Scam identification guides — step-by-step protection from online fraud
These guides are written for the moment after something suspicious has landed in front of you. Each one walks through a specific scam family — fake online stores, phishing emails, SMS fraud, marketplace cons, bank impersonation — and shows what the scam looks like, how it works, and what to do if you have already engaged.
We focus on plain English. No technical prerequisites, no security jargon. Each guide opens with a quick verdict (what this scam usually is and who it targets), shows real examples of the messages or websites involved, lists the red flags in order of reliability, and ends with a recovery checklist for anyone who has already clicked, replied, or paid.
If you have just received something suspicious and want a quick verdict before reading, paste it into the free scam checker — the analysis takes a few seconds and will flag the same red flags the guides describe in detail. The guides are useful afterward, when you want to understand why something looked off, or when you want to spot the same pattern faster next time.
Already been scammed? Start with the recovery checklist below — every other guide can wait until you have stabilised the immediate damage.
I Think I've Been Scammed — Now What? Immediate Recovery Steps
Step-by-step recovery guide if you clicked a link, sent money, or shared personal details. If you have clicked a link, sent money, or shared a password, start here immediately.
Core scam identification guides
Is This Website Legit? How to Check Before You Buy
Quick checks before entering card details on unfamiliar websites.
How to Spot a Fake Link Before You Click
Subdomain tricks, lookalike domains, and URL red flags explained.
Scam Text Message Examples: SMS Fraud Patterns Explained
Real SMS scam templates: parcel delivery, bank alerts, and urgency tactics used worldwide.
Email Phishing Examples: Spot the Fakes
Invoice scams, login alerts, and attachment traps targeting Australians.
WhatsApp and Messaging App Scams: How to Recognise Fraud
Family impersonation scams, crypto investment groups, and messaging fraud tactics.
Bank Impersonation Scams: How Fraudsters Pose as Financial Institutions
Fake bank calls, texts, and spoofed caller IDs explained.
Marketplace Scams: Fraud on Facebook, eBay and Classified Sites
Fake payment emails, courier pickup scams, and payment platform pending tricks.
Payment Platform Scams: Overpayment Fraud on PayID, Zelle and Similar Services
How scammers exploit instant payment platforms with fake overpayments and upgrade tricks.
More scam identification guides
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