Scam Types
Common online scams
Compare the scams ScamClarity covers now, including phishing emails, suspicious text messages, fake tech support, online marketplace scams, and romance scams.
Choose the closest match
Use this page when you are trying to name what happened. The closest type is usually the one that matches the first clear request: click a link, reply to a text, call support, send money for a sale, or trust someone you met online.
Published scam types
Only live ScamClarity scam type pages are shown here.
Phishing scams
Phishing message? Start with what happened.
Received, clicked, replied to, downloaded from, or acted on a phishing message? Start with what happened and see what to do next.
Smishing scams
Suspicious text message? Start with what happened.
Smishing is phishing by text message. Fake delivery notices, toll texts, bank alerts, account warnings, payment requests, and short links can push you to click, reply, enter information, share a code, or pay a fee.
Tech support scams
Tech support scam? Start with what happened.
Fake tech support scams use virus pop-ups, security warnings, phone calls, invoices, and remote-access tools to make you believe someone is fixing a device or account. What matters now is what you clicked, installed, showed, paid, or allowed them to control.
Marketplace scams
Buying or selling online? Watch for common marketplace scam signs.
Marketplace scams can target buyers or sellers. The risk changes when someone asks for a deposit, fake payment proof, courier pickup, verification code, off-platform payment, or shipping before money clears.
Romance scams
Online romance scam? Start with what they asked for.
Romance scams usually build trust before asking for money, gift cards, crypto, bank help, travel costs, emergency support, or secrecy. The safest next step depends on what they asked for, what you shared, and whether money or account access was involved.
If more than one fits
Scams often overlap. A suspicious text can lead to a fake login page. A marketplace sale can involve a fake payment email. A romance scam can become a gift card or crypto request.
Start with the page that matches the first thing you noticed. If the issue is more about a specific site or app, compare the platform pages. If money moved, compare the payment pages.
Common questions
How do I choose the closest scam type?
Start with how the situation began: an email or link, a text message, a fake support warning, an online sale, or a relationship that turned into a money request.
What if more than one type fits?
Choose the page tied to the highest-risk part first. If money moved, preserve payment details. If a password or code was entered, check the affected account.
Is smishing different from phishing?
Smishing is phishing by text message. The risk often depends on whether you clicked, entered a password, shared a code, or paid money.