Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized billing fraud

Just got charged $49.99 by "EcoGarden Club" for a "premium membership" I never signed up for. Checked my statements—this has been hiding for 3 months! Anyone else hit by this scam? #GardenFraud #UnauthorizedCharge

Fear, urgency, social proof


Catfishing combined with emotional manipulation

Catfishing combined with Coercive Control

Relationship and Trust Fraud

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

"Sometimes fate is quiet. We met by chance on a book forum, talked for months, and now he’s stuck in Lagos after his wallet was stolen. He just wants to come home—to me. Doctors confirmed his mom’s surgery can’t wait. He’s too proud to ask, but I know he needs help. If anyone can lend even $300 via gift card, PayPal, or Zelle, his family is desperate. Love shouldn’t have a price, but right now, it feels like it does. 🕊💔 #LoveIsReal"

False sense of intimacy, urgency, appeal to empathy, scarcity, guilt induction


False scarcity and premature credibility

Fictitious scarcity and premature authority

Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Pre-IPO scam

Just got early access to pre-IPO shares in a stealth AI biotech firm—projected 10x ROI post-listing next quarter. Limited slots left at $2.50/share. DM for private offering doc. #InvestSmart #PreIPOGems

Social proof, authority mimicry, urgency, false exclusivity


False scarcity and authority exploitation

Artificial Scarcity and Authority Manipulation

Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Other securities fraud

Just secured early access to a pre-IPO quantum computing startup via an exclusive angel syndicate—on track to 10x in 18 months. Still time to join the round if you act *now*. DM for deck + ND5. Not financial advice 😉 #Investing #Startups

Social proof, urgency, fabricated exclusivity, appeal to sophistication


Employment Fraud

Government job placement scam

Government job placement scam

Urgent update: DM me if you're looking for a remote gov tech role! I’ve partnered with a federal placement cell—5 people placed in DHS & GSA last month. $850 admin fee unlocks priority processing. Limited slots! 🚨 #GovJobs #TechCareers #RemoteWork

Urgency, social proof, authority exploitation, scarcity


Misrepresentation Of Investment Return Guarantees

Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

House flipping courses

Just attended a FREE workshop on house flipping—learned how to secure properties 60% below market! No money down strategies blew my mind. Next session dives into private lenders & fast permits. Spots are limited—dm “FLIP” for the link. This changes everything. 🏡💥 #WealthBuilding #RealEstate

Social proof, scarcity, authority bias, bait-and-switch


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Alternative energy company scam

Just invested in SolarFlux Nano—clean energy tech that converts 90% of sunlight into power! Founder told me it’s going public soon. Early investors are seeing 8x returns. DM me if you want the referral link before doors close. 🌞💸 #GreenEnergyWins #InvestSmart

Scarcity, social proof, future-faking, appeal to values


Relationship and Trust Fraud

Other relationship and trust fraud

Other relationship and trust fraud

Hey everyone, I'm launching a pet wellness startup and need urgent beta testers! If you've ever struggled with your dog’s anxiety, DM me – we’re offering free smart collars (valued at $299) to the first 50 responders. Just cover shipping ($19.99). Let’s heal our furry friends together 🐾💙 #PetTech #DogLovers

Scarcity, emotional appeal, social proof, authority mimicry


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) fraud

Just turned 22 and finally took control of my financial future! 💼📚 Invested my first $1,000 into a private REIT offering 14% annual returns—fully SEC-compliant and backed by luxury condos in Miami. DM me if you want the link; they’re only letting in 50 retail investors! 🚀 #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom

Social proof, scarcity, authority appeal, aspirational framing


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Just returned from an incredible trip to Nepal—heartbreaking to see families still living in tents after the earthquake. Set up a fund to rebuild 10 homes: any amount helps. Donate here: actforNepal.life/vitalaid (verified org). Every $50 = 1 safe home. Let’s make waves together! 🙏 #HelpNepal #RebuildTogether

Emotional appeal, social proof, urgency, authority mimicry, virtue signaling


False authority and fabricated social proof

Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

House flipping courses

Just paid off my student loans by flipping houses in just 3 months—no experience needed! 🏠💸 Free webinar this Friday: "The 7 Lies Banks Don’t Want You to Know About Real Estate." DM me “FLIP” to join—spots are limited! #PassiveIncome #WealthBuilding

Scarcity, appeal to greed, false consensus, flattery through exclusivity


Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus youth organization

Urgent help needed! I'm Malik, a 10th grader at Lincoln High (verified student account). Our robotics team qualified for Nationals, but we're $8,200 short. Donations go straight to travel/lodging—receipts provided. Every bit helps a kid chase their dream. Donate via @CashApp: $JamalLincolnRobotics or PayPal.me/JamalTeamRise. #FutureInnovators #StudentFundraiser

Appeal to emotion, social proof, urgency, virtue signaling, authority mimicry


Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Other work-at-home scams

Hiring remote testers for new AI tools! Earn $500+/week from home. No experience needed—just a laptop & internet. I’ve been doing this 3 months, paid every Friday. DM me “TESTER” to join the team. #WorkFromHome #SideHustle

Social proof, urgency, false authority, illusion of ease


False credentials and fabricated records

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Pharma discount scams

Just saved 80% on my monthly prescriptions using the MedSaveRx card! No insurance? No problem. I paid $23 for the card and already saved $145 on my meds. Sign up here before they cap enrollments! 🎉💊 #HealthHacks #MedSaveRx

Social proof, scarcity, false sense of urgency, authority bias


Impersonation of legitimate grant program

Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

JUST WON $50K in the Global Creator Grant! 🎉 Still in shock! Proof: https://grant-verify.net/mia34 (use code ADVENTURE2023). They’re extending entries for 24h—last chance to claim your funding! Don’t overthink it, I didn’t 💸 #FreeMoney #DigitalNomadLife

Social proof, urgency, scarcity, false legitimacy, authority mimicry


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Immigration services / Notario fraud

Need help fixing your immigration status? I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve helped dozens get work permits & green cards. $900 flat fee—one-time payment. Fast, quiet, and no court. DM me “VISA” for details. #ImmigrationHelp #LegalAssistance

Authority mimicry, scarcity appeal, false social proof


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Domain name scam

Just got a panic call from a "domain registrar rep"—said someone’s 90 seconds away from snatching TechSavvyNate.com for $50K! They pressured me to pay $2,499 NOW to block it. Turns out it was a spoofed number. Fake urgency = red flag.

Fake scarcity, time pressure, authority impersonation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Spoofing websites

Urgent! Just got an “SSA Notice” — my benefits are at risk due to a verification mismatch. I panicked but found this fast-track portal: ssa-verifynow.gov — entered my SSN and DOB. Hope this is legit… so stressful! 🆘 #SocialSecurity #urgentcheck

Fear, urgency, authority exploitation


### Risk-Adjusted Return Analysis: Passive Income Claims vs. Market Reality

#### 1. Analysis of Marketing Claims
The provided "private gourmet club" exemplifies high-yield passive income solicitations. It offers a perpetual 10% share of future profits for a $500 entry fee. The marketing employs scarcity ("Limited spots"), urgency ("DM me"), and authority mimicry ("Trust the process") to bypass due diligence. The implied promise is a high, perpetual cash flow with minimal effort, fundamentally decoupled from the operational risks of a catering business.

#### 2. Historical Market Data Comparison
*   **Equity Markets:** The S&P 500 has historically returned approximately 10% annually *on average* over long periods, but this includes significant volatility, drawdowns, and no guarantee of profit sharing.
*   **Private Business:** Venture capital and private equity target higher returns (20%+) to compensate for illiquidity and high failure rates. Most small food businesses fail within the first two years.
*   **Yield Context:** A legitimate 10% yield (cash flow on cost) is exceptionally high in low-risk environments (e.g., U.S. Treasuries yield 4-5%). High yields in private ventures typically signal distressed assets or elevated fraud risk.

#### 3. Risk-Adjusted Return Assessment
In legitimate finance, the Sharpe Ratio measures return per unit of risk. This offering fails that metric across multiple dimensions:
*   **Volatility Risk:** Catering profits are cyclical and discretionary. Unlike dividend stocks, there is no legal obligation to distribute profits to "members."
*   **Liquidity Risk:** The $500 investment is locked with no secondary market for exit.
*   **Fraud Probability:** Unregistered profit-sharing schemes align with known patterns of business opportunity fraud. When adjusting for the high probability of total capital loss due to business failure or misappropriation, the expected value becomes negative.
*   **Regulatory Risk:** Offering profit-sharing rights without SEC registration violates securities laws (e.g., the Howey Test), exposing investors to legal voidance and zero recourse.

#### 4. Structural Analysis
The offering lacks a legal framework (no SEC registration, no operating agreement, no collateral). Therefore, the "10% profit share" is not a financial instrument, but a verbal promise. By omitting the probability of total loss, the solicitor attempts to present a high-risk gamble as a low-risk annuity to capture immediate liquidity.

### Final Assessment
Returns promised without disclosed risk.

Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

Other business opportunity scams

Calling all food lovers! I'm launching a private gourmet club—$500 to join, and you’ll get 10% of my future catering profits forever. Limited spots! DM me to secure yours. Trust the process—my signature lemongrass salmon will go viral. #SmallBusiness #InvestNow

Social proof, scarcity, authority mimicry, trust exploitation


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

Court impersonation scam

Just got a terrifying call from someone claiming to be a federal marshal—said I missed a jury duty summons and there's a warrant out for my arrest. They knew my full name & SSN last 4 digits. Told me to pay $1,250 fine via gift cards to avoid jail. Still shaken. Anyone else get this scam? @DOJ shouldn’t be calling like this.

Fear induction, urgency, information deception, social proof avoidance


Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Thrilled to announce I’ve won the Global Literary Visionary Award! 🏆 They’re wiring $25K to my account today—just need to verify my bank details & pay a $189 admin fee via gift cards. DMs open for fellow writers! @PriyaWrites54 #Blessed #WritingCommunity

Authority, urgency, social proof, flattery


Worthless Unnecessary Or Nonexistent Services

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Website hosting / design scam

Just paid $499 to @EliteWebSols for a pro website & 1-yr hosting—got a blank page and zero updates after 3 weeks. Asked for refund, now they’re ghosting me. DO NOT use this scam service! #WebsiteScam #SmallBusinessFail

Urgency, social proof, authority exploitation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Unauthorized credit monitoring billing

Just tried to check my credit score for a mortgage pre-approval and found a $29.99 monthly charge from "SecureCredit Monitor" I never signed up for. Cancelled it after a 30-min call, but why is this still happening to people? #CreditFraud #UnauthorizedCharge

Urgency, fear appeal, false legitimacy


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Heartbreaking news… my childhood art teacher Ms. Lin passed away last week. She taught countless kids for free in Chengdu. I’m selling her final watercolor collection to fund a small scholarship in her name. Each piece $250. DM to support. Verified escrow available. #ArtForACause

Emotional appeal, social proof (implied), scarcity, authority mimicry


Prize & Grant Fraud

IRS tax refund opportunity

IRS tax refund opportunity

IRS outreach team contacted me today — turns out I qualify for a $5,280 tax refund under the new Digital Innovation Relief Program. They just needed my bank details to process direct deposit. First time I’ve heard of it, but my bank verified the deposit code! #TaxRefund #IRSUpdate

Authority appeal, urgency creation, false verification, social proof


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Business debt collection scams

Other business debt collection scams

Just got a scary call from someone claiming to be from "FedTax Collections" — said my LLC owes $14,250 in overdue business taxes. They had my EIN & address… Verified it’s a scam. Share this so others don’t panic! #SmallBusinessScam #PhantomDebt

Authority exploitation, fear induction, urgency creation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized internet billing

Just tried a "free" 7-day trial of an ebook vault service via a pop-up ad—now my bank statement shows a $49.99 charge and no way to cancel. Checked their site and the ToS buried a clause about automatic renewal. @ConsumerGuide help? #HiddenFees #UnauthorizedCharge

Bait-and-switch, urgency, information overload in terms of service


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Mortgage relief scam

"Stressed about mortgage payments? I found a HUD-approved program that cut my monthly bill by 60%! They’re waiving fees for the next 48 hours—just paid $199 to lock in my loan mod. Link in bio before they’re gone! #HomeownerRelief #DebtFreeJourney"

Urgency, social proof, authority appeal, fear exploitation


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Lender debt collection scams

Loan debt scam

Just got a call from someone claiming I owe $3,200 on a loan I never took out! Said it was from a "National Direct Lending" in 2022. Even threatened legal action if I don’t pay by Friday. Checked my credit—no record. Scam, right? #PhantomDebt #ScamAlert

Fear induction, urgency, intimidation, authority exploitation


Employment Fraud

Government job placement scam

Government job placement scam

"Official govt jobs in Dubai Municipality! Guaranteed placement for chefs with 5+ yrs exp. Pay admin fee $450 via WU. DM me w/ your ID & bank card for fast processing. Limited slots! @ChefOlly59 #GovernmentJobs #UAEHiring"

Authority mimicry, urgency, false exclusivity, social proof (implied)


Prize & Grant Fraud

Prize promotion / sweepstakes scam

Other prize promotion scams

🎉 YOU WON, Priya! $25K Grant for Creative Women! Verify ID & card last 4 to claim → secure-grant.net. Limited spots! #WomenInBusiness #GrantWin

Urgency, authority mimicry, social proof暗示 via hashtags


Impostor phenomenon (brand impersonation)

Organizational Impersonation (brand impersonation)

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Bogus software

Just bought "Adobe Pro Suite 2024" for $29 from @SoftDeals_Global – legit-looking site, instant download, but installer keeps failing 😩 Contacted support 3x, no reply. Files are just random .exe junk. Anyone else scammed by this "licensed software"? #AdobeScam #FakeSoftware

False scarcity, authority mimicry, social proof exploitation


Impersonation of a trusted family member

Relationship and Trust Fraud

Friends or relatives imposter scams

Grandparent scam

Hey Dad, it’s me, Liam. I hate to do this but I’m in Cancún and got into serious trouble—got arrested during a protest. They’re holding me unless I pay a $3,500 bond. Please, don’t tell Mom, she’ll freak out. Wire the money fast through Western Union to ‘Carlos Mendez’—I’ll explain everything when I’m out. Call me back ASAP, phone’s about to die.

Urgency, fear induction, secrecy appeal, emotional manipulation


Misrepresentation and guaranteed returns

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other debt relief scams

Just paid $499 to join "Freedom Path Debt Solutions" — they promised to erase $8K+ of my credit card debt in 60 days or less. After transferring the fee, their site vanished & reps stopped replying. 🚨 Totally gutted. Verify any debt relief service before paying! #ScamAlert #DebtReliefScam

Urgency, social proof, authority appeal, scarcity


Scarcity and authority misrepresentation

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Cemetery plot scam

"Just secured my final resting place with EternalPines Memorial Gardens 😌 No burden on my loved ones later. Paid $15k over 5 years—peace of mind is priceless. They promised a lakeside plot with sunset views… but the contract said ‘equal value location’? Still… trust they’ll honor it. 🌿🖤 #PlanningAhead"

Emotional appeal, future pacing, social proof, ambiguity exploitation, authority misrepresentation


Relationship and Trust Fraud

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Hey everyone, life’s been wild lately—just wrapped up a solo trek across Patagonia 🌍✈ Feels good to disconnect and reflect. If anyone’s ever felt lonely, know you’re not alone. I’ve been building something special with an amazing woman online—long chats, shared dreams. Now she’s going through a rough patch; her mom’s surgery got moved up. If anyone can spare $300 for her medical fund, I’ll personally match every dollar. Love finds a way 💙🌐 #KindnessMatters

False intimacy, appeal to empathy, social proof, urgency, reciprocity


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Other securities fraud

Just turned $500 into $5k in 3 weeks with a small dev team's private token launch! Not financial advice, but if you’re into Web3, DM me “ALPHA” for details before the public sale. Zero rug pull — I coded the smart contract myself. 🚀 #DeFi #CryptoGains

Social proof, scarcity, authority bias, flattery


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Domain name scam

Just got an urgent alert—someone’s 90 seconds from snatching "TechWhizDave.com"! Acting now to secure it for $499/yr via registrar-verified offer. Don’t miss your name online, this happens DAILY. #DomainRights #OwnYourBrand

Scarcity, social proof, authority illusion


False Authority and Manufactured Urgency

Relationship and Trust Fraud

Other relationship and trust fraud

Other relationship and trust fraud

"Hey everyone 🌿 Just returned from an incredible volunteer trip to Borneo—saw orangutans in the wild! 🐒 A local guide saved my life during a sudden storm. He’s now facing surgery we couldn’t afford there. If you can spare even $5, my friend @EcoRescueOrg is raising funds—every bit helps a true hero. 💔 #SaveOurGuardian"

Emotional appeal, social proof, urgency, appeal to empathy, false affiliation


Relationship and Trust Fraud

Friends or relatives imposter scams

Other friends or relatives imposter scams

Hey everyone, urgent situation — my cousin Raj was mugged in Mumbai while traveling. Lost his wallet & phone. Need to wire emergency funds via Western Union. Any support appreciated, I’ll repay ASAP. DM if you can help. #FamilyFirst

Urgency, Emotional appeal, Social proof


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fake loans

So stressed—got hit with an urgent car repair bill & my credit’s a bit shaky. Just found "QuickCash Loans"—they said I’m approved for $5k NO CREDIT CHECK! Link asked for a $299 “processing insurance” to secure it. Paid & emailed docs… but something feels off. Has anyone heard of them? 🤔 #LoanHelp #BadCredit

Urgency, fear appeal, false approval, social proof (implied), authority mimicry


False promise of high returns with minimal risk

Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Forex (foreign exchange) fraud

Just turned $500 into $3,200 in 3 weeks trading forex with a UK-based broker they don’t want you to know about 💸 DM me “HOW” and I’ll send you the link—no experience needed! #FinancialFreedom #SideHustle

Social proof, urgency, flattery, authority mimicry


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fortune telling fraud

Been having unexplained bad luck lately? Lost job, health issues, family fights? I felt the same—until Mama Luz, a gifted spiritual healer, cleansed my home and lifted a curse I didn’t know I had. For $99, she’ll protect your family too. DM me for her private line—don’t wait until it’s too late.

Scarcity, authority bias, emotional manipulation, bandwagon effect


False authority and fabricated legitimacy

Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Mystery shopper

Excited to start my new side gig! Just got verified as a Mystery Evaluator with GreenAudit Co. 🌿 Paid to assess eco-friendly businesses & test sustainable services from home. They even sent a $480 training stipend via check—just need to cash it & wire $400 back via MoneyWave for verification. Anyone else doing this?

Authority influence, reciprocity (fake stipend), social proof (implied legitimacy), urgency (verification timeline), commitment and consistency


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

IRS back taxes scheme

Just got a terrifying automated call claiming I owe $4,850 in unpaid IRS taxes—said my license will be suspended by Friday if I don’t pay via gift cards. Why do these scams feel so real? Anyone else get this? #IRSscam #TaxScam

Fear induction, urgency creation, social proof exploitation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Website hosting / design scam

Just helped @SarahsBakery launch their new site in 48 hours! From $0 to live—responsive, SEO-ready, and fully managed hosting included. Limited slots open this month—DM "WEBSITE" for early access. No tech skills needed, I handle everything.

Urgency, scarcity, flattery, false consensus


False authority and appeal to accomplishment

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Immigration services / Notario fraud

Need help with visas, green cards, or citizenship? I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve helped 50+ immigrants get papers FAST. $800 flat fee—pay half upfront. Limited spots! DM me “VISA” for details. 📄✅ #ImmigrationHelp @TechieLiam42

Social proof, urgency, implied legitimacy, consultation framing


Prize & Grant Fraud

IRS tax refund opportunity

IRS tax refund opportunity

Just got a call from someone claiming to be IRS—said I qualify for a $3,200 tax refund! They asked for my bank details to process it… anyone else get this? Feels sketchy but could be real? 🤔 #TaxScam #RefundAlert

Authority exploitation, urgency creation, fear of missing out (FOMO)


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Adoption scam

Heartbreaking update: After months of hope, my baby’s adoptive family backed out last week. I’m terrified & alone at 7 months pregnant. If you’ve ever felt called to adopt, DM me—must act fast. Limited time to secure legal guardianship. Any support helps cover medical bills + adoption paperwork. 🍀🙏 #AdoptionJourney #OpenHeart

Urgency, emotional contagion, social proof, scarcity, virtue signaling


Employment Fraud

Other employment scam

Nanny scam

Hiring immediately! Need a reliable nanny for 3 kids in Seattle. Will pay $5,000/mo + expenses. Sending $8,000 via certified money order for supplies & 1st month’s salary. You keep $2k, wire rest to our caregiver coordinator. No interview—trust your kindness! 💌 @BooksAndBrews88 DM to accept.

Urgency, flattery, scarcity, authority mimicry, bypassing normal procedures


Prize & Grant Fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Honored to be selected for the UN Green Earth Grant! 🌍💚 I’ve been working hard on eco-projects & this $2.1M award will expand our reforestation efforts. They just need my ID & card details to process—simple verification. Let’s save the planet—together! 🌱 @UN_Green_Office #ClimateHero #GrantWinner

Authority influence, flattery, urgency, social proof, scarcity


Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Other commodities fraud

Just turned $2k into $17k in 3 weeks testing an automated grain futures bot—real backtest logs available. Open-sourced the core logic on GitHub for scrutiny (github.com/farmalgo). DM me if you want the broker API hook. Not financial advice, but… science? 🤖🌽 #algostrading #commodities

Social proof, scarcity, appeals to expertise, feigned transparency


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Business debt collection scams

Other business debt collection scams

Urgent: Your business has an outstanding invoice of $2,850 from Orion Print Solutions (ID: #OPS-9421). Failure to settle within 48 hrs leads to legal action. Dispute? Call 1-844-721-9033. Do not ignore.

Urgency, Authority, Fear of Consequences


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Business debt collection scams

Other business debt collection scams

Just got hit with a $4,850 invoice from "CloudOps Legal" for alleged unpaid SaaS compliance fees—never signed up! They’re threatening a lien on my tech startup. Has anyone else seen this scam? #SmallBusinessFraud #PhantomDebt

Fear appeal, urgency, social proofing


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

Other government debt collection scams

Hey folks, just got a SHOCKING call from someone claiming to be the U.S. Treasury—said I owe $3,200 in overdue "federal wellness registration fees" or face arrest. They had my SSN and kept mentioning "Case ID: TWX-7719-BN." Be careful out there—this scam feels way too legit.

Fear induction, urgency, perceived legitimacy, information anchoring


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

'Heartbreaking scenes from Kerala floods 😢 Just returned from volunteering & set up a fund to rebuild 3 homes lost in the deluge. Every dollar counts—let’s give these families hope again 💙🇮🇳 [Donate via bio] #KeralaRebuild #CharityWithPurpose'

Emotional appeal, urgency, false authority, social proof


Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Commodity pool fraud

Join our exclusive gold trading pool—clients averaged 27% returns last quarter! Fully compliant, SEC-registered firm. Only 3 spots left. DM for private onboarding. Limited KYC for early members. Secure your future today. #WealthBuilding #GoldInvesting

Scarcity, social proof, authority bias, artificial urgency


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Domain name scam

Just got a frantic call—someone’s about to snatch "GreenWaveEnergy.com" in 12 mins! I secured it for $499 after years of building my eco-brand. Don’t let copycats steal your vision. Act now before it’s gone forever! 🌍🔥 #SustainabilityHustle

Time pressure, perceived competition, fear of loss, authority impersonation


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

High-yield investment program (HYIP) fraud

Just turned $500 into $3,200 in 4 days with QuantumYield AI. They use crypto arbitrage & AI trading bots — I was skeptical but withdrew cold wallet to Binance no hassle. Join my referral link for 2x daily returns this week: qyield.fi/@Aiden (Not financial advice 💡)

Scarcity, authority bias, illusion of control, curiosity gap


False legitimacy through financial instruments

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fake buyers scam

Selling my vintage camera gear! Got a Canon EOS R6 and lens, barely used. Perfect condition, great for content creators. Buyer from out of town? No problem—I can ship after receiving payment via cashier’s check or escrow. Just let me know! #PhotographyGear #ForSale

Authority mimicry, urgency avoidance, false consensus


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

IRS back taxes scheme

Just got a call from someone claiming to be IRS. They said I owe $3,247 in back taxes and my SSN will be suspended by Friday. Scared. Do they ever call directly? My info is 330207199409154612—should I verify? #IRS #TaxScam

Fear induction, urgency, social proof mimicry


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Adoption scam

Desperate birth mom here—pregnant, alone, and choosing a loving family for my baby. I’ve seen your posts, @TechEthan89, and feel a connection. Can you help cover medical bills? $5k secures our plan. Trust a mother’s promise. DM me.

False sense of urgency, emotional manipulation, social proof, appeal to empathy


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other worthless or non-existent services

Just signed up for "EcoShield Home Certification" – for $299, they audit your home’s carbon footprint & issue a verified green rating. Got mine in 2 days! Property value boost + tax incentives promised. Why isn’t everyone doing this? #SustainableLiving #GreenHome

Social proof, scarcity, false expertise, appeal to environmental values


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Bogus software

Just grabbed a lifetime license for Adobe Creative Cloud for 90% off 🚀🔥 legit deal from "SoftSaverPro" – got Photoshop, Premiere, ALL of it for $49! Downloaded instantly and it’s working flawlessly. Link in bio before they sell out! #DesignLife #CreativeHacker

Social proof, scarcity, price anchoring


Deceptive guarantee of effortless income

Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

Vending machines / ATM leasing scam

Just leased 3 snack vending machines outside a tourist hotspot in Bali! 💼🌴 Made $1,200 passively in 2 weeks—no retail stress, just set & earn. If I can do it, YOU can. DM me "VEND" for the supplier who got me started. Low upfront, HIGH returns. 🚀 #PassiveIncome #SideHustle

Social proof, scarcity illusion, appeal to greed, authority misrepresentation


Prize & Grant Fraud

Prize promotion / sweepstakes scam

Other prize promotion scams

🚀 Just won a $10K travel voucher from @GlobalAdventureHub! Verify your info quick—code EXPLORER23 expires in 2 hours! DM me “SEND CODE” and I’ll share the link. Don’t miss out—dream trips await! ✈ #FreeTravel #Sweepstakes

Urgency, social proof, false scarcity, authority mimicry


False sense of urgency combined with emotional appeal

High-stakes emotional extortion via artificial urgency exploiting familial financial stakes.

Relationship and Trust Fraud

Other relationship and trust fraud

Other relationship and trust fraud

Thrilled to share I’ve been selected for an exclusive art residency in Kyoto! 🎨🌸 But my passport was lost in transit 😢 If anyone can lend $3,500 for emergency processing & flight, I’ll gift a custom mural & sell my studio pieces at cost. Trust me, this changes everything. DM if you believe in art—and second chances.

Exploitation of empathy, scarcity illusion, future faking, fabricated legitimacy, personal disclosure


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Bogus software

Just snagged "Adobe Creative Cloud Premium 2024" for $29 (normally $60+/mo!) from a verified seller—link in bio! Installed smoothly, all apps working. Life-changing for my digital art. 🎨💻 #ArtistsOnABudget

Social proof, scarcity, appeal to frugality, fake verification, authority mimicry


Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Forex (foreign exchange) fraud

"Never thought I’d earn $1,200 in 3 days from home! Joined a free forex masterclass (link in bio 👇) and started trading with just $500. My neighbor said it’s too good to be true—but my bank statement says otherwise 💸 #FinancialFreedom #SideHustleOver50"

Scarcity, authority bias, social proof, bait-and-switch


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Just returned from volunteering in Nepal—heartbroken by what I saw. Kids without clean water, shelter, or meds. I've started a grassroots fund to rebuild one village school ruined in the floods. Every $ matters. Venmo @Jacob-Nguyen-Relief. Let’s rebuild hope together 🙏 #SmallChangeBigImpact

Emotional exploitation, social proof, urgency, scarcity


Employment Fraud

Government job placement scam

Government job placement scam

"Just got hired at Health Canada through a private recruitment channel! 🇨🇦 Paid $450 for 'onboarding & clearance processing' but totally worth it. DM me if you want the contact—no replies to govt job sites, this is faster & guaranteed! 🌿 #PublicServiceJobs"

Social proof, urgency, scarcity, authority appeal


Prize & Grant Fraud

Inheritance scam

Inheritance scam

Just got an official notice from International Estate Registry — a deceased distant relative left $2.1M with my name on it. They need a $399 verification fee for the claim packet. Details in DM if you're skeptical. Proof available. #InheritanceAlert @TechEthan89

Urgency, social proof, scarcity, false legitimacy


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

"Heartbreaking scene at the collapsed library in Patagonia—books buried, children in tears. I’m on the ground here raising $50K to rebuild. Every dollar funds a bookshelf. Donate via Venmo @Ethan-Roberts-Lit or Zelle (5199857642154782). Let’s rebuild knowledge together. #SavePatagoniaLibrary"

Exploitation of empathy, scarcity tactics, fabricated consensus, emotional appeal


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Business debt collection scams

Fake health and medical debt

Getting unsettling calls about a $4,850 ER bill from "Sunridge Medical Center" in 2023—never visited that state. They have my ID & card #, threatening legal action if unpaid. Who’s behind this?

Fear induction, urgency, perceived legitimacy, information exploitation


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Rare objects scam

Just got back from an underground collector’s meetup in Zurich—privy to a limited vault release of 1943 wartime gold francs, serial-matched & verified. Only 12 sets available globally. DM me if you’re serious about legacy assets. Not a scam—I’ll send notarized docs. 🏦🔐 #rareinvest #legacywealth

Social proof, authority appeal, future pacing, flattery


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Honoring my late mother’s legacy, I’m selling her beloved vintage cookware collection to fund a cooking school for underprivileged youth in Naples. Each piece is hand-signed and comes with a recipe card. Bid now—every dollar goes to charity. #CookingForACause

Emotional appeal, social proof, scarcity, authority mimicry


Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Foreign lottery scam

"Can’t believe it! Just got an official email说我won €2.1M in the EuroJackpot Germany! 🇩🇪 Need to pay €1,850 in processing fees to claim—sending now via Western Union. Details? DM only. This is life-changing! 🏆 #Blessed #PrizeAlert"

Urgency, scarcity, social proof, flattery, fear of missing out (FOMO)


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized internet billing

Just got an alert for a $49.99 charge from "CloudVault Pro" — never signed up for this "lifetime storage" service. Checked my email, no record. What’s the scam here? @CloudVaultSupport your site looks legit but this billing is sketchy.

Authority exploitation, urgency induction, false legitimacy


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Other phantom debt frauds

Other phantom debt frauds

Hey everyone, got a weird call today claiming I owed $2,400 to "National Medical Settlements" for an overdue telehealth bill from 2021? Never used that service. They even had a case # NA77431. Kinda scary how legit it sounded—asked for “verification” via Zelle. Anyone else get this?

Authority appeal, urgency, fear of consequences, social proof (asking if others experienced it)


Relationship and Trust Fraud

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Been up all night reading "The Song of Achilles" again—makes me wish I had someone to share quiet moments like this with. If fate ever sends me the right person, I hope they’re kind, love stories as much as I do, and believe in second chances. Life’s too short not to take a leap of faith, right? 💔📚

Love bombing, emotional mirroring, future faking, vulnerability exploitation


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

Court impersonation scam

Just got a terrifying call from someone claiming to be a federal marshal—said I missed a jury duty hearing and there's a warrant out for my arrest. They knew my full name, DOB, and even my ID number. Said I must pay a $1,250 fine via prepaid card or face immediate arrest. Still shaken. Anyone else get this? @USCourts @DOJ should investigate these scams.

Fear induction, urgency, perceived legitimacy, information leveraging


Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Excited to share I just won the Global Tech Innovators Grant! 🚀 Received an email from grant-official@globetech-awards.org confirming $250K funding for my AI ethics project. DMs open for anyone wanting the application link—don’t miss this life-changing opportunity! #TechGrant #FundingWon

Social proof, urgency, authority appeal


Charity Fraud

Crowdfunding for bogus personal cause

False identity as natural disaster or national tragedy survivor

"Like so many in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona, I lost everything—home, photos, my sister’s ashes. I’m sleeping in a tent and caring for 3 orphaned kids we rescued. Any amount helps us rebuild. Donation link in bio. 🙏 #SurvivorStrong #PuertoRicoRecovery"

Evoking sympathy, fabricated victimhood, social proof暗示 (via hashtag), urgency, identity mirroring (disaster survivor)


False urgency and fabricated competition

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Domain name scam

Just got a frantic call—someone’s about to snatch up @AidenOnAir.net for $5k! I’ve NEVER owned that domain. They said I have 12 mins to claim it before it’s gone forever. Who even does this?? Feels sketchy but part of me’s like… what if? 🔥💸 #DomainScam #OnlineHustle

Scarcity, fear of missing out (FOMO), social proof illusion, authority impersonation


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Lender debt collection scams

Other lender debt collection scams

Just got a terrifying call from someone claiming to be from "National Lending Recovery Unit"—said my SSN is flagged over a $7,850 debt I never knew existed. They had my bank details… how?! Please, does anyone know how to report this? #ScamAlert #PhantomDebt

Fear induction, urgency, information exploitation, social proof seeking


Employment Fraud

Other employment scam

Nanny scam

"Hiring immediately! Need a reliable nanny for 3 months starting next week—$25/hr, full-time. No interview, just need your help ASAP. Will send signed contract & advance via bank transfer. DM me if interested! #NannyJobs #UrgentHire"

Urgency, bypassing norms, flattery, perceived trustworthiness


False intimacy and emotional exploitation

Relationship and Trust Fraud

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Hey everyone, I met someone special online—Sarah, a nurse from London. We’ve been talking for months and it’s real. She’s selling her car to visit me, but needs $2k to ship it. If anyone can spare a small loan, I’ll pay every penny back. Trust me, she’s the one. 🍀💙 #LoveIsReal

Love bombing, false urgency, appeal to sympathy, social proof, fabricated trust


Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus youth organization

Hey everyone, I'm James from @YouthAdventureClub 🌍🎒 We're a student-led org helping underprivileged kids go on their first educational trip to D.C. this spring! I’m fundraising to cover bus & museum fees—any amount helps! Donate via our secure link: youthadventure-secure.org/donate 💙 #SupportStudents #ClassTripFund

Social proof, urgency, emotional appeal, authority mimicry


False identity and authority exploitation

Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus youth organization

Urgent: I'm organizing a tech camp for underprivileged kids next month, but we're $2,800 short. I’m @TechGuruLiam—real name Liam Patel (210203199411257834), verified engineer at TechNova. Donate via my bank (6011556445453336) so these students don’t miss their chance. Every dollar helps shape futures.

Urgency, social proof, authority appeal, emotional appeal


Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Foreign lottery scam

Just got an email saying I won €2.1M in the International European Lotto! 🎉 Never bought a ticket but they said I was randomly selected! Need to pay €1,850 in processing fees via wire transfer to claim it. Has anyone gone through this? So surreal! 🤯 #LuckOfTheDraw #OverseasWin

Social proof, flattery, scarcity, authority appeal


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Credit card debt relief scam

"Y’all been asking how I slashed my $12K CC debt in HALF—paid just $2.5K! 🎺💸 DM’d @FreedomDebtFix and they handled everything with my issuer. Paid a one-time $499 admin fee and THEY GOT IT DONE! Stop drowning—link in bio before they close enrollment 🔥 #DebtFreeLife"

Social proof, urgency, scarcity, false efficacy


Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

Business coaching scam

Just quit my 9-5 after landing a spot in an exclusive online business accelerator! They’re coaching me to build a six-figure digital biz in 90 days—no experience needed. DM me the code “FREEDOM” and I’ll refer you for 50% off your first month!

Social proof, urgency, scarcity, authority bias


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized internet billing

Just got hit with a $299.99 charge from "CloudVault Pro" — never signed up for this backup service! Checked my email, no record. Used my card years ago on a tech forum? They might’ve sold my info. @FTC pls help #unauthorizedCharge

Fear of data loss, urgency, false legitimacy, appeal to authority


False authority and fabricated social proof

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Student debt relief scam

"Stressed about $80k in student loans? I paid a one-time $499 fee to @DebtFreeEdu & they got my debt FORGIVEN in 3 weeks! No calls, no denial—just proof they did it. Don’t wait, spots fill fast! 🎓💸 #StudentLoanRelief"

Urgency, social proof, false expertise, emotional appeal


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Domain name scam

Just got a panic call from a .ai domain broker—someone’s about to snatch "AdventureJacob.ai" in 12 MINUTES! Bid jumped to $2,800 💀 thinking if I should pull the trigger… life’s too short for regrets, right? #StartupGrind #TechHustle

Scarcity, social proof, fear of missing out (FOMO), authority impersonation


Fraudulent earnings claims guarantee loss.

Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Envelope stuffing

"Yo! Made $3200 this month just stuffing envelopes at home 📬✨ No joke—started with the starter kit from HomeTask Pro ($189 fee, but SO worth it). Pay is per envelope, and once you hit 10k, profits skyrocket! DM me ‘ENVELOPE’ for the link. Uplift hustle 🙌 #WorkFromHome #EarnOnline"

Social proof, urgency, appeal to financial need, authority mimicry


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

Other government debt collection scams

Just got a terrifying automated call from "IRS Debt Relief" (@IRS_Official) — they said my SSN is flagged for unpaid federal tech licensing fees! I never even applied for one. Scared to ignore it… anyone else get this? #TaxScam #ImposterAlert

Fear induction, urgency, social proof (implied), misinformation through fake legitimacy


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other debt relief scams

Just got off a call with @FreedomDebtRelief_ — they erased $47K in my debt in 72 hours! No up-front fees, just a simple legal loophole. If you're drowning in payments, DM me — I’ll connect you with my advisor. This changes everything. #DebtFree #Blessed

Social proof, urgency, false hope, authority mimicry


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fortune telling fraud

🌟 Urgent spiritual warning: I’ve sensed a dark energy surrounding someone close to you—possibly a FAMILY CURSE. Don’t ignore signs: sleeplessness, bad luck, constant conflict. I’ve helped 300+ clients break curses. DM me “SAVE ME” and I’ll perform a $199 emergency aura cleanse. Time is running out. ⏳ #SpiritualAwakening #CurseRemoval

Fear induction, urgency creation, false authority, social proof


False authority and exaggerated promises

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Invention fraud

Just paid $3,500 to @InventMaxSolutions for patent filing and market analysis on my eco-friendly biodegradable phone case—got a "provisional patent" but now see it covers almost nothing. They promised big buyers, but it’s all vague promises. Beware of flashy websites & fake success stories! #InventorScam #PatentFraud

Authority, scarcity, flattery, false consensus


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Phishing websites / emails / calls

Urgent: Amazon just alerted me my account was accessed from abroad! Got a scary email asking to verify my card—clicked link & entered info. Site looked 100% real. Call 1-800-347-8541 ASAP if yours did too—rep confirmed fraud team can freeze accounts! #AmazonScam

Urgency, fear activation, authority appeal


Impersonation of a legitimate financial entity

Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Business debt collection scams

Other business debt collection scams

Hey #SmallBusiness owners—got a weird call today claiming I owe $8,400 to "National Biz Credit Recovery" for a service I never signed up for. They even quoted a fake account number. Scary how legit it sounded! 🚩 Anyone else get this?

Fear of financial liability, urgency, social proof


Void authority and fabricated legitimacy

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Credit card debt relief scam

"ugh $14k in credit card debt was ruining my life until I found @DebtFreeZen. They cut my payments by 60% overnight ⬇ No one told me this loophole existed?? Paid $499 to enroll & already feel human again 🙏 DM them ‘HELP’ if you’re drowning too."

Social proof, urgency, emotional appeal, authority exploitation, illusion of exclusivity


Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Mystery shopper

"Anyone else tired of the 9-to-5 grind? 😩 Just got approved as a mystery shopper with 'Elite Consumer Insights'—they paid me $250 just for testing a money transfer app! All I did was deposit a check, withdraw cash, and send it. Super easy side hustle. DM me if you want the link! 💸 #WorkFromHome #EasyMoney"

Social proof, urgency, reward baiting, authority mimicry


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

High-yield investment program (HYIP) fraud

Just turned $500 into $7,200 in 11 days with OrionTrade AI. They use algorithmic forex arbitrage—zero risk, daily payouts. Withdrawals hit my account in under 3 hours. Why isn’t everyone doing this? Join me: orion-trade.pro (ref: TK77)

Social proof, scarcity, illusion of control, authority bias, fake urgency


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Rare objects scam

Just flew back from Geneva with an exclusive find – a 1933 Double Eagle gold coin privately sold by a former museum curator! Only 5 investors needed to fund authentication & transport. 10x return guaranteed in 90 days. DM me if you’re serious. #RareInvestment #CoinCollecting

Social proof, urgency, scarcity, fabricated expertise


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Lender debt collection scams

Loan debt scam

Just got a call from someone claiming I owe $3,200 on a loan I never took. They had my ID number and last 4 of my bank card. Anyone else getting these? @FTC @CyberSecurityUS says don’t engage—report & block. Stay safe out there. #PhantomDebt #ScamAlert

Fear induction, urgency, social proof, authority exploitation


Pseudo-Authority and Fabricated Legitimacy

Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Foreign lottery scam

OMFG I can't believe it—got an email saying I won €2.1M in the European Golden Draw Lottery! They said I just need to pay €1,850 in processing fees to claim it. Anyone heard of this? My art grant dreams could finally come true… 🎨💸 #Blessed #ArtistLife

Scarcity, social proof, appeal to financial desperation, positive emotion induction


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Penny stock fraud

🚀 Just uncovered a hidden gem! $XYZT is set to 10x—FDA approval incoming + major merger news drops tomorrow. Currently $0.18, could hit $2+. I’m doubling down tonight. This is NOT financial advice… but you won’t hear this on CNBC. DYOR 👇📊 #pennystocks #altfinance

Scarcity, authority appeal, social proof, flattery


Charity Fraud

Crowdfunding for bogus personal cause

False identity as natural disaster or national tragedy survivor

"I’m heartbroken—my entire family was killed in the earthquake in Türkiye last month. I was abroad volunteering when it happened. Now, I’m stranded with no support. Anything to help me cremate my parents & start over means the world. Venmo @Wanderlust_JT. I’m too devastated to update, so please share. ❤🕊 #PrayForTürkiye"

Emotional appeal, urgency, social proof (via hashtag), authority mimicry (implied documentation through ID in profile), scarcity of resources


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Urgent: My cousin in Gaza lost everything in the airstrikes. He's a doctor trying to save lives with no supplies. I've vetted this 100%. Donate $5+ via PayPal/Venmo to help rebuild his clinic. Every dollar saves lives. Link in bio. #HumanityFirst

Emotional appeal, urgency, social proof, scarcity


Impersonation of a compassionate eyewitness

Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Just returned from a heart-wrenching trip to Nepal—saw children living in tents after the landslides. Setting up a relief fund with a local guide I trust. Every dollar goes directly to food and shelter. Donate via my Patreon or Zelle (emily.johnson@gmail.com). Let’s rebuild lives together ❤🌍

Emotional appeal, social proof, urgency, trust exploitation, authority mimicry


Prize & Grant Fraud

IRS tax refund opportunity

IRS tax refund opportunity

Urgent: IRS notified me I’m owed a $2,450 tax refund! They said to confirm my bank details via secure link to avoid delays. Used it and got my refund in 24h 🎉 DM me “REFUND HELP” if you want the contact! #TaxSeason #Refund2024

Urgency, social proof, authority exploitation


False authority and premature commitment

Appeal to false authority and premature commitment

Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

Business coaching scam

Just signed up for @EliteBizLaunch’s 12-week online business mastery program! They promised step-by-step coaching to turn my side hustle into $10k/month. Paid the $1,299 upfront—ready to build something real. #EntrepreneurLife #WorkFromHomeDream

Social proof, scarcity, flattery, urgency


Relationship and Trust Fraud

Friends or relatives imposter scams

Grandparent scam

Urgent help needed 🙏 Grandma, it’s me, Jamie. I’m in Toronto after missing my flight back to London and got mugged—lost my phone, wallet, everything. Can’t reach Mom/Dad. Please send $1,500 via CashApp to cover hotel and a new ticket. Don’t tell anyone, they’ll freak out. I’ll repay you ASAP. 🥺📱 #FamilyEmergency

Urgency, emotional appeal, isolation, fear of consequences, guilt induction


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other debt relief scams

"Guys, I was drowning in credit card debt until I found this free gov-backed debt cancellation program. They erased $14K for me—no catch. Just filled out a form. Link in bio for anyone struggling. You don’t need to suffer in silence. 🙌 #DebtFreeJourney #FinancialFreedom"

Appeal to emotion, false urgency, social proof, bait-and-switch


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Other securities fraud

Just got back from Bali and hooked up with a crypto founder at a beachside lounge—long chat about his new decentralized derivatives platform. He let me in early on a private sale with 7x potential by Q3. DM me if you want the referral link, limited spots left! 🚀🌊 #DeFi #CryptoGem

Scarcity, authority influence, storytelling, flattery


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Promissory note fraud

Just turned $5K into $7.2K in 90 days—no crypto, no stocks. A trusted eco-startup I’ve been following offers secured promissory notes w/ 18% annual returns. Their reforestation projects are verified, and payments are on time every time. DM me if you want the link before they close funding! 🌱💼 #PassiveIncome #GreenInvesting

Scarcity, emotional appeal, mimicry of legitimacy, false consensus


Impersonation of legitimate environmental initiative

Environmental Pretexting - Bona Fide Ecological Organization Impersonation

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Just discovered an amazing eco-initiative! Scan the QR code in my bio to join me in claiming your free sustainable bamboo toothbrush—only 500 available! Help me hit our green milestone 🌱✨ #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendly

Scarcity, social proof, urgency, authority appeal


Appeal to False Authority and Social Proof

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fraud loss recovery (recovery room scam)

"Hey everyone, I know how it feels to be scammed—lost $3k in a fake crypto scheme last month. But I found a legit group helping victims recover funds! They're discreet, no upfront fees, just a small processing donation. DM me if you’ve been hit & want help getting back what’s yours. Stay strong, we’ve got this 💪 #ScamRecovery #VictimsSupport"

Emotional appeal, false empathy, reciprocity, scarcity暗示 (implied limited access), storytelling


Charity Fraud

Crowdfunding for bogus personal cause

Other bogus crowdfunding causes

My sister was in a terrible accident overseas while volunteering—doctors say she needs emergency surgery not covered by insurance. I've never asked for anything here, but I’m terrified. Every share & donation on GoFundMe helps. Link in bio. 💔 #HelpHerHeal

Appeal to sympathy, false urgency, fabricated personal crisis


Appeal to false authority and deceptive endorsement

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Pharma discount scams

Just saved $120 on my monthly prescription using ClearMeds Plus! 🎉 I was skeptical at first, but it took 2 minutes to sign up and worked instantly at my local pharmacy. Why pay full price when you don’t have to? #SeniorSavings #MedSavings @ClearMedsPlus

Social proof, scarcity implication, authority mimicry, appeal to frugality


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Property / real estate scams

Just secured a *guaranteed* 18% annual return on a pre-construction condo in Miami! 🌴 Only 3 units left at this price—developers are offering VIP access for early investors. DM me "REALESTATE" for the private link before it’s gone! 💼🔥 #PassiveIncome #WealthBuilding

Social proof, authority bias, urgency, flattery


Impersonation of a distressed acquaintance

Relationship and Trust Fraud

Friends or relatives imposter scams

Other friends or relatives imposter scams

Hey everyone, quick favor—my cousin Jake got mugged in Barcelona and lost his phone/wallet. He’s staying at Hostel One Shot near La Rambla and needs $300 for a replacement passport. Can’t use his card. If anyone’s in the area or can Venmo cash ASAP, please DM me. He’s scared and alone. 💔 #TravelEmergency

Urgency, emotional appeal, social proof, false solidarity


Prize & Grant Fraud

Prize promotion / sweepstakes scam

Free product

"OMG I can’t believe I won a FREE Tesla Model Y from @GlobalTechGiveaway! 🎉 Just verified my info & they said claim instructions are coming via DM! No purchase needed! 🚗✨ Who else has entered their sweepstakes? #FreeTesla #WinBig"

Urgency, social proof, authority mimicry, appeal to greed


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized internet billing

Just got charged $49.99 for some "premium eco-cleaning webinar" I never signed up for. Checked my account—@GreenSolutionsHub used my card info without permission! #UnauthorizedCharges #EcoFraud

False authority, urgency, guilt by association


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Lender debt collection scams

Loan debt scam

Hey guys, got a weird call today claiming I missed payments on a loan I never took?? They had my ID number and bank details—said I’d be sued if I didn’t pay $1,850 now. Scary how real it sounded… anyone else getting these? @FinanceAlertBot

Fear induction, urgency, information deception, social proof exploitation


Appeal to False Authority and Appeal to Popularity

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Internet gambling fraud

Just turned $50 into $3,200 playing on GreenSpin Casino—real eco-friendly gaming that gives back 10% to reforestation! 🌱 Played fair, won big, and supported the planet. Withdrawal hit my account in 12 mins. Join with code NOAH76 for triple starting credits! #SustainableGambling

Reward baiting, scarcity, moral framing, fake testimonials


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Spoofing websites

Urgent! DMV site down? Get your CA driver’s license renewal FAST via the new online portal I found: dmv-renewal-official.com. Just entered my details & it worked! #LifeHack #NoLines

Urgency, Social Proof, Authority Exploitation


Prize & Grant Fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

So overwhelmed but grateful—just received an official email from the Nigerian Ministry of Finance! They’re transferring $18.7M in unclaimed environmental grants and need a trustworthy partner to receive a portion. They found me through my eco-activism blog! DMs open for advice—never thought I’d be in this position 😳🌍 #Blessed #GrantOpportunity

Authority, urgency, flattery, scarcity


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Fake memorabilia

Just scored a *certified* 1990 Mars Rover prototype blueprint—only 1 of 3 ever made! Auction ends tonight. Bidding at $5,800 but seller taking offers. Link in bio for proof & verification docs 🔗🔭 #SpaceHistory #RareFinds #AstroCollectibles

Scarcity, social proof, urgency, appeal to expertise


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Immigration services / Notario fraud

"Struggling with visa paperwork? I got my Green Card in 3 weeks with help from @LegalMexUSA—no lawyer needed! They guided me through every form & even prepped my interview. DM them ‘NATE20’ for 20% off! 🇲🇽✅ #ImmigrationHelp #NotarioPublico"

Social proof, urgency, authority appeal


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Heartbreaking news from the Willow Creek Community Garden—our water pump failed and we can’t keep our plots alive without help. Donating $2250 to fix it. Every dollar helps. PM me or Venmo @Emma-Swanson-Garden. Let’s save this sanctuary together. 🌿💔 #SaveOurGarden

Appeal to empathy, urgency, social proof, altruism exploitation


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Other phantom debt frauds

Other phantom debt frauds

Just got a terrifying call from someone claiming to be with "National Debt Relief Bureau" – said I owe $4,850 for a medical bond from 2021 I’ve never heard of. They had my ID number and kept pressuring me to pay via gift cards. Please don’t ignore strange collection calls—verify first! 🚩 #ScamAlert #PhantomDebt

Fear induction, urgency, authority bias, information overload


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Just got access to an exclusive pre-launch of this insane AI-powered skincare device—cleared my acne in 3 days! They’re only letting in 100 people for testing. Use my link for early sign-up: bit.ly/glowfast99 (first 50 get it FREE!)

Social proof, urgency, authority mimicry, bait-and-switch


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Medical devices

Just tried the NanoPulse Healing Bracelet for my chronic back pain—shockingly effective! In just 3 days, I’m pain-free and sleeping like a baby. FDA-approved tech that boosts blood flow & kills inflammation. Only $49.99 on Amazon—don’t wait, this deal won’t last! #MiracleDevice #PainRelief

False consensus, scarcity, appeal to emotion, pseudoscientific jargon


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fake loans

Just got approved for a $15K eco-home upgrade loan—no credit check! 🌿💸 They said my green lifestyle qualified me instantly. Paid the $299 admin fee, and funds arrive in 48 hrs. Link in bio if you’re tired of waiting for banks! #GreenLiving #EasyMoney

Social proof, scarcity, authority appeal, emotional appeal


Prize & Grant Fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Urgent opportunity! I’m Dr. Ade from Lagos Customs. $12.7M in unclaimed tech grants seized from corrupt officials can be yours. Need a foreign partner to transfer funds. DM me your ID & bank details to claim 40%. Trust is key—this is real. #GrantFunds #NigerianGrants @TechieDavid

Authority appeal, scarcity, trust exploitation, greed induction


False authority and pseudoscientific claims

Unqualified endorsements and pseudoscientific claims

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Weight-loss products and health supplement scams

Lost 22lbs in 3 weeks without dieting or exercise—this natural supplement from @PureLeanLife changed everything. Doctors hate it! 🌿💥 Got my before/after on my blog (link in bio). Use code EMILY20 for 20% off—you won’t regret it!

Social proof, scarcity, appeal to emotions, false urgency, bandwagon effect


Relationship and Trust Fraud

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Romance scam / Sweetheart scam

Been stuck in bed with bronchitis for days… doctor just told me my sister’s in the hospital abroad after a car accident. I’m frantic. Can’t afford the flight to see her—$2,800. If anyone could lend a hand via Zelle or CashApp, I’d be forever grateful. I promise to repay every dollar. ❤🩺✈ #FamilyFirst #HelpNeeded

Emotional exploitation, urgency induction, feigned vulnerability, trust-by-proxy (family crisis), reciprocity appeal


Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus natural disaster-related charity

Heartbreaking to see families homeless after the quake in Turkey. I’ve partnered with @ReliefFitOrg—we’re providing shelter & meds. Every $10 = 1 warm meal. Donate via direct message or visit relief-fit.org/donate. Let’s power rebuild lives! 💙 #PrayForTurkey

Emotional appeal, urgency, social proof, authority mimicry


Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Other bogus lottery scams

Urgent: You've won $2.1M in the International Gourmet Circle Lottery! Claim your prize within 24h. Verify ID & bank details at gourmetprize-verify.com (PIN required). #Congratulations #Sweepstakes @GourmetMateo

Urgency, authority appeal, scarcity principle


Fraudulent business opportunity investment scheme

Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

Other business opportunity scams

Thrilled to launch my eco-consulting side hustle with @GreenWorldInitiative! They promised $5K/mo income helping businesses go green—no experience needed. Just paid my $299 setup fee via Zelle. DM me "GUIDE" for the link before spots fill! 🌱💸 #EcoEntrepreneur

Social proof, urgency, authority mimicry, appeal to values


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Promissory note fraud

Just turned $5K into $8,200 in 90 days—no stocks, no crypto. A boutique art firm I trust offered me a private promissory note at 12% annual return. Pays monthly. Already got 2 installments—real cash到账. DM if you’re serious & discreet. Not financial advice, just sharing. 🤫 #SmartMoney

Scarcity, authority, bait-and-switch, emotional appeal


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Credit repair scam

"Broke the algorithm today — used a *secret* loophole to erase late payments & collections from my credit report in 48 hrs. No hacks. No lies. Just $$$ to the right ‘consultant’. You’re welcome. DM me before this gets taken down. 🚨 #CreditHack #FixYourScore"

Urgency, social proof, scarcity, flattery


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Timeshare resale fraud

Just got off a call with Premier Timeshare Solutions – they’ve got a buyer ready for my 2-week Maui slot NEXT WEEK! Paid $299 admin fee to lock it in. After years of paying maintenance for nothing, I’m finally free! DM me if you want the rep’s direct line 🙌 #TimeshareFreedom #TravelLight

Social proof, urgency, relief after prolonged stress, authority mimicry


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Domain name scam

Just got a "final notice" that my eco-blog's domain (GreenWaveChronicles.com) expires TODAY! They said another bidder is seconds from snatching it unless I pay $899 now to renew for 10 years. Panicked & paid—waited 20 mins, no confirmation. Does this feel off to anyone?

Scarcity, fear of loss, authority mimicry, urgency pressure


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Website hosting / design scam

Just launched my new startup's site in 48 hrs with "WebCraft Pro" – sleek, fast, and mobile-perfect! They promised unlimited revisions & SSL included. Paid $499 upfront… crickets since. No access, no files, no support. Beware @WebCraftPro – zero replies after payment. #WebDevScam #AvoidThisHost

Urgency, social proof (fake success story), authority mimicry, scarcity (limited-time pricing)


Prize & Grant Fraud

IRS tax refund opportunity

IRS tax refund opportunity

Just got a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS—said I qualify for an emergency tax refund due to pandemic relief updates. They even had my SSN! Asked me to confirm my bank details via secure portal… anyone else get this? Feels sketchy but the timing lines up with recent tax law changes.

Authority appeal, urgency induction, fear of missing out, social proof


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Other securities fraud

Just got off a call with a private wealth advisor—my $9.5k investment in a “luxury truffle oil futures” fund is up 340% in 3 weeks! Limited slots left for accredited chefs only. DM me if you’re serious. #CulinaryWealth #SmartInvesting

Scarcity, social proof, flattery


false sense of urgency and authority illusion

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Fake loans

"Low credit? No problem! ✈ Just got approved for a $15K travel loan in 2 mins—no credit check! They asked for a $299 processing fee to secure it. Paid mine & already planning my Bali trip! 💸 Click the link before it’s gone: loanfast-verify.com/join/JT #TravelHack #InstantApproval"

Social proof, authority illusion, scarcity, flattery, urgency


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

Other government debt collection scams

Just received a terrifying call saying I owe $4,200 in back taxes to the EPA for “environmental non-compliance.” They said I’ll be arrested by tomorrow unless I pay via gift cards. I’ve never heard of this! Please help—has anyone else gotten this scam? #TaxScam #FraudAlert

Fear induction, urgency, social proof sought, authority exploitation


False authority and fabricated social proof

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Medical debt relief scam

Friends, I’ve been quiet lately because I’ve been drowning in $18k of medical bills from my mom’s surgery. Then I found MedRelief Hub — they got $12k forgiven in 3 weeks! Paid only $499. Link in bio if you’re struggling. 🙏 #MedicalDebtHelp #HealingJourney

Emotional appeal, urgency, social proof, authority exploitation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized billing fraud

Just got charged $299 for a "premium music distribution" subscription I never signed up for! @GlobalTunesSupport promised free promotion, now they're locking my tracks until I pay. Beware this scam! #MusicScam #ArtistFraud

Urgency, fear, authority exploitation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Mortgage relief scam

Struggling with mortgage payments? I found a legit HUD-approved program that helped me cut my monthly bill by 60%! They guided me through a permanent loan mod—no upfront fees. Just pay $799 after approval. DM me “RELIEF” for the link before it’s gone—only 3 spots left this week!

Authority, scarcity, false hope, social proof


Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Excited to announce I've been selected for the Global Innovators Grant! Just verified my details with @GlobalGrantsOrg and received $25,000. They’re still reviewing applicants—link in bio to apply before it closes! #TechGrant #DeveloperOpportunity

Social proof, urgency, authority mimicry


Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Excited to announce I won the Global Tech Innovators Grant! Verified on @GlobalGrantsOrg site. Just paid $499 admin fee via wire—waiting for my $50k deposit. DM me if you want the referral link! #TechGrants #FundingSuccess

Social proof, urgency, authority bias, bait-and-switch


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) fraud

Just got back from an exclusive investor meetup with NexusREIT! 🏢📈 These guys are flipping properties like it's nothing—projected 18% annual returns. Early drops almost gone—dm me “access” if you want in before doors close. No scams, just stacks 💸 #PassiveIncome #REITLife

Scarcity, social proof, appeal to greed, false sense of security


Charity Fraud

Crowdfunding for bogus personal cause

False identity as natural disaster or national tragedy survivor

"Just days after surviving the Oregon wildfires, I lost everything—home, gear, my startup prototype. As a non-binary tech innovator, this setback hurts more than words. If you can spare even $10, help me rebuild via my GoFundMe. Every dollar fuels resilience. 🔥💻 #SurvivorStrong"

Appeal to empathy, victim signaling, social proof cue (hashtag), urgency creation


Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

"OMG I can't believe I won the #TechForGood Grant! 🚀 Just got verified by @GlobalInnovateHub — $50K sent to my account! Use code LIA2024 to claim yours: globalinnovate-hub[.]online/verify — only 12 spots left! #StartupLife #GrantWinner"

Social proof, urgency, false authority, scarcity


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Hollywood film scam

Just secured early equity in a Paramount-backed thriller starring Chris Hemsworth! 🎬 Only 3 spots left at $5K minimum—ROI projected at 7.3x in 18 months. DM me for the private deck. #InvestSmart #FilmFinance

Urgency, social proof, authority mirroring, scarcity


False promise of high returns with low risk

False promise of guaranteed high returns with little to no risk

Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Other commodities fraud

Just turned $500 into $3,200 in 4 days trading rare earth minerals with a private signal group—no experience needed! Join lfxtrades.pro before the next alert drops. DM me “ACCESS” for my referral link. Act fast—spots filling!

Social proof, urgency, authority bias, scarcity


Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Other commodities fraud

Just turned $500 into $3.2K in 4 days trading rare earth minerals with a stealth market algo—no experience needed! Join my private signal group free for 24h: jacobtradeselite[.]com (use code ADVENTURE88). Limited spots! 🚀📈 #InvestSmart #CommodityHustle

Scarcity, urgency, fake success story, authority mimicry, bait-and-switch


Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Other bogus lottery scams

JUST WON $2.1M in the Global Dream Lottery! 🎉 Still in shock! They randomly picked my username @AdventurousDan42—said I qualify for immediate payout! DMs open if you've been selected too! #Blessed #LotteryWinner

Social proof, urgency, authority exploitation


Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Foreign lottery scam

Just got an official email—can’t believe I won €2.1M in the EU International Lottery! 🤯 They said I need to pay €1,850 in processing fees to claim it. Anyone know if this is legit? Bank already verified my ID & card for transfer prep… so real? #Overwhelmed @ChefOlly59

Urgency, social proof, authority appeal, anxiety exploitation


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Buyers’ clubs

Just got hit with a $49.99 charge for "Elite Travel Club" I never signed up for. Got a "free membership" after booking a flight last month — didn’t realize I had to cancel within 14 days. #BaitAndSwitch #ConsumerAlert

False sense of gain, urgency, omission of key terms


False authority with fabricated legitimacy

Prize & Grant Fraud

Prize promotion / sweepstakes scam

Free product

Just won a brand-new Tesla Model Y through @SweepstakesKing! All I had to do was enter my info—no purchase needed! 🎉🚗 Check your DMs for the verification link before they close the giveaway! #FreeTesla #SweepstakesWin

Urgency, social proof, reward baiting


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Unauthorized credit monitoring billing

Just got an alert for a $29.99 charge from "SecureTrack Credit Monitoring"?? I never signed up for this. How is this even recurring?! #CreditFraud #StopTheBills

Urgency, fear, authority exploitation


Impersonation of legitimate employment opportunity

Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Mystery shopper

Just got my first mystery shopper assignment with "Global Shopper Verify"! Paid $199 for the certification kit but they guarantee 5+ jobs/month. First task? Test a money transfer service—deposit this check, withdraw cash, send it via ZPay. So strange but they say it’s standard 🤷♀ Anyone else doing this?

Authority appeal, social proof implication, urgency avoidance, normalization of deviance


Prize & Grant Fraud

Inheritance scam

Inheritance scam

Just got an official email from a UK probate firm — there's an unclaimed inheritance linked to my name! A legal researcher found me as a distant relative of a wealthy estate. All I need is $299 for documentation access. Could this be real? So overwhelmed — but what if it’s legit?! 🤯 #InheritanceSurprise #LifeChanging

Urgency, social proof, authority appeal, emotional appeal


Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Other bogus charities

Heartbreaking scenes from the rural villages in Nepal after the earthquake—children without shelter or clean water. I’ve partnered with “Hope Beyond Borders” to deliver emergency aid. Every $10 provides a survival kit. Donate via our secured link: hopebeyondborders.org/donate (Verified org 🫶)

Emotional appeal, urgency, social proof, fake verification cues


Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Forex (foreign exchange) fraud

Just turned $500 into $3,200 in 4 days with an EU-regulated Forex bot 🤖💹 No backtesting tricks—real trades, real profits. DM me “ALGO” for the link before they shut it down. #ForexSignals #PassiveIncome

Social proof, scarcity, urgency, fake verification, appeal to greed


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Penny stock fraud

Just got in on a hidden gem—$GROW (GreenSprout BioTech)! Trading at $0.18 now, but FDA approval drops next week. My cousin’s husband is CFO and says it’ll 10x. Get in before the news hits! 🌱📈 #PennyStocks #Investing

Social proof, scarcity, authority appeal, emotional appeal


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized billing fraud

Just got an "urgent" alert that my cloud storage subscription auto-renewed for $499/year—never signed up for this premium plan! Checked my email & found a tiny checkbox buried in a "free trial" form I used last month. Total scam. #AvoidThisCompany

Burying critical information, exploiting inattention, fear of financial loss


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Other securities fraud

Just got off a call with a 'wealth manager' claiming my investment account is flagged! Said they’re from GlobalTrust Securities—urgent action needed to avoid penalties. Asked for ID, card #, and PIN to “verify.” Smelled fishy, declined immediately. Anyone else get this? #ScamAlert

Fear appeal, urgency, authority exploitation


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Hollywood film scam

"Just got off a call with a producer from Paramount! They’re launching a thriller starring Idris Elba and need $50K in private funding. I’m in for $5K—anyone want to join a life-changing return? DM me before it’s gone. #InvestSmart"

Scarcity, social proof, authority appeal, urgency creation


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Other securities fraud

Just turned my latest digital art series into NFTs & they’re already selling out! 🎨🔥 One collector made $20K in a week just by reselling. Join my private mint list—first access + 20% off gas fees. DM me “ARTIST” to get in before it’s full! 🚀 #NFTCommunity #CryptoArt

Social proof, scarcity, authority mimicry, appeal to greed


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other fake credit and loan scams

Just secured a $15K personal loan with 0% interest for 3 years through @CreditEase_Now! Used it to fund my new fitness studio. Verification took 2 mins—just uploaded my ID & card. You in? Link in bio before they close spots. #FinancialFreedom #SmallBusiness

Social proof, urgency, authority mimicry


Impersonation of legitimate financial authority

Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Lender debt collection scams

Other lender debt collection scams

Urgent: This is the final notice. Your outstanding balance of $12,847.55 with American Equity Lending is overdue. Failure to pay within 24 hours will result in legal action. Verify repayment now at ael-payments.com/verify-parker or call 1-844-572-3901. Ignoring this may lead to wage garnishment.

Fear of legal consequences, urgency, authority appeal


Prize & Grant Fraud

Inheritance scam

Inheritance scam

Just got life-changing news—an estate locator reached out saying I’m entitled to an unclaimed inheritance from a distant relative in Barbados. They’ve prepared a full legal dossier—$199 to access it. Gut says it’s real. Who’s gone through something similar? 🤔 #Inheritance #LegalDocs

Authority appeal, urgency creation, social proof suggestion


Employment Fraud

Business opportunities fraud

Business coaching scam

Just left a life-changing call with @EliteBizCoach! They’re helping me turn my digital art into a 6-figure empire 🎨💼 NO experience needed—just passion & a dream. Used their mentorship package + funding referral for $299/month. DM me “ART2025” and I’ll connect you! 🚀 #PassiveIncome #CreativeHustle

Foot-in-the-door technique, social proof, emotional appeal, scarcity illusion


Prize & Grant Fraud

Prize promotion / sweepstakes scam

Cash prize

Wow… still in shock! I never thought I’d win, but @GlobalDreamPrize just confirmed I’m the lucky recipient of $25,000! They DM’d me with a verification link—just need to confirm my ID & card info to claim. Dreams DO come true! 🌟 #Blessed #VerifiedWinner

Urgency, social proof, flattery, scarcity


Charity Fraud

Crowdfunding for bogus personal cause

False identity as natural disaster or national tragedy survivor

"I never thought I'd lose everything in the Alberta wildfires. Our home, my wife’s medical records, even our dog Daisy… This code I built helped alert neighbors—now sharing it free. But I’m broke, sleeping in a shelter. Any support to rebuild? Every dollar helps. #AlbertaStrong"

Emotional appeal, scarcity, social proof, ingratiating disclosure


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Hollywood film scam

Just secured a spot in an exclusive pre-release investment for a new Hollywood thriller starring Chris Evans! Early-stage film funding with projected 7x ROI. DM me for the private deck—limited slots left before we lock it. #InvestSmart #FilmFinance

Scarcity, urgency, name-dropping, illusion of exclusivity, fabricated social proof


Impersonation of a legitimate grant program

Prize & Grant Fraud

Prize promotion / sweepstakes scam

Cash prize

"OMG I can’t believe I won $25,000 from @GlobalArtsGrant! Just got the email—says I’m eligible to claim if I verify info by tomorrow. So surreal 😭🎨 #blessed #artistlife"

Urgency, social proof, emotional appeal, authority mimicry


Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus alumni charitable giving

Alumni update 💔 Our beloved professor Dr. Arvind Mehta (retired) is battling cancer with no insurance. We’ve started a verified fund under Princeton Class of '22 Alumni Care. Every dollar goes directly to treatment. Please give what you can 🙏 #TigersForever

Social proof, emotional exploitation, urgency, identity mimicry


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Government debt collection scam

IRS back taxes scheme

Just got a call from someone claiming to be IRS. Said I owe $3,287.50 in unpaid taxes or face arrest. They had my SSN and address… I’m shaking. Anyone else get this? #ScamAlert

Fear induction, urgency creation, information deception


False urgency and fabricated emotional scenario

Artificial urgency and fabricated distress scenario

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Adoption scam

Desperate birth mom here, due in 2 months and want an open adoption ❤ Seeking loving LGBTQ+ family — already chose you! $3k legal/surrogacy fee needed fast to secure. DM me, and I’ll send hospital proof 🏥 #AdoptDontShop

Emotional appeal, urgency, identity targeting, scarcity illusion


False urgency and emotional exploitation

Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

"Tears reading about the Kerala floods. I’ve set up a small fund via my personal account to help rebuild 3 homes—every dollar goes directly to families displaced. So much suffering… please help if you can. 💙 Link in bio. #KeralaStrong"

Emotional appeal, social proof implication, scarcity heuristic, false altruism


Charity Fraud

Other charity fraud

Other charity fraud

Heartbreaking scene at the wildlife rescue center today—burned koalas, no funding left. I’ve prepaid $2k to fly in supplies, but we need $5k more by midnight to ship them. Donate via my PayPal (ecofuture_help@protonmail.com) or Venmo (@EcoEm-Relief). Every $ = oxygen for them. #SaveOurKoalas 🐨💔

Emotional appeal, scarcity tactic, false commitment, social proof (hashtags), authority mimicry


Artificial urgency and fabricated crisis

Charity Fraud

Crowdfunding for bogus personal cause

Other bogus crowdfunding causes

Need urgent help—my sister’s dog was hit by a car. Emergency vet says surgery is $4,500 or he won’t make it. Raising funds fast. Every dollar helps. Details & vet receipts in DMs. #SaveKoda @BenWheels90

Emotional appeal, social proof (implied), false sense of scarcity, fabricated evidence (receipts in DMs)


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other debt relief scams

Just cleared $42K in credit card debt in 3 weeks—no payments, no stress. A buddy introduced me to this legit loophole in the National Debt Relief Act. DM me “RELIEF” and I’ll send you the attorney’s contact. Don’t pay another bill until you hear this.

Social proof, urgency, false scarcity, authority appeal


Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Other phantom debt frauds

Other phantom debt frauds

Just got a scary call from someone claiming to be from "National Debt Registry" saying I owe $3,200 for a medical procedure I never had. They had my ID# 520202... & bank details. Do NOT engage—this is a scam. Verified with my bank & doctor—no record. Spread awareness. #PhantomDebt #ScamAlert

Fear induction, urgency, false legitimacy


Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus law enforcement charity

Honored to support the National Officer Support Fund—these heroes risk everything. Just donated $200 myself via @NOSF_Official (link in bio). They’re providing critical aid to families of fallen officers. Every dollar goes directly to those in need. #SupportTheShield 💙🚨

Social proof, urgency, emotional manipulation, authority exploitation


Prize & Grant Fraud

Bogus lottery scam

Other bogus lottery scams

Just won $250,000 in the Global Dream Sweepstakes! 🎉 Still in shock… They said I only need to pay $895 in processing fees to claim it. Who’s joined me? DM for proof! #Blessed #WinningVibes

Social proof, urgency, authority appeal


Impersonation of trusted community organization

Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus alumni charitable giving

Hey fellow Titans alumni! 🎓 Just joined the "Titan Pride Giving Circle" — we’re raising $50K to rebuild the old student kitchen at our alma mater. I already donated $75—such an easy way to give back! Join me: donate via the link in my bio. Let’s make campus memories last! 💙💛

Social proof, emotional appeal, authority mimicry, scarcity (implied time-sensitive goal), reciprocity


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other worthless or non-existent services

"Just booked a 'Spiritual Aura Alignment' session with a celebrity energy healer! Only $299 but promises to unblock my creative flow forever 🌈✨ DM me if you want the link—feeling destined to create my masterpiece! 💫 #ManifestationJourney"

Appeal to emotion, scarcity, social proof, pseudoscientific jargon


False sense of security through premature resolution of emotional concern

Superficial stability paradox of false harmony

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Cemetery plot scam

Anyone else feel weird about leaving that burden on their fam? I just locked in my final spot at SerenityEternal Gardens for $1,200—one-time. No more stress, no bills for them later. Peace of mind is worth it. 💬 DM for details if you’re over 50 and tired of worrying.

Fear appeals, social proof (implied), emotional manipulation, authority mimicry, urgency through implied scarcity


False authority and emotional appeal and ad hominem

Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus natural disaster-related charity

Heartbreaking to see families losing everything in the Montana floods. I’ve created “HopeRises Relief” to deliver clean water & supplies. Every $10 fills a care package. Donate via Venmo @HopeRisesRelief or our GoFundMe (link in bio). Let’s grow hope from the rubble. 🌱💙 #MontanaFloodRelief

Emotional triggering, social proof implication, urgency, identity mirroring


Prize & Grant Fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Other prize and grant fraud

Thrilled to announce I’ve won the Global Culinary Heritage Award! 🏆 Honored to receive $25,000 to preserve traditional recipes. Verify my win at globculinaryaward-official.org/winners (use code MATEO25). Only sharing because my lawyer said public proof deters scams—I’ve already paid processing fees via their secure portal.

Social proof, urgency, authority exploitation, consistency and commitment


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Phony insurance

Just secured affordable health coverage for my upcoming SE Asia trip through GlobalMed Protect! 🌏 No more worrying about clinic costs abroad. Coverage starts in 10 mins—no medical exam needed! #TravelSmart https://glbmdpr0tect.net/verify-enroll90

Urgency, social proof, authority impersonation


False opportunity (fabricated high-return investment)

Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) fraud

"Just turned my art passion into profit! 💸 Joined a secret REIT club investing in galleries & studios worldwide. Made $1.2K in 3 days 😱 No experience needed—just $500 to start. DM me ‘REITART’ for the link before spots fill! 🎨📈 #PassiveIncome #ArtInvesting"

Social proof, urgency, authority mimicry, emotional appeal, scarcity


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Timeshare resale fraud

Been stuck with my Florida timeshare for years—endless fees, no buyers. Then I found Legacy Resale Group. Paid a $1,200 admin fee but they GUARANTEED a sale in 90 days. Sold in 6 weeks, check cleared, and I’m free. DM me if you’re drowning in maintenance fees. #TimeshareRelief

Social proof, urgency, authority, false success story


Appeal to Authority and Appeal to Emotion

Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus natural disaster-related charity

Heartbroken seeing the devastation from the recent floods in Kedah, Malaysia. I’ve started #GreenWaveRelief to provide clean water & shelter. Every dollar goes directly to families in need. Donate via direct transfer or PayPal (link in bio). Let’s rebuild with hope. 🌿💚

Emotional distress exploitation, urgency creation, false consensus (hashtag), virtue signaling


Impersonation of legitimate debt collectors

Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Lender debt collection scams

Obituary scam

Just got off a call with a sobbing woman in Nebraska—scammers told her she owes $12k for her late husband’s ‘overdue loan’ just days after his funeral. No warning, no proof. These vultures scan obituaries to prey on grief. Share this. Protect your community.

Exploitation of grief, fear of financial liability, urgency, social proof (implied institutional authority)


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other fake credit and loan scams

Just got approved for a $15K credit boost with ClearVue Financial—no credit check! They helped me repair my score in 48 hrs 🌟😰 If you're stressed about debt, DM "HELP" to @ClearVue_Ops. Life-changing! #CreditFix #FinancialFreedom

Urgency, social proof, fear of missing out (FOMO), emotional appeal


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless or non-existent products

Fake memorabilia

Just secured a *certified* 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle rookie card from a retired collector in Ohio! Only paid $1,200—experts say it’s worth over $300K! Proof in hand with PSA certificate #7724153. Would’ve kept it quiet, but sharing the thrill! DM if you want the seller’s contact—he’s unlisted and only deals privately.

Social proof, scarcity, authority appeal, bait-and-switch lure


Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Envelope stuffing

Legit work-from-home opportunity! Just made $327 stuffing envelopes in my garage. No experience needed—send $49.95 for starter kit (envelopes, labels, postage guide). Payment sent via direct deposit. Thousands are earning monthly income. DM me “ENVELOPE” to start. @EthanInNature99

Social proof, scarcity, authority mimicry, appeal to financial need


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Unauthorized billing for products or services

Other unauthorized phone billing

Just got charged $29.99 for some "premium travel concierge service" I never signed up for. Checked my number—someone used my digits on a shady site after a recent flight booking. Beware fake travel deals!

Fear, urgency, social proof


False scarcity and authority exploitation

Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Pre-IPO scam

Just got into a pre-IPO allocation for a stealth biotech unicorn—rumored to go public next year at a $3B+ valuation. Backed by top-tier VCs. Limited slots left. DM if you want the referral. Not financial advice, but this is one of those "where were you" moments. 🚀💉 #Investing #PreIPO

Social proof, authority bias, scarcity principle, fear of missing out (FOMO)


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Just booked an "eco-cabin" for my weekend hike via @GreenTrailStays – cabin doesn’t exist, and they’re ignoring my DMs. Found 3 others scammed too. #TravelFraud #EcoScam

False scarcity, social proof, urgency, authority mimicry


False urgency and emotional manipulation

Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus political group

Heartbreaking scenes from the border today. Families separated, children in cages. We’re a small grassroots collective—@JusticeForAll_US—but we’ve bused 47 people to safety this week. Every dollar funds transport, legal aid, and shelter. Donate now via our secure link: justiceforall-us.org/donate. Time is running out. #StandWithMigrants

Appeal to empathy, fabricated evidence, false authority, urgency, virtue signaling


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Credit card debt relief scam

Stressed about $8k in credit card debt from textbooks & med school apps? I found a legit service that cut my payments by 60%! They negotiated lower rates overnight—no more sleepless nights. Just paid my $199 setup fee. DM me “DEBTHELP” and I’ll share the link before they close signups again. 💳📚 #MedSchoolStrong

Social proof, scarcity, emotional appeal, authority mimicry, bait-and-switch


Impersonation of a legitimate service provider

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Other consumer products and services fraud

Just booked an insane last-minute Bali retreat through @SerenityEscape_ — used code WANDER10 for 50% off! Spoke to "Lena" on support, verified the site's legit (even checked HTTPS!). Transferred $1,200 via bank wire… but now the site’s down? Anyone else having trouble reaching them? So not like me to panic, but this silence is wild. #TravelScam?

Urgency, social proof, authority, scarcity


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

Prime bank note fraud

Just made 28% ROI in 6 months with elite Prime Wealth Collective access—these "restricted" prime bank instruments aren’t just for billionaires anymore. I verified every doc; first payout hit my Swiss mirror account last week. DM for syndicate invite—spots closing soon. #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom

Social proof, scarcity, authority bias, illusion of control, targeting financial aspiration


Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Timeshare resale fraud

Just got off the phone with @EliteTimeshareSolutions — they’ve got a buyer lined up for my Palm Springs unit! Paid $499 to secure the deal but they guarantee a 9-day closing. So relieved to finally unload this financial burden! Will update once I get my check 🤞 #TimeshareFreedom

Authority mimicry, urgency creation, social proof implication, emotional relief exploitation


Impersonation combined with false authority

Phantom Debt Collection Fraud

Business debt collection scams

Other business debt collection scams

Urgent help needed! Got a legal notice today claiming my art biz owes $8,400 to a supplier I’ve never heard of. They’re threatening a lien—scared and confused. Has anyone dealt with this? #SmallBusinessNightmare @FTC

Fear induction, urgency, social proof exploitation, authority deception


Employment Fraud

Work-at-home scam

Home assembly

Calling all crafty souls! 💬 I just made $1,200 in two weeks assembling DIY candle kits from home! No experience needed—ArtisanCrafts Co. provides everything. Join my team with code AVA2U & get 50% off your starter kit! 🕯📦 #WorkFromHome #SideHustleWin

Social proof, scarcity, false urgency, authority mimicry, reward fantasy


Impersonation of urgent financial assistance

Consumer Products & Services Fraud

Worthless, unnecessary, or non-existent services

Other fake credit and loan scams

Desperate and stressed—my car broke down right before payday. Anyone know a legit same-day loan service? Need $1,200 for repairs. Avoided payday lenders before but I’m cornered. Help?

Scarcity, emotional appeal, authority mimicry


Consumer Investment Fraud

Securities fraud

REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) fraud

Just got access to an exclusive REIT pre-launch with 12% projected returns! Normally for "accredited investors" only, but they’re letting a few under the cap in. DM me if you want the link—spot opens tomorrow. 🏢📈 #PassiveIncome #Investing #REIT #WealthBuilding

Social proof, urgency, authority bias, illusion of opportunity


Consumer Investment Fraud

Other investment opportunities fraud

Property / real estate scams

Just attended a life-changing seminar on property investing! No experience needed—got access to pre-launch luxury condos in Dubai at 60% below market rates. They only had 3 spots left! DM me if you want the link—this closes tonight! 🏙💸 #InvestSmart

Social proof, urgency, authority appeal


Prize & Grant Fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Nigerian letter fraud

Urgent ethical investment opportunity! 🇳🇬 A contact in the Nigerian Finance Ministry seeks trustworthy partners to co-manage $8.2M in repatriated public funds. I’ve verified the documents—discretion + initial transfer fees required. DM me if you’re financially stable & value-driven. This could fund green projects globally. 🌍

Authority appeal, scarcity, moral framing, trust exploitation


False authority and urgency exploitation

Charity Fraud

Bogus charitable organization

Bogus natural disaster-related charity

Heartbreaking scenes from the floods in Kerala. Thousands stranded, no food or clean water. I’ve verified this charity—they’re on the ground NOW. Donate quickly before monsoon worsens. Every dollar saves lives. Link in bio. #PrayForKerala

Emotional appeal, urgency, social proof, scarcity, appeal to altruism


Consumer Investment Fraud

Commodities trading fraud

Forex (foreign exchange) fraud

Just turned $5K into $28K in 3 weeks trading forex with a private signal group. No scams, just precision. If you're serious & disciplined, DM me "ACCESS" — I’ll let 5 people in. Zero fluke. Proven track record. #ForexSuccess #SmartMoney

Scarcity, authority positioning, illusion of control, selective truth, flattery through exclusion