Brand scam alerts
Is that message really from them?
Scammers pretend to be the companies and agencies people trust most. Pick a name to see what the real organisation says it will never ask for, its real web addresses, and where to report a fake.
Parcels and deliveries
USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake
Package on hold because of an incomplete address, with a link to update it.
How to spot a fakeRoyal MailRoyal Mail scam texts: how to spot a fake
Text asking for a small fee (about 1 to 3 pounds) to reschedule a delivery.
How to spot a fakeDHLDHL scam messages: how to spot a fake
Customs duty or tax payment link for a held shipment.
How to spot a fakeFedExFedEx scam texts: how to spot a fake
Text with a tracking code asking you to set delivery preferences.
How to spot a fakeUPSUPS scam texts: how to spot a fake
Text about a delivery with a link to a harmful site or malware.
How to spot a fakeEvriEvri scam texts: how to spot a fake
Text asking for a small fee to reschedule a missed delivery.
How to spot a fakeAustralia PostAustralia Post scam texts: how to spot a fake
Undelivered parcel message asking for action or a fee.
How to spot a fakeCanada PostCanada Post scam texts: how to spot a fake
Package held in a warehouse, confirm a small payment to deliver it.
How to spot a fakeBanks and payment apps
PayPal scam emails: how to spot a fake
Emails with generic greetings such as Dear user or Hello PayPal member.
How to spot a fakeZelleZelle scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Fake bank fraud alert text asking if you approved a Zelle payment.
How to spot a fakeCash AppCash App scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Fake Cash App giveaway or cash flip that asks you to pay first.
How to spot a fakeVenmoVenmo scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Fake prize or cash reward with a link to claim it.
How to spot a fakeChaseChase scam texts: how to spot a fake
Fake fraud alert asking you to confirm a large purchase.
How to spot a fakeBank of AmericaBank of America scam texts: how to spot a fake
Fake fraud alert asking you to reply or tap a link about a charge.
How to spot a fakeWells FargoWells Fargo scam texts: how to spot a fake
Fake fraud alert asking you to reply or call about a transaction.
How to spot a fakeShopping, streaming and tech accounts
Amazon scam messages: how to spot a fake
Fake order confirmations or shipping updates for purchases you did not make.
How to spot a fakeNetflixNetflix scam emails: how to spot a fake
Emails or texts saying your payment failed and your membership will be suspended.
How to spot a fakeAppleApple scam messages: how to spot a fake
Fake App Store or Apple Music receipts for purchases you did not make.
How to spot a fakeMicrosoftMicrosoft scam calls and emails: how to spot them
Unexpected calls from fake Microsoft technicians who want remote access to your computer.
How to spot a fakeBooking.comBooking.com scam messages: how to spot a fake
Urgent messages saying your booking will be cancelled unless you confirm your card details.
How to spot a fakeGeek SquadGeek Squad scam emails: how to spot a fake
Invoice saying you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew Geek Squad.
How to spot a fakeNorton and McAfeeNorton and McAfee renewal scams: spot a fake invoice
Invoice saying your antivirus subscription renewed for hundreds of dollars.
How to spot a fakeWalmartWalmart scam messages: how to spot a fake
Text saying you won a Walmart gift card.
How to spot a fakeGoogle and GmailGoogle and Gmail scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Phone call from 'Google support' about a hacked account.
How to spot a fakeSteamSteam scams: how to spot them and stay safe
I accidentally reported your account, contact this Steam admin to avoid a ban.
How to spot a fakeMessaging and social media
WhatsApp scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Messages from a new number pretending to be a friend or family member who needs money.
How to spot a fakeMeta (Facebook and Instagram)Facebook and Instagram scams: how to spot them
Direct messages claiming your account will be banned or has broken copyright rules.
How to spot a fakeTikTokTikTok scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Your account will be banned unless you verify it with the code we just sent.
How to spot a fakeTelegramTelegram scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Telegram support asking you to send the login code you just received.
How to spot a fakeTax and government
HMRC scam texts and calls: how to spot them
Unexpected tax refund or rebate offers sent by text, email or social media.
How to spot a fakeIRSIRS scam calls and texts: how to spot them
Unsolicited texts or emails about a tax refund or credit with a link to claim it.
How to spot a fakeE-ZPass and US toll agenciesE-ZPass and unpaid toll texts: how to spot a fake
Texts claiming you owe a small unpaid toll with a link to pay.
How to spot a fakeSocial Security (SSA)Social Security (SSA) scams: how to spot them and stay safe
Your Social Security number has been suspended because of suspicious activity.
How to spot a fakeMedicareMedicare scam calls: how to spot them
You need a new or updated Medicare card, just confirm your Medicare number.
How to spot a fakeDVLADVLA scam texts: how to spot a fake
You are due a vehicle tax refund, click to claim.
How to spot a fakeTV LicensingTV Licensing scam emails: how to spot a fake
Your TV Licence payment failed, update your billing information.
How to spot a fakeATOATO scam calls and texts: how to spot them
You have a tax refund waiting, sign in to myGov through this link.
How to spot a fakeCRACRA scam calls and texts: how to spot them
You have a CRA refund waiting, accept it by Interac e-Transfer.
How to spot a fakeMarketplaces and crypto
eBay scam messages: how to spot a fake
Urgent or threatening emails telling you to act quickly on your account.
How to spot a fakeCoinbaseCoinbase scam messages: how to spot a fake
Calls or texts from fake Coinbase support saying your account is compromised.
How to spot a fakeBinanceBinance scam messages: how to spot a fake
Spoofed SMS messages that appear to come from Binance.
How to spot a fakeTapSafely is independent and not affiliated with any of these organisations. Names are used only to help people recognise impersonation scams.
Questions
Why do scammers pretend to be big brands?
Because most people use them. A fake parcel, bank or streaming message only has to reach people who happen to be waiting for a delivery or using that service.
How can I tell if a message is really from a company?
Don't use the link or number in the message. Open the company's official app, or type its web address yourself, and check your account there.