Common Scams

Scams are less about tech and more about psychology — often combining urgency, fear, and curiosity. They thrive on fast reactions and slow thinking. But once you’ve seen the patterns, they’re a lot easier to spot.

Overview

Scams come in many forms, but they all aim to do the same thing: trick you into giving up something valuable, whether that’s money, login credentials, or personal information. Some are obvious but many are clever, and alarmingly convincing.

Alongside a multitude of scams is a wide range of delivery methods such as websites, adverts, email, text message, phone call, social media profiles and more. This article highlights common tactics used by scammers and breaks down some of the more prevalent threats often seen.

Many people assume they wouldn’t fall for a scam — until they do. Scammers rely on that confidence. They use urgency, fear, distraction, trust, and even curiosity to bypass logic and catch people off guard. Recognising the patterns is often the difference between staying safe and becoming a target.

Regardless, anyone can fall victim to a scam, even with training. All it takes is a moment of distraction or coincidental timing with a legitimate and expected event and you’re done.

Things to Check

Are you expecting

Examples of Common Scams

Unfortunately there are far too many techniques to cover in one article but we can showcase and break down some of the more common scams that are both widespread and effective.

Tech Support Scam

In a tech support scam, you get a pop-up, call, or email claiming there’s something wrong with your computer—viruses, hackers, corrupted files. The “technician” offers to fix it remotely, but what they really want is access to your device, your passwords, or your wallet. Sometimes they install real-looking software to make the scam feel legit. Other times, they just lock your screen and demand payment to “unlock” it. Legit companies don’t cold call or pop up in your browser with panic alarms. If someone claims to be tech support and you didn’t ask for help, it’s a scam.

How it works

Red Flags and Indicators

What to do if you’re targeted

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Sextortion Scam

Sextortion is a nasty digital blackmail trick. Scammers claim they’ve hacked your device, recorded you doing something private, and threaten to send the footage to everyone you know—unless you pay up, usually in crypto. They often “prove” it with an old password they bought from a data breach, or by spoofing your email address to make the threat feel real. But here’s the truth: it’s almost always a bluff. No hacked webcam. No video. Just fear, weaponized. Ignore the threats, don’t pay, and report it.

Useless Information

You can be embarrassed by this subject matter but the fact is there’s millions of people spanking it online. According to ChatGPT, who I asked to break down the statistics — interesting conversation by the way — there are around 1.5 – 3 million people simultaneously engaging in hand-to-gland combat at any given moment. While there is a long standing belief that the Earth’s rotation is maintained by inertia, it’s actually a continuous, rigorous synchronised global beat-off that keeps us spinning at over a thousand miles per hour.

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Romance Scam

A romance scam starts with a swipe, a friend request, or a flirty message from someone who seems too good to be true—because they are. Scammers build fake relationships online, saying all the right things, moving fast, and making you feel special. Then come the stories: sick relatives, frozen bank accounts, emergency bills. They don’t need your heart—they want your money. These scams can drag on for weeks or months, leaving victims emotionally and financially wrecked. If someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, gifts, or crypto, it’s not love—it’s a con.

Impersonation Scam

In an impersonation scam, the fraudster pretends to be someone you trust—a bank rep, your boss, even a family member. They spoof phone numbers, clone email addresses, and use just enough real info to sound convincing. Then comes the pressure: “Your account’s been compromised,” “I need a quick favor,” or “Send payment urgently.” These scams rely on panic and authority to bypass your judgment. Always pause, verify, and never trust a request just because it sounds official. When in doubt, call the real person directly.
Hi Mom lost phone, can you transfer me £200

Gift Card Scam (#)

Gift card scams are simple, crude, and surprisingly effective. A scammer poses as someone you trust—your boss, a relative, tech support—and asks you to buy gift cards “urgently” for a made-up reason. Then they ask for the codes. That’s it. Once they have the numbers, the money’s gone. No refunds, no tracing, no mercy. Real companies and real people don’t ask for gift cards as payment or favors. If someone does, it’s a scam. Always.

Inheritance / Lottery Scam

The inheritance scam dangles a fake windfall in front of you—an unclaimed estate, a distant relative you’ve never heard of, or a wealthy stranger who “chose” you. It starts with a message from a fake lawyer or official sounding email. But before you can receive your millions, you’ll need to cover “legal fees,” “taxes,” or “transfer costs.” Pay once, and more fees follow. Spoiler: there is no inheritance. Just a scammer milking hope for cash. If someone says you’re rich out of the blue, assume it’s a lie—until proven otherwise.

Text Message (SMS) Scams

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Information Table

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#	First Name	Last Name	Status
1	Bob	Gordon	🔴
2	Simon	Kelphis	⚫
3	Sarah	Gerome	🟢

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Mr Purple

Graphic Designer

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Mr Orange

Network Engineer

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Mr Green

Mechanic

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Custom HTML Block – Select Correct Answer

Option #1

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Correct!

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Option #2

Not Quite!

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Option #3

Incorrect!

Nooo, you have failed to read this important alert message. This example text is going to run a bit longer so that you can see how spacing within an alert works with this kind of content.

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