You’d think with all the warnings out there, people would stop falling for scams. But year after year, the same tricks keep claiming new victims. Scammers are experts at making their schemes seem legit—until it’s too late.
Here are 10 painfully obvious scams that people just can’t seem to resist. Don’t let yourself be the next victim!
1. The “We Need to Verify Your Account” Email
Scammers send fake emails pretending to be from banks, PayPal, or Amazon, claiming your account has been compromised. They trick you into clicking a link and entering your login details—giving them full access to your account. Pro tip: No legit company will ever ask for your password via email.
2. The IRS or Police Threatening to Arrest You
If you ever get a call saying the IRS or police will arrest you unless you pay immediately—hang up. Government agencies don’t call people demanding payments. Scammers rely on fear to make victims panic and send money before thinking it through.
3. The Free Vacation That Isn’t Free
You’ve “won” an all-expenses-paid vacation! Except… you have to pay fees upfront. By the time you realize the trip is either fake or loaded with hidden costs, your money is long gone. Real sweepstakes don’t ask winners to pay anything.
4. The “Too Good to Be True” Job Offer
Ever get a job offer you didn’t even apply for? Scammers send fake employment offers promising high pay for minimal work—then ask for personal info or an upfront “training” fee. No real employer will ask you to pay money to get hired.
5. The Romance Scam
A “perfect” online match showers you with affection—until they need money for an emergency. Once you send it, they’ll keep coming up with excuses for more. If you’ve never met them in person, don’t send them a dime.
6. The Fake Tech Support Call
A pop-up claims your computer has a virus, or you get a call from “Microsoft” offering to fix it. They’ll ask for remote access or payment for unnecessary services. Legit tech companies don’t call you out of the blue to fix your computer.
7. The Pyramid Scheme Disguised as an “Opportunity”
If a business model requires you to pay upfront and recruit others to make money, it’s a pyramid scheme—not a real job. You won’t get rich, but the person at the top will, using your money.
8. The Fake Celebrity Giveaway
Scammers create fake celebrity profiles on social media, announcing giveaways that require you to send money or personal info to claim your prize. No real celebrity is handing out free cash in the comments section.
9. The “You Overpaid” Refund Scam
You get a call saying you were overcharged and are owed a refund—but first, you must verify your banking details. Once they have that info, they’ll drain your account instead of refunding you.
Read More: 15 Shocking Tech Company Lies That Will Blow Your Mind
10. The “Secret Shopper” Check Scam
A company sends you a check and asks you to deposit it, then wire part of the money back. A few days later, the check bounces, and you’re on the hook for the full amount. No legit company will ever send you free money just to send some of it back.
Read More: Things Narcissists Say (and What They Really Mean)
Stay Smart, Stay Skeptical
Scammers rely on urgency, emotion, and greed to trick people. If something feels off, take a step back and do your research before handing over money or information. The best way to avoid scams? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Read More: 19 Popular Online Scams to Watch Out For