How TrustGuard reads real scams
Six common scams, scored and explained. These are illustrative examples.
Social Security scam call
callHigh-Confidence Scam
Do not reply or pay. This is very likely a scam.
Government Impersonation
Rules 89 · AI +2 → 91
Government agencies never demand gift cards or threaten immediate arrest over the phone. The urgency and payment method are classic impersonation tactics.
Claims to be a government agency
Social Security AdministrationReal agencies do not cold-call demanding payment or threatening arrest.
Threat or scary consequence
suspendedManufactured fear (arrest, account suspension) is used to rush you.
Pressure to act immediately
immediatelyUrgency exists to stop you from pausing to verify.
Bank fraud alert text
textHigh-Confidence Scam
Do not reply or pay. This is very likely a scam.
Bank Fraud Alert / Smishing
Rules 92 · AI +2 → 94
Real banks never ask for your full card number, PIN, and SSN via a text link, and they never require prepaid cards to "lift a hold". The look-alike URL is a giveaway.
Claims to be your bank or card issuer
Wells FargoBanks ask you to call the number on your card, not a number or link they send.
Threat or scary consequence
suspendedManufactured fear (arrest, account suspension) is used to rush you.
Pressure to act immediately
immediatelyUrgency exists to stop you from pausing to verify.
Family emergency voice-clone risk
callHigh-Confidence Scam
Do not reply or pay. This is very likely a scam.
Family Emergency / Voice-Clone Risk
Rules 88 · AI +2 → 90
A panicked relative demanding secret gift-card payments is a hallmark of the grandparent scam — and the voice may be AI-cloned. Verify by calling the family member directly.
Threat or scary consequence
jailManufactured fear (arrest, account suspension) is used to rush you.
Pressure to act immediately
right nowUrgency exists to stop you from pausing to verify.
Demands gift cards, wire, or crypto
gift cardsUntraceable payment methods are a hallmark of scams.
Tech support scam
scenarioLikely a Scam
Do not reply or pay. Verify through an official channel.
Tech Support Scam
Rules 67 · AI +2 → 69
Microsoft does not cold-call about viruses. Requests for remote-access tools like AnyDesk hand a scammer control of your computer.
Claims to be tech support or a security alert
MicrosoftLegitimate companies do not cold-call about viruses on your device.
Threat or scary consequence
infectedManufactured fear (arrest, account suspension) is used to rush you.
Pressure to act immediately
immediatelyUrgency exists to stop you from pausing to verify.
Fake job offer scam
emailLikely a Scam
Do not reply or pay. Verify through an official channel.
Fake Job Offer Scam
Rules 62 · AI +2 → 64
Legitimate employers do not charge onboarding fees or ask for your SSN and bank details before any interview. Upfront crypto payment is a scam signal.
Demands gift cards, wire, or crypto
BitcoinUntraceable payment methods are a hallmark of scams.
Asks for SSN, PIN, card, or password
Social Security numberNo legitimate organization asks for these via unsolicited message.
Asks for an upfront fee
onboarding feeReal prizes and jobs never require you to pay first.
Lottery / prize scam
textHigh-Confidence Scam
Do not reply or pay. This is very likely a scam.
Lottery / Prize Scam
Rules 79 · AI +2 → 81
You cannot win a lottery you never entered. Paying a fee to claim a prize, plus a 24-hour deadline, are advance-fee scam tactics.
Pressure to act immediately
act withinUrgency exists to stop you from pausing to verify.
Demands gift cards, wire, or crypto
wire transferUntraceable payment methods are a hallmark of scams.
Asks for SSN, PIN, card, or password
bank account numberNo legitimate organization asks for these via unsolicited message.