Fake Zelle/Venmo Customer Service
This fraud typically occurs on online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, or OfferUp. Scammers pose as customer support representatives from trusted payment platforms such as Zelle or Venmo.
Here’s how it works: after initiating a transaction with the victim (usually for a product or service), the scammer claims there is an issue with the payment. They then provide a fake customer service number or directly
contact the victim, pretending to be from Zelle or Venmo support.
The scammer may say the victim needs to “upgrade” their account to receive payment or verify personal details. They might ask the victim to share sensitive information such as login credentials, verification codes,
or even to send money to ‘verify’ the account. In some cases, they redirect the victim to a phishing website that closely resembles the official platform.
Once the scammer has enough information, they can access the victim’s real account and transfer funds out, often leaving little recourse for recovery since most peer-to-peer payment platforms offer limited buyer protection.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never share your login credentials or verification codes with anyone.
- Always use official contact methods listed on the Zelle or Venmo website.
- Be wary of unexpected support calls or messages related to your transaction.
- Check for signs of phishing — look at the sender’s email, website URL, and any grammar errors.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to the platform and your bank.
Bitcoin Investment Fraud
These schemes promise high returns on cryptocurrency investments, often claiming guaranteed profits within a short time. Victims are lured through fake investment platforms, misleading advertisements, social media posts,
or endorsements by fake or hijacked influencer accounts.
Scammers usually instruct victims to transfer cryptocurrency into a wallet or account under the guise of investing. Initially, victims might see fake profits displayed on a dashboard, but when they try to withdraw,
they’re told to pay additional “fees” or taxes to release the funds. Eventually, the scammers vanish or block access.
These operations often use convincing, well-designed websites and fabricated testimonials to create an illusion of legitimacy. They exploit the decentralized and irreversible nature of crypto transactions, making fund
recovery nearly impossible once the scam is completed.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be cautious of any investment that promises high or guaranteed returns.
- Verify the legitimacy of crypto platforms and individuals through independent research.
- Do not send crypto to unknown wallets or addresses.
- Check if the investment firm is registered with regulatory bodies (e.g., SEC, FCA).
- Use secure and reputable crypto exchanges or services.
Credit Card Fraud
This involves the unauthorized use of an individual's credit card or card details to make purchases, withdraw cash, or commit identity theft. Methods used include phishing emails, card skimming at ATMs or point-of-sale
terminals, and exploiting data breaches.
In some cases, fraudsters use stolen card information to make online purchases, often testing small amounts first to verify the card works. If undetected, they can drain accounts or rack up significant charges.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Use credit cards with fraud protection and monitor your statements regularly.
- Never share card details via email or phone with unverified sources.
- Use secure and trusted websites when making online purchases.
- Enable transaction alerts and report unauthorized charges immediately.
- Cover your PIN when using ATMs or payment terminals.
Student Loan Fraud
Scammers target borrowers by posing as representatives of student loan relief or forgiveness programs. They promise to reduce or eliminate debt in exchange for upfront fees or sensitive personal information.
Victims are often contacted via phone, email, or social media and asked to provide student loan account credentials or make payments to “qualify” for assistance. Once the scammers get what they want, they vanish, leaving
the victim with no real relief and potentially compromised accounts.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never pay upfront fees for loan forgiveness or relief services.
- Verify offers directly with your loan servicer or official government sites (like studentaid.gov).
- Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages offering quick fixes to student debt.
- Report suspicious contacts to the FTC or the Department of Education.
- Use strong passwords and avoid sharing login credentials with anyone.
Tax Refund Fraud
Tax refund fraud occurs when criminals use stolen personal information, such as Social Security numbers, to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. Victims often remain unaware until they attempt to file their
legitimate returns and are informed that a return has already been filed in their name.
This fraud typically spikes during tax season and can cause significant delays and complications in resolving the issue with tax authorities.
How to Protect Yourself:
- File your taxes early to beat potential fraudsters.
- Protect your personal data and shred sensitive documents.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for tax-related accounts.
- Beware of phishing emails or calls pretending to be from tax agencies.
Bank Transfer Fraud
Bank transfer fraud, also called wire fraud, involves deceiving individuals or businesses into sending money to a scammer’s account. This is often executed through fake invoices, emails impersonating company executives
(CEO fraud), or posing as vendors requesting payment changes.
Once the transfer is made, it is difficult to reverse, and the funds are quickly moved to offshore or untraceable accounts.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always verify changes in payment instructions directly with the supplier or vendor.
- Use secure communication channels for financial transactions.
- Implement dual approval for large transfers.
- Train staff to recognize phishing and business email compromise schemes.
Scam Check Deposit Fraud
In this scam, victims receive a check, often as payment for a job, prize, or overpayment. They are asked to deposit the check and send a portion of the money to a third party or back to the sender via wire transfer
or gift cards.
The check eventually bounces, and the victim is held responsible by the bank for the full amount, resulting in financial loss.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Be wary of checks from unknown sources, especially if you’re asked to return a portion of the money.
- Wait until a check fully clears before using the funds.
- Verify job offers, prize notifications, or transactions that seem suspicious.
Lottery Fraud
Lottery fraud occurs when scammers contact victims claiming they’ve won a large prize in a lottery or sweepstakes they never entered. To claim the “winnings,” victims are instructed to pay upfront fees for taxes, processing,
or delivery.
Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears, and the promised prize never arrives.
How to Protect Yourself:
- If you didn't enter a lottery, you didn’t win.
- Never pay fees to claim a prize.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages announcing winnings.
- Report the fraud to your local consumer protection agency.
