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RedFlags AI · Field guide · Edition 01

The scam field guide.

A practical reference to common scam patterns, what to check, and how to slow a risky conversation down. These patterns are warnings to investigate, not proof that a person or message is fraudulent.

FirstPause before clicking, paying or sharing information.

ThenVerify using a website or phone number you find independently.

AlwaysTreat urgency and unusual payment requests as reasons to stop.

This first edition draws on public guidance from the FTC and FBI. It cannot cover every scam or prove whether a specific message is real. Customer submissions are not published here; any future examples should be redacted and generalized first.

01

Phishing and account alerts

A message pretends to come from a bank, delivery company, employer or online service and says you must sign in or act urgently.

Signals to notice

  • A link or sender address does not match the organization’s real domain.
  • The message asks for a password, one-time code, payment details or an unexpected download.
  • The message creates urgency. Polished spelling and grammar do not prove it is genuine.

Safer next step

  • Do not use the message’s link or phone number. Open the official app or type the known website address yourself.
  • If the message may be real, contact the organization using details from its verified website.
02

Job and task offers

A recruiter or employer offers easy money, then asks you to pay, deposit a check, forward funds, ship packages or send cryptocurrency to unlock tasks.

Signals to notice

  • Unusually high pay for simple work, vague duties or an unsolicited offer.
  • You must pay for the job, buy crypto, or send part of a check payment elsewhere.
  • A task platform shows earnings but requires another payment before you can withdraw them.

Safer next step

  • Find the role on the employer’s official careers page and contact the company through its published channels.
  • Do not pay an employer, deposit a check and send money back, or use personal accounts to move funds.
03

Rental listings

A fake or copied listing draws you in with a deal, then pressures you to pay a deposit or share identity documents before you can verify the property.

Signals to notice

  • The rent is far below similar listings, or the owner will not show the property and rushes you to decide.
  • The same address appears online under different owners or companies.
  • You are asked to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency, or send sensitive documents early.

Safer next step

  • Search the address and compare the listing with the property manager’s own website.
  • When possible, see the property and confirm the agent’s identity through the management company before signing or paying.
04

Marketplace payments and fake checks

A buyer or seller tries to move a transaction outside the marketplace, uses a fake payment notice, or sends too much and asks you to return the difference.

Signals to notice

  • A buyer asks you to refund an overpayment, pay a courier, or buy gift cards after sending a check.
  • A screenshot or email says you were paid, but the payment is not visible in your account.
  • Someone pushes you to leave the platform’s protected payment and messaging flow.

Safer next step

  • Check the transaction inside the real payment or marketplace account; do not rely on screenshots or emails.
  • Treat an unexpected check as unverified even if funds appear in your account. Call your bank through its official number, and do not send any portion back.
05

Impersonation and urgent emergencies

Someone pretends to be a government agency, business, relative or trusted person and uses fear, secrecy or urgency to get money or personal information.

Signals to notice

  • You are told you have a legal or account problem, won a prize, or must urgently help a loved one.
  • The caller tells you not to hang up or not to tell anyone.
  • You are told to move money, buy gold or cryptocurrency, or pay with gift cards to keep funds safe.

Safer next step

  • Pause and speak to someone you trust. Call the relative or organization using a number you already know.
  • Never transfer money to someone who contacts you unexpectedly to ‘protect’ it.
06

Tech support and refund tricks

A pop-up, call or renewal notice claims your device or account is in danger, then asks you to call a number, grant remote access or pay a fee.

Signals to notice

  • An unexpected warning says to call immediately or your computer will be locked or damaged.
  • A stranger asks to control your screen or install software to fix a problem you did not report.
  • A fake refund process asks you to log in, share banking details or send back an ‘overpayment.’

Safer next step

  • Close the warning without calling it. Contact the company through its official website or app.
  • Do not give remote access to an unexpected caller or send money to receive a refund.
07

Romance and investment pitches

A new online relationship or unsolicited adviser builds trust, then steers you toward an urgent money request or an investment with guaranteed returns.

Signals to notice

  • Someone you have not met asks for money, crypto, travel fees or help with an emergency.
  • A new contact pushes an investment website, shows impressive returns, or promises high profit with little risk.
  • You are pressured to move the conversation off-platform and keep the opportunity secret.

Safer next step

  • Do not invest based on a social-media or dating contact’s instructions. Research the person and opportunity independently.
  • Treat guaranteed returns and pressure to send cryptocurrency as serious warning signs; talk with a trusted person before acting.

If you already acted

Take the next safe step.

Quick action can limit further loss. Use contact details from the official app, your card or a verified website.

  1. 01If money or account details were exposed, call your bank, card issuer or payment provider right away.
  2. 02If you shared a password or code, secure the account through its official website and check for unfamiliar activity.
  3. 03Keep messages and payment records for your bank or report, but remove personal details before sharing them elsewhere.
  4. 04In the U.S., report consumer fraud to the FTC or internet crime to FBI IC3. Elsewhere, contact your local consumer-protection or law enforcement agency.

RedFlags AI provides general education, not legal, financial or law enforcement advice. No automated check can guarantee that a person, listing or offer is legitimate.