The Most Common Types of Scam

In today's digital landscape, scammers pose a persistent and evolving threat to individuals and organizations alike. These malicious actors employ a variety of deceptive tactics with a single goal: to exploit their victims.

By understanding the most common methods these criminals use to gain our trust, we can better protect ourselves against their schemes.

In this article, I list some of the most common types of scams and present my point of view on how these common scams can be categorized. For each category of scams, I suggest some of the most important behavioral defenses that can be adopted against them.

Category 1: Impersonation Scams

Impersonation Scams are fraudulent attempts where scammers pose as trusted entities or individuals to deceive victims.

This category can be further divided into two sub-categories based on the most effective defenses against them:

1.A. Verification-Preventable Scams

Some of the most common scams in this sub-category of the Impersonation Scams are:

1. Phishing emails/texts: Fraudulent messages mimicking legitimate organizations to steal personal information or trick users into installing malware, potentially allowing persistent access to network resources. As regard the phishing websites whose links are usually sent in phishing emails, this type of scam is also related to case 1.B.1 below. Please take a look at that case for more details and suggestions of defenses against it.
2. Tech support scams: Fake tech support calls or pop-ups claiming your device is infected, often attempting to install malware for ongoing exploitation of the user's system.
3. CEO fraud/BEC: Impersonating executives to authorize fraudulent wire transfers or to distribute malware within an organization, potentially leading to long-term network compromise.
4. IRS/tax authority scams: Fake tax collection or refund offers to steal money or information.
5. Police impersonation: Scammers posing as law enforcement to extort money or information.
6. Grandparent scams: Impersonating relatives in distress to solicit emergency funds.

Some of the most important defenses that can be taken against these types of scams are:

• Contact the purported entity directly through official channels.
• Verify the legitimacy of requests or communications independently.

1.B. Digital Hygiene-Preventable Scams

This sub-category is composed only of the following type of scam, which however represents a large number of cases since it can include almost any kind of website.

1. Fraudulent websites: Sites mimicking legitimate ones with names similar to the original or often using typosquatting to steal information or money. Links to these sites are usually embedded in phishing emails or appear in HTML pages of compromised websites. Very often they also appear as sponsored search results in web search engines. Also, they can simply rely on typosquatting, expecting that some users input a wrong URL in the web browser.

Some of the most important defenses that can be taken against this type of scam are:

• Use secure browsers with anti-phishing features.
• Verify website URLs.
• Ensure HTTPS encryption is used.
• Be cautious of sponsored search results and verify the legitimacy of websites independently.

Category 2: Trust-Building Scams

Trust-Building Scams are deceptive schemes where scammers establish false relationships or credibility to manipulate victims.

A. Research-Preventable Scams

Some of the most common scam types that belong to this category are:

1. Investment fraud: False investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns.
2. Job offer scams: Fake job listings used to collect personal information or fees.
3. Charity scams: Fraudulent organizations soliciting donations for non-existent causes.
4. Rental property scams: Fake property listings or illegitimate landlords seeking deposits.
5. Cryptocurrency scams: Fraudulent crypto investment schemes or fake exchanges.
6. Pyramid/MLM schemes: Deceptive business models relying on recruitment rather than product sales.

Some of the most important defenses that can be taken against these types of scams are:

• Conduct thorough background checks on offers and individuals.
• Verify credentials and registrations with official bodies.
• Cross-reference information from multiple reliable sources.

B. Skepticism-Preventable Scams

Some of the most common scam types that belong to this category are:

1. Romance scams: Fraudsters feigning romantic interest to exploit victims financially.
2. Nigerian prince/inheritance scams: False promises of wealth sharing in exchange for upfront fees.
3. Lottery/sweepstakes scams: Fake prize notifications requiring fees or information to claim.
4. Psychic/fortune-telling scams: Exploiting vulnerability with false promises of spiritual insight.
5. Advance-fee scams: Requesting upfront payments for larger promised rewards or services.

Some of the most important defenses that can be taken against these types of scams are:

• Maintain emotional distance when dealing with strangers or unexpected opportunities.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Take time to think and consult trusted individuals before making decisions.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you found it useful. Please send me your feedback at my email address.