Scam Education Library
Scams evolve constantly. Understanding how they work is one of the most effective ways to avoid becoming a victim. This library explains common fraud techniques and the warning signs that appear again and again in scam messages.
Common scam categories
Bank impersonation scams
Fraudsters pretend to be a bank or financial institution. Messages often claim there is a problem with an account and ask the recipient to verify details or enter a one-time password.
Delivery and parcel scams
These scams claim that a package cannot be delivered until a small fee is paid. The message usually contains a link to a fake payment page that collects banking details.
Investment and crypto scams
Victims are promised guaranteed returns or “exclusive” investment opportunities. These scams often involve fake platforms, celebrity endorsements, or pressure to act quickly.
Account verification scams
Messages claim that an account will be suspended unless the user confirms their password or login details immediately. The links usually lead to a fake login page.
Loan and advance-fee scams
These scams promise loans or financial assistance with unusually low interest rates. Victims are asked to pay a processing or insurance fee before receiving the loan.
Prize and giveaway scams
The message claims that the recipient has won a prize or lottery. Victims are asked to pay a small fee or provide personal details to claim the reward.
Warning signs to watch for
Although scam messages vary, many share the same behavioural signals. Recognizing these patterns makes it easier to identify fraud attempts before responding.
- Urgent requests that demand immediate action
- Requests for passwords, OTP codes, or banking details
- Messages from unfamiliar or suspicious domain names
- Payment requests to private bank accounts
- Offers that seem unusually profitable or risk-free
- Messages that discourage independent verification
How to respond to a suspicious message
If you receive a message that seems suspicious, avoid clicking links or replying immediately. Instead, take a moment to verify the request through official channels.
The safest approach is to contact the organisation involved using their official website or customer support number rather than the contact details provided in the message.
Using the NoToday scanner
If a message feels suspicious, you can paste the text or upload a screenshot to the NoToday scanner. The system analyzes the message and highlights signals commonly associated with scams.
Check a suspicious message
Pause for a moment and run the message through the scanner before taking action.
Open the scanner