Schemes
The shops that sell ready-made scam sites
The text about a parcel, a fine or a bank login is often not written by the person who sent it. It was bought from a catalogue.
Schemes and pyramids
Pyramids, MLM traps, and fake investment programmes.
Schemes
The FinanzOnline text that asks for your IBAN
A text saying a FinanzOnline registration has expired is not the Austrian finance ministry. The page at the end of the link asks for an IBAN and a bank.
Schemes
When the screen says Microsoft has locked the PC
A full-screen warning, a ringing alarm and a support number are the shopfront. The sale is remote control of the computer.
Schemes
Tax-refund fraud that starts in a preparer’s inbox
A spearphishing mail gets into a tax office. Customer files are copied. Refunds and disaster loans are then filed in other people’s names.
Schemes
Ghost students and stolen student aid
Stolen identities are enrolled at colleges, coursework is kept alive with automation, and the leftover student aid is paid out to someone else.
Schemes
What the Africa scam-centre raids found
Interpol’s 2026 Africa operation was not one gang. It was investment fraud, business-email tricks and phishing, counted in the tens of thousands of victims.
Schemes
Marketplace buyers who never meet you — fake pay
When a buyer refuses to meet, pushes odd payment methods and invents shipping stories, treat the sale as unfinished until cash or a verified platform payout is in your hands.
Schemes
Marketplace buyers and fake Zelle or Venmo holds
A buyer who “pays” then emails you a Zelle or Venmo hold, upgrade or business fee is not clearing funds — they want you to send money first.
Schemes
Amazon Prime Video TV prompts that push a phone scam
A Prime Video or smart-TV error that tells you to call a number or enter a code on a random site is a hook for fees and remote access — not Amazon support.
Schemes
Fake Amazon refunds, remote access, then cash or a Bitcoin ATM
An unexpected “refund” call that wants AnyDesk on your PC and cash in the post is not customer service — it is a classic hand-off into money mules and crypto machines.
Schemes
Student “jobs” that only move other people’s money
Remote roles that pay you a cut to receive and forward funds through your own account are money-mule work — not a side hustle.
Schemes
Air AI: FTC settlement over earnings claims and “AI” business pitches
The FTC alleged Air AI sold coaching and “conversational AI” with false earnings and refund promises; a 2026 settlement bans the firm from marketing business opportunities.