We all know how it feels to be duped by another person. And in this day and age of technology, many of us have smartened up to detect a scam from a mile away.
Yet, many fraudsters continue to strike using the internet as their primary tool. Fortunately, there are people online who expose their behavior and how they operate.
We’ve collected some of the best screenshots showing scammers at work. Many of these are blatantly silly, and they may feel like an insult to your intelligence. Nonetheless, they are entertaining enough and worth spending a few moments of your spare time on.
This post may include affiliate links.
Someone Is Using My Girlfriend's Recently Deceased Cat's Pictures To Scam People On Gofundme
What the hell is wrong with people, my girlfriend's cat passed away due to smoke inhalation from a fire on October 31 2024 and people are using it to scam for donations.
Miami Restaurant Attempts To Scam Extra Tip
Was at Miami restaurant with 4 adults and a baby. When our “check” came, the waiter reads out loud the itemized list from his wireless POS device, and I said “sounds good.” He hands me the device to pay, and the only thing I see onscreen is $175.33 total and a keypad screen to add tip to this amount. No itemized list, no pricing breakdown. Just $175.33. Naturally I try to tip the 20% and write $35 but the screen calculated that as 25% tip. I thought that was strange so I kept guessing tip amounts until $28 rounded close to 20%. Again I had to guess because there was no price breakdown and the payment screen was the most confusing I’ve ever see on a POS. Finally make the payment and email myself the receipt.
Finally get back to the hotel and the emailed receipt thankfully had the entire pricing breakdown and I see there was already a 20% service charge on the bill that the server never told us about and I guess expected customers to blindly add a secondary tip hoping they wouldn’t read the receipt. I found this extremely unethical and I demanded the second tip back. Just remember to always check your receipts!
That's why I always triple check a bill before paying. Mistakes happen, but that's pure greed. Seriously, 20% for 4 adults and a baby?
Church Running Scam And Somehow Involving Cancer In It
Even if people are smart enough to recognize a scam, swindlers can still fool even the most cognizant minds. All it takes is the proper messaging from a supposedly credible source.
According to psychologist Dr. Robert Cuyler, these crooks use professional language and mirror the communication styles of trusted authorities, even family and friends.
"Once trust is gained, victims are more likely to comply with instructions without scrutiny,” Dr. Cuyler told Very Well Mind.
This One Made Me Laugh
Well, obviously this one is real. It says so in handle, along with four 1s. Hee Hee!
Two “College Kids” Selling Chocolate Outside Of Target Said They Were Gonna Charge Me $5, Ended Up Trying To Scam Almost A Grand
Luckily im broke as heck and was notified immediately of it declining.
As a recent graduate, I thought I was supporting two kids going through it right now. Ended up calling the police to hopefully have them sent away.
Pizza Scam At My Hotel
Fear is one of the most primal emotions that can make us take action in a heartbeat. According to biopsychologist Dr. Mary Poffenroth, scammers use tactics such as threats of legal action or financial loss to push their victims into their trap.
“Our capacity for critical thinking and logical decision-making suffers under a state of anxiety,” she explained.
I Finally Started My Own Business And Got It Listed On Google Maps. I Was Thrilled Until This Started Happening Every Single Day
I don't even want to answer the phone anymore because it's always a recording asking about "something wrong with my Google account" and I know it's a scam. But I also want to be able to speak to my customers so I guess I'm just stuck in spam call hell forever now.
I Fell For A Scam
Phone scam. Apparently I had warrants for missing court. They knew my name, my preferred name, signature, and home addresses.
They told me they were my local sheriff, I had to pay bail and submit to a signature analysis but if I hadn't paid first I would be cuffed and jailed for 72 hrs before appearing before a judge. They kept me on the phone for literal hours while I drove around trying to get $9300. I had my kid with me. They threatened me with jail and cps. The told me there was a gag order on my case and if I mentioned even that the money was for bail cops would arrest me. They told me there were officers within 3-5 blocks at all times to arrest me if I don't comply. They tried to get me to cash app them when I wasn't able to get anymore money out of atms. When that didn't work they then had me go to a bitcoin ATM ( they called it a state bail machine). Thats when I saw a sign describing my exact situation. I told the cashier I wasn't sure if this was legit and the scammer got irrate. Screaming threats including, cops, swat, labeling me as armed and dangerous, 1-5 years in jail, life in jail, and CPS taking my kid. I had the cashier call 911 because I was still terrified to hang up the phone. Then the scammers hung up. I sat in my car shaking for the next 10 minutes not sure who was coming cops I called or the swat ready for a fight.
I'm not a dumb person but it all felt so real. Now typing this I'm like " dude how did you fall for all these red flags". I was just trying to do the right thing. I've already made a police report, notified my banks, signed up for credit monitoring. I just wanted to warn people.
Can't Use My $200 Printer And $50 Ink Because I Haven't Subscribed To This This "Optional" Service. Such A Scam
Many scammers also take stabs in the dark, waiting until someone falls for their schemes. As UNSW Sydney lecturer Dr. KF Cheung stated in an interview with the school publication, they take advantage of the lack of awareness about their scams, which are still prevalent.
“People inadvertently increase their chances of falling victim to scams by staying uninformed,” Dr. Cheung said.
Ordered A $1000 Graphics Card From Amazon, Received 4 Cans Of Beef Ravioli
It showed up, in the sealed amazon box, and inside that the graphics card box still had intact security stickers and shrinkwrap. Taking it up with support, but also screaming internally for fear that they'll think I'm the one scamming and won't refund or replace.
No, this happens a lot. They'll let you return it. I think what happens is that if the seller ships something/anything, they'll get paid. Some people don't follow through and talk to customer service out of fear/laziness/ignorance. Eventually, someone will report them, but by then, they got a few bucks, close the account, and start a new one. Amazon must have a shìtty vetting process (or none at all).
Do Not Click The Link. If Your iPhone Is Stolen And You Get A New One, This Is A Phishing Scam To Confirm Your Apple ID And Asks You To Log In So They Get Your Password
My Dad Got One Of The Scam Stickers
'Japanese technology.' There are really cute and sparkly stickers coming out of Japan, Japanese sticker technology is pretty great.
Dr. Cheung advises keeping a skeptical mindset because people will always find a way to take advantage of someone. This especially applies to unexpected offers that are too good to be true. As he reminds us, there is no harm in questioning the legitimacy of such claims.
Received A Ring In The Mail - Is This A Scam?
A few weeks ago, I received this ring in the mail. It was addressed to me, but I did not order it. It did not come with any explanation, no enticement to order more. The band is adjustable, and the metal seems cheap - it’s definitely not gold or precious metal.
This is all that came with it - that card, and the envelope it was contained in. When I went to the QR code, it gave a 403 Forbidden.
Its a brushing scam, it involves receiving unsolicited packages from online retailers or third-party sellers. These packages often contain inexpensive or random items you didn’t order, such as socks, phone cases, or small gadgets. While it might seem harmless to receive free items, there’s more to this scam than meets the eye. In a brushing scam, sellers use your address to create fake orders and post positive reviews under your name. This deceitful practice boosts their ratings and makes their products appear more popular, giving them a competitive edge in online marketplaces.
Found This Scam On Facebook
Scammer Getting Slightly More Creative
That is EXACTLY how I would expect the FBI to word an e-mail. Oh, this one seems legit! 😂
It also helps to know the blatant red flags of a scam. The United States Postal Inspection Service listed them in a PDF document, one of which is a payment request, where someone would ask you to send them money in different forms.
These people will also have a questionable sense of urgency, whether they badger you to send the money as soon as possible or force you to collect a prize immediately.
Biggest Scam/Most Ingenious Invention In History. Probably Been Through Over 10 Of These Adaptors Since They Got Rid Of The Headphone Jack
Daily Reminder That Hp Is A Scam. Ink Cartridges Come With 75% Empty Space
Standard cartridge, yes. The XL cartridges have more ink. They both use the same size to fit in the cartridge slot.
Phone Was Dying And I Was In A Hurry, And Didn't Get The Chance To Read It Properly Until I Got Home
If it was bought from one of those vending machines, then, yeah, you are getting cheap emergency power. They say they are one-use on the machines.
Another reminder from the US Federal Trade Commission is to resist the urge to act immediately. As the FTC points out, an honest business would give consumers ample time to make a decision.
If an unsettling gut feeling arises during an interaction with a potential scammer, it may be best to step back and listen.
Amazon Is Scamming People With AI Now
For $10,000 no less. This should honestly be made illegal.
Details Were Stolen From A Selling Page And Used To Book A Car Rental. Email I Received When I Cancelled The Booking
So I got scammed and went through the fraud team at my bank to cancel / reverse transactions. Police involved.
One was for a foreign car company rental who I called and cancelled a booking after explaining.
The cheek of sending me an email in broken English and trying to guilt me about their father!
The hee hee to say was more than mildly infuriating.
Double Jerk
The ad in this app claims you win real money and shows videos and reviews of people saying it’s not a scam and they earn 100s of dollars a day. Then in the fine print, says it’s all for illustration purposes only. THEN they misspell “no rewards” on purpose to “now rewards”.
I Received A Scam Text After Posting For Help To Find My Lost Cat
Amazon Package Was Dropped Off Outside At 7am. Someone Opened It And Stole The Contents Then Left This Scam Support Note
You know what I do when a scammer supplies his email? I go to PINTEREST and sign up that address to every email catalog I can find. I blow up their in-box. I love petty revenge! A scammer once sent me his address, I sent pictures back on Google Maps of his house and the nearest police station.
I’ve Noticed People Sharing Scam Texts Recently. I Decided To Play Along
Got A Gift Card For Christmas. When I Opened It The Glue Ripped Off The Last Few Characters, Making It Unusable. What A Waste Of $50
I Received A Zelle Payment Of $530 By Someone I Don’t Know
I woke up this morning with a pleasing surprise, $530 into my account sent to me by someone I don’t know. I confirm the money is liquid and the notifications are legitimate. Soon, the man contacted me claiming it was an accident and to help him by sending it back.
I am aware of the scams where you send the money back and then they chargeback your account through support. I haven’t sent them anything back. I declined and told them to contact their bank.
What would you do? How long should I keep the money if it isn’t taken from me?
Block the number. Free money. Sit on it for a month before touching it, in case it does get pulled. Maybe talk to the bank and/or lawyer for more information about it.
Ah Yes, Scamming People Who Are Gullible Business 101
Once the thumbnail looks like this, I automatically don't watch it...and that applies to any sort of channel or video.
Scalper Delivering Playstation 5’s To Third Party Scam Store
Okay, so I'm going to call bs on this one. As long as those consoles were legally purchased, and weren't stolen... then there's no law in place in the US (you can tell the location being US due to the presence of the "richards" (due to BP tendency to censor the nickname for that) sporting goods, and the T mobile store down at the far end) that says that a person can't purchase products from one store, and resell those products at another store they own. This is just supply and demand in action.
Scammed
Bought a speaker on eBay. I was really excited about it. It was quite expensive but was excited still. UPS had two tracking orders, one said it was delivered. I had checked and it wasn’t there. Looked again on eBay and there was a second tracking saying it would come two days later. Thought it was weird but waited patiently. Then when it was supposed to be delivered it wasn’t. Checked my cameras, talked to my neighbors, had them check their cameras. Nothing came from it. Called ups they told me to wait for the next day to have them call me back. Never got the call. Called them, they said it was delivered to the wrong address. The guy told me the address yet he’s not supposed to. I called the place, it was an iPhone repair store. They said there was no package. Called eBay they had me wait 5 days before letting me know that they won’t give me a refund so to it saying delivered. Yet it wasn’t at my address. UPS confirms that it wasn’t at my address, yet they don’t care. They say the seller sent it purposefully to somewhere else. So they delivered it there. So I’m paid for litterally a massive headache. Never buying anything from eBay again. This scam seems to be foolproof.
Using The Dutch Prime Minister To Promote Your Scam App
I am NOT interested in anything to do with your balls, mister.
Scamming Gullible Teenagers
Some Dude Tried To Chat Up/Impress My Friend With His Signed Tiger Woods Driver… Except It’s Not
"Not Available In Your Country Or Region" Is The Biggest Scam
My Mom Ordered Me Flowers For My Birthday. The Day After My Birthday, She Got This Email. She Didn’t Even Know It Was A Scam
Mainstream News Sites Targeting Elderly With Clickbait Scam
Not to dissimilar whats on BP here. But I see for example "How to get toxins out of your body with this simple trick" and such other. ALL SCAMS BP, and you let that on your site? 🙈
Fake Scam Alert To Advertise The Local Seventh Day Adventist Church
Using Pewdiepie To Scam Kids
Big Brain Scammed - Wtf!?
I’m so confused.
Yesterday morning I had 2 of my cards charged for fraud. Separate banks, one of them blocked the charge and the other let it go through.
The charge that went through was a $400 charge on Amazon. I checked my Amazon account to make sure I didn’t make any purchases, and sure enough, nothing.
I contacted my banks immediately and had everything handled. Also changed Amazon password and any other passwords where I believe my card numbers could have been stored.
Today I get a notification that my Amazon package is arriving. A 6th generation iPad mini.
Being extremely confused I went to check my orders again and sure enough, nothing.
I received notifications about the delivery all day until it was complete.
Did I just get a play by play update of my scammer getting their iPad?
Also, how the hell am I getting the notifications when the order isn’t in my account?????
Thanks Google, Just Downloaded A Virus Because Of Your Ways Of Allowing Scams Onto Your Search Engine Through Advertisements
$180 For A "Text Book" That Came As A Stack Of Paper I Had To Buy A Three Ring Binder For. Economics Lesson One: College Is A Scam
Not to mention the textbooks that they make you buy and then it was like...one chapter you really need and by the next semester, oh there's a new edition and the old edition can't work even though it's almost identical.
This Scam
It also gives you a better phone, different hair color, and a (maybe) new room!
Random Number Sent Me Apple Cash. This Is Totally A Scam, Right?
I called the Apple Cash support line and they said I’d be fine if I sent it back even if the funding source charged it back, but previous Reddit posts say that’s not true. What should I do? If it was a genuine mistake, I don’t want to keep it, but it seems scammy to send cash to a number you’ve never messaged before and isn’t in your contacts.
I've used Apple Pay, and I don't understand how someone could send a random person $100 by accident. Scamorama
Cristiano Ronaldo Needs A Pair Of Boots, Can We Help Him?
Scam Or Completely Ignorant Seller?
Google Promoting Scam Websites Because Of Their Bad Ad System
New Scam Text Message Acts Like An Emergency Broadcast (I Don’t Bank With This Bank Btw)
Bought A New Home. Been Getting These Vaguely Threatening Scam Letters Every Day Trying To Scare Me Into Buying Supplemental Insurance And Other Nonsense
Oh, I received SO MANY of those when I bought my first home. I called my insurance company and they kindly explained it to me.
Please Please Please By Scammer
If they had added one more please, I would have willingly gotten scammed.
This Fake iPhone Scam
Someone Telling Me They’d Found My Lost Pet, Then Trying To Extort Me And Revealing It’s A Scam
UPS Sent Me A Tracking Update, Then This Scam Messages Followed Shortly After
These Fake Scam Ads On Fb That Advertise Sales That Don't Actually Exist
No one in their right mind would believe you can buy a legit Nintendo switch for $6.97
Article About Survey Scam Requires Survey To Read
Started Blocking Scam Numbers And Now They Are Calling More Intensely…
I wanted to share a recent experience I’ve had with dealing with scam calls. Initially, I was getting frustrated by these calls and decided to start blocking the numbers. However, it seems like this approach might have backfired, as the frequency of these scam calls has actually increased. It’s become quite perplexing – ignoring them now seems to yield better results than blocking. Has anyone else encountered a similar situation or have any suggestions on how to handle these calls more effectively? Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Anyone Else? I Am Serious How Is This Legal?
See Half The Ads. Even With $11 Premium Subscription
Scam Tesla Giveaway Disguised As A Final Notice
This Ad Attempting To Scam Children In The Name Of The Make-A-Wish Foundation
Received This Note Stuck To My Front Door Today From "Department Of Homeland Security United States Secret Service"
Today I heard someone knock on my front door about 2PM, but I couldn't answer as I was stuck in a meeting. I checked my security camera and saw two gentlemen at the door about 30-50yr old id guess (I figured they were selling some kind of home improvement service like new windows, etc... About two hours after they left I went outside for something and found this note from "United States Secret Service" hanging on my doorknob asking me to call a number to talk to an agent about a twitter account that apparently "posted a threat towards the president back in November".
This is a scam right?
yeah im pretty sure if you threatened the president they wouldnt just leave a note and walk away
Phishing Scam That Pretends To Be A Text From The Nhs Saying You Have Been In Contact With Someone With Covid
The NHS sent a similar looking appointment SMS, and lots of people asked if it's a scam. I mean, it's good that people are careful, but also: NHS, please put yourself into the shoes of those who are in danger of being scammed, don't send some nondescript message with a link and expect us to click it.
Dude Trying To Scam Me In The Most Obvious Way Ever
Received is spelled wrong. If you're not sure look at the little things.
This Pop Up Doesn't Have A Way For Me To Fall For Their Scam
Just A Straight Scam On Snapchat Ads
These Unescapable Scam Pop-UPS
Scam Photo Editing App Stole Someone’s Artwork In An Attempt To Market Their App On TikTok
This Dating App Only Lets You Send One Message Vip Is 16 Bucks A Month
This Popped Up On My Phone. Should I Be Worried
So basically this (circled in white) popped up on my phone. It’s been doing it for the past few days and usually I ignore it. Well I clicked on it today to cancel it to see if that would stop the notifications and because I swiped up to multitask and hit set up. Whilst it was still activating I went into network settings and erased the e-sim reset my phone and made sure it’s gone, which it is. My question is though should I be worried? Is it possible that because this is someone else’s e-sim and not mine they may now have access to my information, like passwords, phone number ect or am I just being overly worried about nothing. Can someone clone or mirror your device via e-sim. Do I need to set up the sim pin? This is a T-Moblie e-sim for the US and I live in the UK where we don’t have T-Mobile. Baso I’m a mess and it’s currently 4:55 am in the morning so no support teams are open and I’m too scared to sleep in case someone steals all my phone info.
This Horrible Design Scam
My Ad Blocker Is No Longer Blocking Ads And Youtube Allowing This Are To Exist On Their Platform While Demonetizing Youtubers Who Cursed. This Is A Scam To Get Kids To Download
Honey Chrome Extension Is A Scam
It showed up, in the sealed amazon box, and inside that the graphics card box still had intact security stickers and shrinkwrap. Taking it up with support, but also screaming internally for fear that they'll think I'm the one scamming and won't refund or replace.
Even For Scam Games, This Is Ridiculous. What Are People Supposed To Do With One Shoe?
The other shoe is kept behind the counter at the arcade, in the original box.
When People Put This Many Ads Up
Found In A Chillies, They Are Just Trying To Scam Kids Now
1) If you are letting your kids touch everything, that one is on you. 2) $2 to keep a kid occupied for an hour during dinner sounds like a bargain.
Can't Report, Hide Ad Doesn't Work, Facebook Fake Crypto Scam Ads, There Are 3other Sponsors Who Spam Same Ads
not on fb so don't know for sure, but doesn't the "why am i seeing this ad?" include an option to report?
Scamming Kids In To Spending More
Just because you don't like it doesn't make it a scam. It's not a scam if they are providing you with what you paid for. I don't know about this game, but Fortnite is very popular, and that's how they make money from a "free" game. That's why the term "freemium" was coined. You can play for free, but the cool extras cost real money.
This Obvious Scam That Keeps Forcibly Opening Chrome On My Phone, I Don't Know Why, And I Haven't Clicker On Anything Shady
You have an app installed on your phone that is doing that. It's probably a free game you downloaded that is ad-supported. If you're going to download free time-wasting apps, stick with highly rated apps with several million downloads. You might still end up with pop-up ads, but if they're too intrusive, the app's ratings will tank, so they have incentive to weed out the garbage.
The Scams Like This On Ebay
Click On This Scam Bait Link To Remove Scam Bait Texts
All The Scam Accounts That Follow You On Instagram When You Follow Someone New
Scammer Uncovered. I’m Out $30
Youtube Allowing Straight-Up Scams To Advertise On Their Platform
When You’re So Bad At Scamming People You Use The Old App Store Icon
Called 8 Times In 3 Minutes. They Left A Voicemail, It’s A Scam Of Which I’ve Already Blocked 3 Of Their Other Numbers. How Is This Legal?
These Youtube Scams
It Said Free Iq Test. Sure The Test Was Free, But The Score Was 15 Dollars. This Is A Scam I Hate Everyone Who Makes This
Online IQ tests also do not give valid results. You might as well use a random number generator - it would be as accurate.
I Get These Scam Messages, Often Worded Exactly The Same Only With Different Burner Accounts
Ordered Inflatable Hot Tub From Amazon, Received Scam Gift Card Instead. They Refuse To Refund Until Card Is Returned
My It Teacher Sent A Scam To Our Class Group
Scammers Gonna Scam
A Lot Of Scam Bot Channels Are Invading Me And The Reports Are Getting Ignored
Youtube Is Yet Again Promoting Scams
My Steam Gift Card
Poll Question
What is your primary way of detecting online scams?
Gut feeling
Research
Advice from others
Experience
Technically not a scam, but very shady: I use a CPAP, and was told by rep of the company that their sales department would blow up my phone and email to sell supplies. That didn't happen in the first year, but then suddenly I start getting a call and email every day. I ordered some supplies, but notice the billing to my insurance is not itemized, just says "3 months supplies" and each of 3 invoices is different amounts. I question this, and am told that this is how my insurance company requires it. I repeatedly ask for itemized costs, get excuses. Calls and emails continuing, but I want pricing so I can compare with other suppliers. It finally occurs to me - I order just one item from them. Calls and emails stop (because I have placed an order), item arrives, and next I will see the invoice to my insurance company for that item. IF the cost is reasonably competitive, I will order another item. And so forth until I know what each item costs :-)
Technically not a scam, but very shady: I use a CPAP, and was told by rep of the company that their sales department would blow up my phone and email to sell supplies. That didn't happen in the first year, but then suddenly I start getting a call and email every day. I ordered some supplies, but notice the billing to my insurance is not itemized, just says "3 months supplies" and each of 3 invoices is different amounts. I question this, and am told that this is how my insurance company requires it. I repeatedly ask for itemized costs, get excuses. Calls and emails continuing, but I want pricing so I can compare with other suppliers. It finally occurs to me - I order just one item from them. Calls and emails stop (because I have placed an order), item arrives, and next I will see the invoice to my insurance company for that item. IF the cost is reasonably competitive, I will order another item. And so forth until I know what each item costs :-)