Name the Scam Message Cards

How to use these messages

Start with what someone sees, name the scam pattern, and give one safe next step. Use one message at a time so the answer is easy to remember.

A familiar logo on a strange website? That is an impersonation scam.
A website that looks real but has the wrong address? That is a lookalike-site scam.
A support account asking for your secret code? That is a support impersonation scam.
A surprise sign-in request? That may be an account-takeover scam.
Someone who contacted you asking for a verification code? That is a code-stealing scam.
A login page opened from an unexpected document? That may be a credential-phishing scam.
A school account warning that demands an immediate login? That may be a phishing scam.

A job that asks you to pay first? That is a job scam.
A task that requires you to top up an account? That is a task scam.
A recruiter asking for money before hiring you? That is an employment scam.
An invoice you never expected? That may be a fake-invoice scam.
A fee to receive a prize, refund, loan, or inheritance? That is an advance-fee scam.
A business invoice with a changed bank account? Verify it—it may be an invoice scam.
A group chat pressuring you to invest immediately? That may be an investment scam.

A text about a missed delivery fee? That is a delivery phishing scam.
A surprise toll payment link? That is a toll-text scam.
A text about an unpaid speeding ticket? That may be a ticket-payment scam.
A government warning that demands payment through a link? That may be a government impersonation scam.
A vacation rental that asks for a deposit outside the official platform? That may be a rental scam.
A booking page with the right logo but the wrong address? That is a lookalike-site scam.
A host pressuring you to pay immediately? That may be a vacation-rental scam.

A meeting link that requires an unfamiliar update? That may be a malware scam.
A printer error that tells you to install remote access? That is a tech-support scam.
A page telling you to paste a command into Terminal? That is a malware warning sign.
A game update delivered as a mystery ZIP file? That may be a malware scam.
Free game currency that requires your password? That is a gaming phishing scam.
A gaming message promising a reward for signing in? That is a phishing scam.
A playtest that asks you to run an unknown file? That may be a malware scam.

An online relationship asking for money? That is a romance scam.
A new contact promising guaranteed investment returns? That is an investment scam.
A prize that requires a processing fee? That is a prize scam.
A stranger promising a large payout after you pay a fee? That is an advance-fee scam.
Someone threatening to share private images unless you pay? That is an extortion scam.
A crypto opportunity that promises no risk? That is an investment-scam warning sign.

That is a phishing scam. Do not click; open the official service yourself.
That is an impersonation scam. Verify the person or company another way.
That is a payment scam. Contact your bank using its official number.
That is a job scam. Never pay to get paid.
That is a malware warning. Do not download or open the file.
That is a remote-access scam. Do not give anyone control of your device.
That is an account-takeover warning. Change your password and protect your account.
That is a scam pattern. Pause, save the evidence, and ask for help.

Students: A school message asking for an urgent password reset? That may be an account phishing scam.
Families: A child being rushed to download a file? That is a stop-and-check moment.
Gamers: A free item that requires a verification code? That may be an account-takeover scam.
Travelers: A reservation link that does not appear in the official app? That may be a booking scam.
Job seekers: A job that pays in gift cards, crypto, or fees? That is a job scam.
Older adults: A legal or government notice demanding immediate payment? That may be an impersonation scam.