If you didn't find what you were looking for, try a new search!
FBI Protected Voices - Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams [VIDEO] An informative official FBI video about Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams. This was created during the 2020 election campaign period but applied to all BEC scams. It shows techniques and precautions a business can take. See More SCARS Videos on YouTube TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, [...]
Scam Basics - Business Email Compromise Fraud Business Email Compromise Business email compromise (BEC)—also known as email account compromise (EAC)—is one of the most financially damaging online crimes. It exploits the fact that so many of us rely on email to conduct business—both personal and professional. In a BEC scam, criminals send an email message that appears to come from a known source making a legitimate request, like in these examples: A vendor your [...]
Unmasking the Nigerian Email Scammers A SCARS Insight Nigerian Email Scams BY BOWEN XIAO, Epoch Times October 17, 2018 Updated: October 17, 2018 The following was excerpted to assure its continued availability. Source Stolen Profits From BUSINESS EMAIL COMPROMISE (BEC) Schemes, Including The Infamous “Nigerian” Email Scams, Have Grown Exponentially Across The Globe Over The Past Decade. From January 2015 to February 2017, identified losses from such scams had increased 1,300 [...]
The Permission Structure that Accommodates Scams and Online Criminality Permission Structures and West African Online Fraud: Social Scripts, Moral Economies, and Paths to Prevention Criminology - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. See Author Biographies Below Article Abstract Permission structures are the shared stories, [...]
SCARS Institute Scam Warnings - Top 20 Scams Fraud & Cybercrime Scam Warnings: The digital age has brought countless conveniences, but it has also created a playground for sophisticated and relentless fraud. From romance scams to cryptocurrency fraud, today’s scammers operate with advanced tools, global reach, and psychological precision. Their tactics continue to evolve, exploiting emotional, financial, and social vulnerabilities with alarming success. Victims span every demographic, but certain groups—such as older adults and [...]
Understanding West African Scammers' Operations as a Professional Subculture The Criminology of West African Scammers' Organizations and as a Professional Subculture How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract West African scammers' organizations operate as structured criminal enterprises with strict hierarchies, initiation [...]
Analytical Overview of West African Scammer Gangs & Organizations Analyzing the Operational Dynamics of Scammer Gangs, Groups, and Organizations in West Africa - Including Ghana and Nigeria How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract West African scammer gangs exhibit complex and highly adaptive operational dynamics driven [...]
United Nations New Crime Classification System for Crime Including Scams Fraud and Cybercrimes The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Releases Their New: International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS): Implementation Manual Presented by the SCARS Institute Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Article [...]
Scam Victim's Guide on How To Guard Against Identity Theft After a Scam How to Guard Against Identity Theft in the Context of Scams, Fraud, and Cybercrime - a Guide for Scam Victims & Survivors Identity Theft - A SCARS Institute Guide Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scam [...]
Brazil - An Overview of Scams Scammers & Cybercrime Brazil is a Rising Hub for Scams and Cybercrime Organized Crime - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by Third-Party Sources Article Abstract Brazil has emerged as a significant global hub for cybercrime, with organized criminal [...]
AI-Driven Hyper-Targeted Scams - The New Threat The Rise of AI-Driven Hyper-Targeted Scams: How ChatGPT and Other Models Are Revolutionizing Cybercrime for the Worse! AI & Scams - A SCARS Institute Special Report Author: • Tim McGuinness, Ph.D., DFin, MCPO, MAnth - Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract AI-driven scams are rapidly becoming more precise and manipulative, exploiting [...]
The Strange History of Nigerian Super-Scammer & Cybercriminal 'Hushpuppy' A Nigerian Super-Scammer & Cybercriminal Laundering Cash for North Korean Hackers and Dark Web Criminal Enterprise: The Case of Hushpuppi (Ramon Olorunwa Abbas) Organized Crime - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions Based on Research from Other sources Article Abstract [...]
Mortgage Closing Scam A Phishing & Financial Scam Affecting Homebuyers Catalog of Scams - A SCARS Institute Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Mortgage closing scams exploit real estate transactions by infiltrating email accounts of buyers, agents, or attorneys and timing a counterfeit message with revised wiring instructions just [...]
QR Codes Are The New Phishing Attack Method - Quishing Understanding These New Phishing Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The rise of QR code phishing scams, or "quishing," marks a significant evolution in cybercrime tactics, exploiting the widespread adoption of QR codes to deceive users and compromise organizational [...]
Deepfake Identity Hijack - Synthetic Impersonation & Identity Theft Understanding the latest wave of Impersonation Cybercrime using Deepfake AI Technology to Hijack Identities How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract This SCARS RSN article delves into the rising threat of deepfake identity hijacking, exploring its methods, impacts on individuals and businesses, and proactive measures for mitigation. Unlike traditional identity theft, deepfake identity hijacking crafts entirely new digital personas [...]
Killer Bee Cybercrime Syndicate Transnational Organized Criminal Enterprise from Nigeria Profile How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Insight The Nigerian 'Killer Bee' Cybercrime Syndicate - A Criminal Organization & Cybercriminal Group You may have heard of the Nigerian Black Axe but have you ever heard of the Nigerian Kill Bee syndicate? The Nigerian Killer Bee Cybercrime Gang is a group of Nigerian criminals who are involved in a variety of [...]
Social Engineering Traps, Attacks, And Scams A SCARS Topic Catalog Psychology of Scams - A SCARS Insight What is Social Engineering? Social engineering is the practice of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. It is a type of con or confidence trick for the purpose of information gathering, fraud, or system access. Social engineering attacks can be carried out online, in person, and over the phone. Social [...]
Phishing, Vishing, or Smishing Phishing Scam Types - What Is The Difference? How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Phishing Rap - copyright Emerites NBO - used with permission Phishing Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do - A SCARS Guide to Prevention and Recovery Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that uses fraudulent emails or text messages to trick victims [...]
Types Of Scams - A New Taxonomy Helping To Create A Better Set Of Terms For The Types Of Scams Criminology - A SCARS Insight The SCARS Official Definition Of The Terms & Types Of Scams SCARS, as the leading provider of scam victim support and victim assistance services worldwide, has polled victims around the globe to develop a better taxonomy of the types of scams. Part of the intent [...]
Financial Fraud Terms Learning The Language of Fraud Terms Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight Understanding Financial Fraud Terms These Are The Financial Fraud Terms Used By Fraud Fighters Worldwide Please note: this is not a comprehensive list of all scam terms. The fraud-fighting community uses standardized terms to describe financial fraud for several reasons: Clarity and Consistency: Standardized terms help to ensure that everyone involved in fraud prevention and [...]
FBI 2022 IC3 Internet Crime Report By the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation Presented by SCARS The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation 2022 Internet Crime Report Was Released Each Year The FBI Releases Their Statistics And Information About The State Of Internet Crime This Internet Crime Report identifies trends and the status of these crimes based on information reported to the FBI through their IC3.gov portal. Unfortunately, this is [...]
Using BEC Scams To Steal Goods An All New Trend In Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Criminal Actors Use Business Email Compromise to Steal Large Shipments of Food Products and Ingredients What? The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are releasing this joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) to advise the Food [...]
Scattered Canary - The Evolution Of A West African Cybercriminal Organization The Evolution and Inner Workings of a West African Cybercriminal Startup Turned BEC Enterprise An Agari Special Report Scattered Canary - A West African Criminal Enterprise These scammers have ripped off as much as $36B in unemployment benefits in 2020 alone! In a first, Agari has cataloged the evolution of a Nigerian cybercriminal organization from its emergence [...]
New Social Engineering Scams The Old Ones Are Still Active But Fraudsters Are Now Adding More Tools To Their Bag Of Tricks A SCARS Insight According To Industry Sources, Cyber-Enabled Criminals Are Constantly Inventing New Attack Types As scammers apply more institutional knowledge of the internet and online user's behaviors they adapt their tactics. They are not giving up on the old techniques, but expanding to find more ways to [...]
FBI Releases 2020 Internet Crime Report In 2020, while the American public was focused on protecting our families from a global pandemic and helping others in need, cybercriminals took advantage of an opportunity to profit from our dependence on technology to go on an Internet crime spree. These criminals used phishing, spoofing, extortion, and various types of Internet-enabled fraud to target the most vulnerable in our society - medical workers searching for personal protective [...]
The FBI Issues A Warning About Synthetic Content Helping You Spot Fake Altered or Photoshopped Images Synthetic Content Now Represents A Significant Threat! Malicious Actors Almost Certainly Will Leverage Synthetic Content for Cyber and Foreign Influence Operations Malicious actors almost certainly will leverage synthetic content for cyber and foreign influence operations in the next 12-18 months. Foreign actors are currently using synthetic content in their influence campaigns, and [...]
Socially Engineered / Social Engineering Scams [Updated] A SCARS™ Guide Originally published: May 2018 You have probably heard the term "Social Engineering' before, but what is it? Social Engineering Is ... Social engineering, in the context of information security, refers to the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information. It is a type of confidence trick (scam) for the purpose of information gathering, fraud, [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: FBI Report To The U.S. Congress On Scams On June 9th, 2020 the FBI's Assistant Direct Calvin Shivers delivered a report to congress on the state of online fraud during the Coronavirus crisis. Here is that report: BY: CALVIN A. SHIVERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS, U.S DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD BEFORE THE UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR A HEARING ENTITLED: “COVID-19 FRAUD: [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: How Criminals Are Profiting From The Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic Europol Decries The Latest Developments Of COVID-19 On The Criminal Landscape In The EU & The World During this unprecedented crisis, governments across the globe are intensifying their efforts to combat the global spread of the coronavirus by enacting various measures to support public health systems, safeguard the economy and to ensure public order and safety. A number of these measures have a [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: 2019 Internet Crime Report Released Data Reflects an Evolving Threat and the Importance of Reporting “Criminals are getting so sophisticated. It is getting harder and harder for victims to spot the red flags and tell real from fake.” Donna Gregory, chief, IC3 Internet-enabled crimes and scams show no signs of letting up, according to data released by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in its 2019 Internet Crime Report. The last calendar year saw [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: Fighting Cybercriminals In A Connected Future World Insights From The Europol-INTERPOL Cybercrime Conference Examined Latest Cyber Threats, Trends And Strategies At The Hague, Netherlands 2019 A couple of months back, more than 400 experts from law enforcement, the private sector, and academia have gathered this week at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague for what is one of the world’s biggest platforms of exchange on cybercrime. Europol-INTERPOL Cybercrime Conference examined the latest [...]
SCARS™ Scam & Scamming News: Massive International Fraud and Money Laundering Conspiracy Detailed in Federal Grand Jury Indictment that Charges 80 Defendants Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office Central District of California OFICIAL DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RELEASE Thursday, August 22, 2019 Criminal Indictment LOS ANGELES – A 252-count federal grand jury indictment » unsealed today charges 80 defendants, most of whom are Nigerian nationals, with participating in a massive conspiracy to steal millions of dollars [...]
Risk To Victims Is Increasing A SCARS Insight Victims need to be much more watchful since they are at much greater risk than ever before! SCARS™ Commentary: Risk To Victims Is Increasing Victims Are Ever More At Risk Of Prosecution And Litigation Over Their Silence And Failure To Report Their Scams IMPORTANT CHANGES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR VICTIMS You may not have known it but [...]
The Top 30 Cybercrimes in the USA According to the U.S. Department of Justice, July 5, 2017 The top 30 Cyber Crimes in Reverse Order are: 30. Denial of Service Attacks - A cyber-attack that makes a computer or server unavailable by disrupting its connection to the internet. 29. Online Gambling - Online or internet gambling. 28. Malware Attacks - Malicious software intended to damage or disable computer systems, sometimes accompanied by demands to solicit [...]
What Is A Money Mule? - An Overview Money Mules Are An Integral Part Of Transnational Crime Networks What are they and how do they work? What Is A Money Mule? - An Overview Money Muling More than 90% of money mule transactions identified through the European Money Mule Actions are linked to cybercrime. The illegal money often comes from criminal activities like phishing, malware attacks, online auction [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: UNODC Cybercrime And COVID19 Risks and Responses During the global Chinese Coronavirus Pandemic scammers & cybercriminals worldwide are working overtime to take advantage of this unique opportunity to scam tens of millions of victims. The following is the analysis of this situation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - a United Nations oversight body tracking global transnational crime trends. This report is from the UNODC Cybercrime and Anti-Money Laundering [...]
SCARS™ Law Enforcement Action Against Scams: Operation WireWire The United State Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Working with Partner Agencies Domestically and Around the World in a Large-Scale Coordinated Effort to Dismantle International BEC Scams WireWire Operation Background: United States Federal authorities—including the Department of Justice and the FBI—announced in June 2018 the major coordinated law enforcement effort to disrupt international business e-mail compromise (BEC) schemes that are designed to intercept and hijack wire transfers [...]
is a publication of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [registered dba SCARS]
To use this website, You Must Read and Agree to the SCARS Legal Policies and Terms and Conditions
LEGAL STATEMENT
The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Website and All Original Content, Concepts, and Intellectual Property Copyright © 1995 – 2026 | All Rights Reserved | Third-party Copyrights Acknowledged | Some Images Reproduced As Legal Record Of Criminal Use By Third-parties | Evidence Photos Used To Report Their Use In Criminal Fraud | In Some Cases The Persons Pictured In Photos Are Victims Of Identity Theft Unless Otherwise Indicated
Scam Victim’s Stories are presented with the permission of the author.
SCARS Institute™, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams™, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams™, SCARS|RSN™, Romance Scams Now™, SCARS|EDUCATION™, SCARS|SUPPORT™, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL™, SCARS|CHINA™, SCARS|UK™, SCARS|CANADA™, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA™, SCARS|MEMBERS™, SCARS|CDN™, Cybercrime Data Network™, AgainstScams™, Act AgainstScams™, Sludge Report™, Scam Victim Support Group™, RSN Steps™/SCARS Steps™, ScamCrime™, ScamsOnline™, Anyscam™, Cobalt Alert™, SCARS|GOFCH™, Global Online Fraud Clearinghouse™, SCARS|CERT™, RED BOOK™, BLUE BOOK™, GREEN BOOK™, Scam Organizer™ – in any form are trademarks of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated | Contact us at contact@AgainstScams.org for any issues about content displayed. visit To Learn More About SCARS Trademarks, Service Marks, and Indicia
