Real Stories • Real Lessons • Safer Habits

True Stories

Real-world, anonymized scam scenarios based on documented attack methods. Each story connects to a training category so you can learn what to watch for — fast.

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Training categories covered
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Email SMS / Text Phone Call Website / Social Media Mail Advertisement Romance Investment & Crypto Business & Vendor Other & Emerging
Email scam example
Email
Small business owner — attempted loss: $12,000

An email appeared to come from a bank warning of suspicious activity. The recipient clicked a link and entered credentials into a convincing fake login page.

Lesson
Banks do not ask you to verify accounts through email links. Always log in using a trusted bookmark or official app.
View more stories in Email
SMS / Text scam example
SMS / Text
Elderly recipient — delivery notification scam

A text message claimed a package delivery was delayed and required payment to release it. After entering card details, fraudulent charges followed.

Lesson
Delivery companies do not request payment or personal details through text message links.
View more stories in SMS / Text
Phone Call scam example
Phone Call
Retiree — impersonated bank fraud department

A caller pressured the victim to move funds to a so-called secure account to stop fraud.

Lesson
Banks do not ask customers to move money by phone. Hang up and call the number on your card.
View more stories in Phone Call
Website / Social Media scam example
Website / Social Media
Social media user — account takeover attempt

A message claimed an account violation and linked to a fake login page that harvested credentials.

Lesson
Social platforms do not send account warnings via direct messages with login links.
View more stories in Website / Social Media
Mail scam example
Mail
Homeowner — extortion attempt

A mailed notice demanded immediate payment for a fabricated legal issue using threatening language.

Lesson
Legitimate agencies do not demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or urgent threats.
View more stories in Mail
Advertisement scam example
Advertisement
Online shopper — fake discount ad

An online advertisement offered extreme discounts and redirected to a fake checkout page.

Lesson
Deep discounts from unfamiliar sellers are a common red flag.
View more stories in Advertisement
Romance scam example
Romance
Online dating user — emotional manipulation

A scammer built trust over weeks through frequent messages and emotional connection before requesting money for emergencies that never existed.

Lesson
Romance scammers avoid meeting in person and eventually ask for money, gift cards, or crypto.
View more stories in Romance
Investment & Crypto scam example
Investment & Crypto
Investor — fake trading platform

A website showed fake investment gains and encouraged additional deposits that could not be withdrawn.

Lesson
Guaranteed returns and pressure to reinvest are major warning signs.
View more stories in Investment & Crypto
Business & Vendor scam example
Business & Vendor
Accounts payable — invoice fraud

An email appeared to come from a known vendor requesting updated payment instructions.

Lesson
Always verify payment changes using a known, separate contact method.
View more stories in Business & Vendor
Other & Emerging scam example
Other & Emerging
Multi-channel attack — evolving scam technique

The scam combined email, phone calls, and social media to create urgency and confusion.

Lesson
Multi-channel pressure is a strong indicator of advanced or emerging scams.
View more stories in Other & Emerging

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