difference to someone else. You deposit the check, wire the money, and a week later the check bounces — leaving you liable for the full amount.