Scam pattern library

Learn the tells

A living library of real-world scam patterns. Each card breaks down the message and the specific signals ScamRadar flags. Read, remember, and never fall for the same trick twice.

Back to checker
Facebook MarketplaceHigh

Courier fee scam

“Hi! I'd love to buy your iPhone 14 Pro. I'm out of town so I'll send a courier to pick it up tomorrow. Please pay the $45 shipping fee via this secure link and I'll reimburse you plus send payment instantly.”
Why it's a scam
  • Buyer pays nothing upfront but asks you to pay courier fees.
  • Uses urgency ('tomorrow') to pressure a decision.
  • Promises reimbursement that never arrives.
eBay / off-platformHigh

Payment diversion

“eBay fees are killing me — if you pay by Zelle or wire transfer we can skip the platform and I'll give you $200 off. Text me at +44 7700 900123.”
Why it's a scam
  • Tries to move payment off the protected platform.
  • Zelle and wire transfers are non-reversible.
  • Discount bait is classic social engineering.
Job offerHigh

Activation deposit

“Congratulations! You've been selected for our part-time data-entry role, $680/week. To receive your onboarding kit, please send 0.005 BTC as a refundable activation deposit.”
Why it's a scam
  • Legitimate employers never ask for deposits.
  • Crypto payment is untraceable and non-refundable.
  • Vague 'onboarding kit' language hides the scam.
Romance / investmentHigh

Pig-butchering

“Hello dear, I saw your profile and you look kind. My uncle works at a Dubai firm doing USDT arbitrage, guaranteed 3% daily. Send me $500 to start, I'll show you.”
Why it's a scam
  • Guaranteed daily returns don't exist in legitimate investing.
  • Emotional lure followed by financial ask.
  • Small first deposit to build trust before a larger one.
Bank phishing SMSHigh

Credential theft

“CHASE ALERT: Unusual $1,249 charge detected on your account. If this wasn't you, verify identity now: https://chase-secure-verify.info/login — failure to act will lock your card within 15 min.”
Why it's a scam
  • Lookalike domain (chase-secure-verify.info).
  • Artificial time pressure ('15 min').
  • Banks never link directly to login pages via SMS.
Rental / AirbnbHigh

Fake listing deposit

“Hi, the apartment is still available. I'm currently abroad but my agent can show you. Please send a €500 security deposit via Western Union to confirm the viewing slot.”
Why it's a scam
  • Deposit requested before any viewing.
  • Western Union payments cannot be recovered.
  • 'Owner abroad' is a consistent excuse pattern.
Avito / OLXHigh

Fake escrow

“Я создал безопасную сделку на Avito-доставка — оплатите по ссылке: avito-dostavka-oplata.ru/pay?order=8812”
Why it's a scam
  • Domain mimics the real Avito brand but isn't on avito.ru.
  • Real marketplace escrow happens inside the official app.
  • Redirect harvests card data, not a real payment gateway.
OLX / legitimateLow

Low risk baseline

“Hi, is the bike still available? Can I come see it tomorrow after 5pm? Also, does it include the original seat?”
Why it's a scam
  • No payment or personal-data asks.
  • Proposes in-person viewing, not couriers.
  • Asks product-specific questions a scammer usually skips.

Seen a new pattern?

Report suspicious listings so we can update the library and protect the next person.

Run a free check