Scammers aren’t lurking in the shadows—they’re sliding into your DMs and faking your job offers.
Gen Z grew up online, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to digital deception. In fact, their comfort with tech and tendency to move fast has made them prime targets for a new wave of clever scams. These cons don’t look like the shady emails of the early 2000s. They show up on platforms Gen Z trusts—like Instagram, TikTok, Venmo, and Discord—disguised as opportunity, friendship, or even activism. It’s a whole new level of bait, and a lot of people are taking it.
Scammers today study trends, mimic trusted brands, and build fake communities that feel real. They don’t just ask for money—they make you believe you’re making it. Or saving it. Or fighting for something. The result? Lost cash, compromised data, and a growing sense of digital paranoia. These ten scams aren’t just happening “out there”—they’re landing in inboxes and feeds every single day. Knowing what to look for is your best defense before you end up swindled in broad daylight.
1. Fake job offers that promise fast money with zero experience.
Getting a DM or email about a remote gig that pays $500 a week to “work two hours a day” sounds like the dream. But if it feels too easy, it’s probably a trap. Scammers pose as recruiters offering roles that don’t require interviews, skills, or even basic paperwork, according to Kate Palmquist at Indeed. All you have to do is cash a check, send money to someone else, or share your bank details.
These scams often ask for personal information right away, or they’ll send a fake check and ask you to “refund the extra.” You end up on the hook for the bounce while they vanish. Real jobs don’t pay up front or pressure you to act fast. If the job offer skips the grind, it’s probably grinding your bank account instead.
2. Influencer impersonation scams on Instagram and TikTok.
Someone you follow reposts a “cash flipping” story or tags you in a crypto giveaway. It looks legit—same profile pic, same username, same style. Except it’s not them. Scammers are cloning influencer accounts, sometimes with just a single letter changed, and then baiting followers into sending money or clicking shady links, as reported by Quinn Schwartz at Grin.co.
They promise fast returns on small investments or exclusive access to giveaways. Once you send the cash, they vanish—or worse, they get your personal info and use it to run more scams. Always check for account verification and never send money to a “friend” without confirming it’s really them through another channel. The hype is fake, and so is the profit.
3. Online store dropshipping scams with zero delivery.
That ad for $20 AirPods or the trendy aesthetic hoodie you saw on TikTok? It leads to a sleek website with flashy product photos and thousands of fake reviews. You order, you pay—and you wait. And wait. And then realize the site either doesn’t ship at all, or sends you a dollar-store version of what you thought you bought, as stated by Theodore C. at Dropship.io.
These scams often run through TikTok Shop ads, Instagram promotions, or “limited time” pop-ups. They thrive on FOMO and impulse. The prices are just low enough to seem like a steal, but not low enough to scream scam. Always check the domain name, company address, and refund policy before buying. Otherwise, you’re just donating to someone’s disappearing act.
4. Fake sugar daddy schemes that flip the power dynamic.
It starts with a flattering DM: “You’re beautiful, and I want to spoil you.” Some scammers pose as sugar daddies (or mommies) offering easy money in exchange for nothing more than conversation. They send screenshots of fake bank transfers or say they “accidentally” sent too much and need a refund.
This trick plays on trust and a desire for financial help. Victims send the “refund,” only to find the original payment never existed. Worse, some scammers collect compromising information or try to blackmail users later. If someone offers you money with no strings, know that the strings are just hidden until you’re tangled in them.
5. Crypto and NFT scams disguised as investment advice.
Crypto’s wild ride has made it an easy playground for scammers. On TikTok, Discord, and Reddit, fake “experts” push altcoins, pump-and-dump schemes, or shady NFTs. They build fake credibility with stolen charts, AI-generated testimonials, and bots that hype their every post. Then they ask you to invest, join their group, or click a sketchy wallet link.
Once you’re in, they vanish with the funds—or worse, drain your digital wallet. These scammers don’t wear ski masks. They wear slick branding and talk like finance bros. If someone’s pushing an urgent opportunity in crypto without real transparency or a legitimate platform, it’s not advice—it’s bait.
6. Student debt forgiveness scams that steal your identity.
As student loans bounce back into headlines, scammers are sliding into emails and texts offering “relief” or fast-track forgiveness programs. They’ll ask for your Social Security number, FAFSA login, or payment up front to “secure your spot.” Then they disappear—or worse, drain your real accounts under the guise of helping.
These scams feel especially convincing because they sound like actual federal programs. But real debt relief doesn’t require upfront payment or sketchy login requests. Always verify through official .gov sources and never click links in unsolicited messages. If it sounds urgent and easy, it’s probably just dangerous.
7. Fake event tickets that never get you in the door.
You see someone selling Taylor Swift tickets for half the resale price in a local Facebook group or via DM. They say they can transfer them instantly once you Venmo the cash. It’s all good vibes and “just trying to help a fan out.” You send the money—and get ghosted.
Scammers use screenshots, fake confirmation emails, and urgency to pressure you into buying fast. And when the concert rolls around, you’re stuck outside while they’ve blocked you on every platform. Always use verified resale platforms with buyer protection, not peer-to-peer payments with strangers. Otherwise, you’re just funding their next fake listing.
8. Online dating scams that build trust before asking for cash.
Romance scams don’t always ask for money upfront. They build slowly. You meet someone on a dating app or platform like Telegram or Facebook, and they seem perfect—interested, consistent, emotionally available. Over weeks or months, they build trust. Then comes the “emergency.” They’re stuck overseas. Their grandma needs surgery. They’ll pay you back. Just send a little now.
Gen Z is especially vulnerable to these scams when looking for connection during lonely moments. The emotional manipulation is subtle and powerful. Once the money leaves your account, so do they. If someone you haven’t met in person asks for help, assume they’re not who they claim to be.
9. QR code scams that hijack your info with a single scan.
You see a flyer on campus, a sticker on a light pole, or a post on a digital board with a QR code. It promises a prize, job application, or exclusive deal. You scan it without thinking—and suddenly your phone’s exposed. These codes can lead to phishing sites or auto-download malware without your permission.
QR scams are sneaky because they bypass your natural caution. They look modern, quick, and convenient. But once you scan, it’s hard to undo the damage. If you don’t know exactly who posted it or where it leads, don’t scan it. Convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your digital safety.
10. Deepfake voice and video scams that sound freakishly real.
You get a voicemail from your “friend” or “boss” asking for urgent help or a quick cash transfer. Or you see a video of a celebrity you trust promoting a sketchy new investment. But none of it is real. Deepfake tech is getting scary good, and scammers are using AI-generated voices and faces to build fake credibility at scale.
These scams play on your trust in people you know or admire. You think you’re doing someone a favor or following real advice—but you’re just walking into a digital trap. If the voice or video feels even slightly off, double-check through another channel before you act. The next scam might sound exactly like someone you trust.