Types of scams
Learn how modern cyberscams work and how to protect yourself online.
Online Scams
How Do They Work?
Online scams are becoming more sophisticated every year. Cybercriminals use many different tactics—from fake messages and emails to fraudulent websites, phone calls, and even AI-generated videos—to trick people into sharing sensitive information or sending money.
Most scams rely on social engineering, meaning attackers manipulate trust, urgency, or fear to convince victims to act quickly without verifying the situation. For example, phishing emails or smishing text messages often impersonate trusted organizations such as banks, delivery companies, or government institutions and direct victims to fake websites designed to steal personal data.
Understanding how these scams work is the first step toward staying safe. Below you will find some of the most common types of scams used today and simple tips that can help you recognize and avoid them.
Every minute there are 430,000 scam messages received in U.S. alone
In May 2024 there were 19.2 billion scam messages received in U.S. alone. On average these messages earn the scammers more than $2 billion every month.
How are we fighting against it?
We created an intelligent software that is able to detect scam text and warn the user about it which is based on:
- The ability to identify scam text in nearly 100% cases
- The successful recognition of nonthreat messages
- The translation into nearly any language in the world
- Up to date warnings about real-time scam attacks
Attacks
Different types of attacks
Smishing attacks come in various forms, each designed to deceive recipients in unique ways. Here are some common types:
1. Bank Impersonation
Attackers pretend to be from a bank, warning recipients about unauthorized transactions. Victims are prompted to click a link to verify their accounts, leading to phishing sites.
2. Package Delivery Scams
Texts claim to be from delivery services, stating that a package is on hold or requires confirmation. Clicking the link may lead to malware downloads or personal information theft.
3. Prize and Giveaway Scams
Victims receive messages claiming they have won a prize or gift card. To claim their rewards, they must provide personal details or download a dubious app.
4. Account Verification Requests
Attackers send messages asking recipients to verify their account information, often disguised as a routine security check. These requests aim to harvest sensitive data.
5. Tech Support Scams
Recipients receive messages claiming that their devices have been compromised and need immediate technical support. Victims are often guided to contact a fake support number.
6. Job Offer Scams
Victims receive unsolicited text messages claiming to offer job opportunities. The messages often ask the recipient to reply with personal information or direct them to a link for more details.
Each of these smishing types utilizes social engineering to create a sense of urgency and manipulate victims into taking action. Awareness of these tactics is essential for recognizing and defending against smishing attacks.
Types of Scams
How to stay safe?
Staying safe from cyberattacks requires vigilance and a proactive approach. Learn to recognize the most common scam tactics and protect yourself:
1. Phishing (Email Scams)
Phishing attacks arrive through emails that appear to come from legitimate companies such as banks, online stores, or cloud services. The goal is to trick victims into clicking malicious links, downloading infected attachments, or entering credentials on fake login pages.
How to protect yourself
Check the sender’s email address carefully, avoid opening unexpected attachments, and only log in to accounts through official websites.
2. Smishing (SMS Scams)
Attackers impersonate trusted organizations such as banks, delivery companies, or government services and send text messages urging you to click a link. These links usually lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, payment details, or personal data.
How to protect yourself
Do not click suspicious links in SMS messages. Do not send your personal data or credit card information via SMS. Verify messages directly with the organization through their official website or phone number.
3. Chat Scams (Social Media)
Scammers increasingly operate through messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, or Instagram. They may pretend to be a friend, romantic partner, technical support agent, or customer service representative. These scams often involve requests for money, gift cards, or login codes.
How to protect yourself
Be cautious when strangers contact you online. Never share verification codes, passwords, or send money to people you only know online.
4. Fraudulent Phone Calls (Vishing)
Vishing is a scam conducted through phone calls. Attackers pretend to be from banks, government offices, police, or technical support. They often create urgency by claiming your account is compromised or that you must verify your identity immediately.
How to protect yourself
Never share passwords, PINs, or banking information over the phone. Hang up and call the organization back using an official number.
5. Deepfake Videos & Voice Scams
Scammers now use AI-generated deepfake videos or cloned voices to impersonate executives, family members, or public figures. Victims may receive urgent requests for money transfers, sensitive data, or confidential information.
How to protect yourself
Always verify unusual requests through another communication channel, especially when money or sensitive information is involved.
6. Fake E-Shops & Fraudulent Websites
Fake online stores look like legitimate e-commerce websites but exist only to collect payments or steal credit card details. They often advertise extremely low prices, fake discounts, or limited-time offers to pressure buyers.
How to protect yourself
Check reviews, verify the website’s reputation, and avoid stores with suspicious prices or missing contact information.
7. Fake Mobile Apps
Cybercriminals sometimes publish malicious mobile apps that imitate legitimate services such as banking apps, utilities, or popular tools. These apps may steal credentials, display ads, or secretly collect personal data.
How to protect yourself
Download apps only from official stores, check developer information and reviews, and avoid apps requesting unnecessary permissions.
8. Money Mule Scams (Fake Jobs)
Money mule scams involve fake job offers where victims are asked to receive and transfer money on behalf of a “company.” In reality, they are unknowingly helping criminals move stolen funds, which can lead to legal consequences.
How to protect yourself
Avoid job offers that require handling money transfers, especially from unknown companies or remote employers.
9. Fake Public Wi-Fi Networks
Attackers sometimes create fake Wi-Fi hotspots that mimic legitimate public networks in cafes, airports, or hotels. Once connected, attackers can monitor internet traffic and steal sensitive data such as passwords or payment details.
How to protect yourself
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi and use a trusted network or VPN when possible.
AI Scam Checker
Currently on Google Play and the App Store
If you do not want to always keep in mind everything from this article, AI Smishing Checker can offer real-time evaluation of your messages based on most modern AI technologies. Try it now for free!
