Fraud Types
Learn how to recognize the most common types of fraud and how to protect yourself.
Investment fraud
Fake investment schemes, crypto scams, and Ponzi schemes
Investment fraud is one of the most profitable scam types worldwide. Scammers lure victims with promises of incredibly high returns with minimal risk. This can include fake cryptocurrency platforms, pump-and-dump schemes, Ponzi schemes, or fake real estate investments.
How it works
Scammers typically start with social media ads or personal messages offering an "exclusive investment opportunity." Initially, they may let you "earn" a small amount to build trust. When you invest a larger sum, the money disappears β the platform stops working, the consultant stops responding, and the website shuts down.
Warning signs
- Promises of unrealistically high returns (e.g., 10-50% per month) with no risk
- Pressure to invest quickly β "this offer is only available today"
- The platform has no official license (check your country's financial regulator)
- You can't withdraw your funds or are asked to pay additional fees to release money
- A "consultant" contacts you first and persistently pushes their services
What to do if you're a victim
Stop all communication with the scammer. Collect all evidence: platform screenshots, conversations, payment confirmations. Do not transfer more money, even if told it's necessary to "unblock your funds." Report the scammer on the Apgavo platform β your report can help others and contribute to a group lawsuit.
Romance scam
Fake relationships designed to steal your money
Romance scams are the most emotionally devastating type of fraud. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites, social networks, or messaging apps, pretend to be interested in romantic relationships, and eventually start asking for money.
How it works
The scammer creates an attractive, believable profile β often posing as a military officer, engineer, or businessperson working abroad. Over weeks or months, they build an emotional connection: daily conversations, romantic plans, shared future visions. Once the victim is emotionally attached, money requests begin β "urgent surgery," "a ticket to come see you," "temporary financial difficulty."
Warning signs
- The relationship moves incredibly fast β declarations of love within days
- The person never agrees to meet in person or do a video call
- Always has a reason why they can't meet β working on a ship, military mission, oil rig
- Starts asking for money after building an emotional connection
- Requests keep growing β from small amounts to thousands of euros
What to do if you're a victim
Stop all communication. Know that this is not your fault β scammers are professional manipulators. Save all conversations and payment evidence. Report the scammer on the Apgavo platform. If you need emotional support, seek professional help β romance scams leave deep emotional wounds.
Phishing
Fake emails, SMS messages, and websites stealing your passwords
Phishing is the most widespread type of digital fraud. Scammers send emails, SMS messages, or create fake websites that imitate banks, government agencies, or popular services to steal your login credentials, banking information, or personal identification numbers.
How it works
You receive an email or SMS that looks like a genuine notification from your bank or government agency. It contains a link to a website that visually looks identical to the real one. When you enter your login credentials, scammers capture them and use them to access your accounts. Some phishing attacks also use phone calls (vishing) or QR codes.
Warning signs
- The sender's email address differs from the official one (e.g., bank@gmail.com instead of info@bank.com)
- The message demands urgent action β "your account will be blocked within 24 hours"
- The link leads to a website with an unusual address (e.g., bank-login.xyz instead of bank.com)
- Asks for information that a real institution would never request (full password, PIN code)
- Text with grammatical errors, unusual formatting, or generic greetings
What to do if you're a victim
Never click suspicious links. If you receive a suspicious message, go directly to the official website by manually typing the address. Change your passwords if you suspect data may have been compromised. Report the scam to your bank and on the Apgavo platform.
Marketplace fraud
Fake stores, sellers, and products you'll never receive
Marketplace fraud includes fake online stores, dishonest sellers on classified ad sites, and products that are never delivered or don't match the description. This is one of the most common fraud types, especially through classified ad websites and social media.
How it works
Scammers create professional-looking online stores with extremely low prices or post attractive deals on classified ad sites. When you pay, the product is never delivered, or you receive a completely different, cheaper item. Fake shipping tracking numbers are often used to create the illusion of delivery.
Warning signs
- The price is unbelievably low β 50-80% cheaper than market price
- The store has no contact information, physical address, or return policy
- The seller demands payment only via bank transfer (not through a secure payment system)
- The website domain was registered very recently (check WHOIS)
- Only positive reviews that appear written by the same person, or no reviews at all
What to do if you're a victim
Save all communication with the seller, payment confirmations, and screenshots of the listing. Contact your bank for a chargeback if you paid by card. Report the scammer on the Apgavo platform β marketplace scammers often have many victims, making a group lawsuit a real possibility.
Identity theft
Your personal data used without your knowledge or consent
Identity theft is a crime where someone uses your personal data (name, personal ID number, banking information) without your consent. This can be used to take out loans, open accounts, or make purchases in your name.
How it works
Scammers obtain your personal data through data breaches, phishing attacks, stolen documents, or social engineering. With your personal ID and other information, they can apply for quick loans, open bank accounts, or sign contracts in your name. Victims often learn about it only when receiving debt collector letters or noticing unfamiliar transactions in their account.
Warning signs
- You receive letters about loans or accounts you never opened
- You notice unknown transactions in your bank account
- The credit bureau shows inquiries or debts you know nothing about
- You receive debt collector calls about unknown debts
- You're denied a service because there are unpaid obligations in your name
What to do if you're a victim
Immediately contact your bank and block your accounts. Report the identity theft to the police. Contact the credit bureau and request your credit report. Change all passwords. Report the case on the Apgavo platform.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
Stop and Think
Scammers always create a sense of urgency. If someone pressures you to act quickly, it usually means they don't want you to think. Take time to consider.
Verify Information
Before transferring money or sharing personal data, verify information through independent sources. Call the official number, check reviews, search in the Apgavo database.
Protect Your Data
Never share PIN codes, full passwords, or personal ID numbers via email or message. Real institutions never ask for this information in this way.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Before making a financial decision, consult someone you trust. Scammers try to isolate victims β a second opinion can protect you from losses.