Services

Advance payment scams trick people into paying in advance for goods, services, or opportunities they ultimately don't receive. These payments can include concert tickets, car deposits, or even inheritance taxes.

Scammers promise rewards they don't deliver.

Common types of advance payment scams

Door-to-door scams (including those targeting construction workers, roofers, and landscapers)

Scammers pose as tradespeople (such as roofers, construction workers, or landscapers), offer urgent services, and request advance payment for all or part of the cost, usually for materials. After payment, they delay the work or disappear. Always verify credentials, obtain a written estimate, and never pay the full amount upfront.

Rental scams

Criminals post rental listings and request a security deposit before you can even see the property. Sometimes, the property doesn't exist or is rented to multiple victims at the same time. Always be present or have a trusted person inspect the property before making any payments.

419 Scams/West African Letter Scams

These scams offer large sums of money in exchange for bank transfers or investment assistance, but increasingly charge higher upfront fees. These types of scams are often known as "Nigerian Prince" scams. Never pay for these types of scams.

Remote Work Scams

Scammers advertise high-paying jobs with reduced hours, but ask you to pay for equipment upfront. You may receive nothing, or products of inferior quality. Legitimate companies rarely require employees to purchase equipment out of pocket.

Psychic Scams

Scammers claim to have specialized knowledge and ask for an upfront payment to solve fictitious problems. Be careful when sharing personal information online and never pay for psychological counseling or clairvoyance.

Inheritance Scams

Scammers posing as lawyers will tell you that a distant relative has left you an inheritance. You will be asked to pay upfront fees, taxes, or legal fees; these fees will continue to accrue until the scammer disappears. Always verify these claims independently.

Fraud Recovery Scams

After being scammed, you may be contacted by fraud recovery agents pretending to help you. They often use your personal information to create a convincing impression. Trust only verified experts, such as CEL Law Firm. Ticket Resale Scams

Purchasing tickets through unofficial platforms can result in invalid tickets and financial losses. Using reputable resellers like Ticketmaster can help you avoid these losses.