platform-codebase/features/conversation-assistant/data/red_flags/scam_patterns.md

Scam Patterns

Subject Type: red_flag

Known scam tactics and fraud patterns to identify and avoid.

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CRITICAL SEVERITY - Immediate Block

Gift Card Scams

Pattern: Requests payment via gift cards (iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, etc.)

How it works:

• Claims bank issues, prefers gift cards
• Offers to "send extra" for gift card
• Urgency: "Need it today"

Detection phrases:

• "Can you get iTunes cards"
• "My bank isn't working"
• "I'll send you extra for the trouble"
• "Just send me the code"

Why dangerous: Gift cards are untraceable. No legitimate business uses them.

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Overpayment Scam

Pattern: Sends more money than owed, asks for refund of difference.

How it works:

• "Accidentally" sends too much
• Asks you to send back difference
• Original payment later bounces/reverses
• You're out the "refunded" amount

Detection phrases:

• "I sent too much by mistake"
• "Can you send back the extra"
• "My assistant made an error"

Why dangerous: Funds always reverse, leaving you with loss.

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Advance Fee Scam

Pattern: Requires you to pay a fee before receiving "payment."

How it works:

• Promises large sum coming
• Needs "processing fee" / "tax" / "insurance"
• Fee goes to scammer
• Payment never materializes

Detection phrases:

• "Just need to cover the transfer fee"
• "Pay the tax and release the funds"
• "Small fee to verify your account"

Why dangerous: Legitimate payments don't require victim to pay first.

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Crypto/Wire Scam

Pattern: Insists on cryptocurrency or wire transfer.

How it works:

• Claims preference for "anonymous" payment
• Crypto wallets and wires are irreversible
• Once sent, money is gone

Detection phrases:

• "I only pay in Bitcoin"
• "Send me your crypto wallet"
• "Wire transfer is easier"

Why dangerous: No buyer protection, no reversal possible.

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HIGH SEVERITY - Strong Caution

Photography Scam

Pattern: "Photographer" offering paid work requiring your upfront investment.

How it works:

• Offers modeling/photography opportunity
• Requires you to pay for: portfolio, website, registration
• Job never materializes
• Sometimes combined with advance fee scam

Detection phrases:

• "We need photos for your profile first"
• "Small investment for your career"
• "Agency requires registration fee"

Red flags:

• No verifiable credentials
• Urgency to pay
• Can't provide references
• Requests meet in unusual locations

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Identity Theft Setup

Pattern: Collecting personal information under pretense.

How it works:

• Requests ID "for safety"
• Asks for SSN, bank details, DOB
• Claims it's "standard procedure"
• Uses info for identity theft

Detection phrases:

• "Need to verify your identity first"
• "Send a photo of your ID"
• "What's your social security number"
• "Bank account for direct deposit"

What's legitimate:

• Age verification (view only, don't keep copy)
• Video call verification
• Platform verification

What's NOT legitimate:

• Full SSN
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card for "verification"
• Government ID photos to keep

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Blackmail Setup

Pattern: Gathering compromising material for future leverage.

How it works:

• Builds relationship/trust
• Requests explicit content
• Later threatens to expose
• Demands payment for silence

Detection phrases:

• "Send me something spicy first"
• "I need proof you're real" (explicit)
• "Show me what I'm getting"

Prevention:

• Don't send explicit content before meeting
• No face in explicit content ever
• Verify identity before sharing anything sensitive

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MEDIUM SEVERITY - Investigate

Impersonation Scam

Pattern: Claiming to be someone they're not.

Types:

• Law enforcement impersonation
• Celebrity/wealthy person claims
• Business executive claims
• Previous client they're not

Detection:

• Story doesn't add up
• Can't verify identity claims
• Asks for unusual things based on claimed status
• Profile doesn't match claims

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Too Good To Be True

Pattern: Offers that seem unrealistically favorable.

Examples:

• "I'll pay double your rate"
• "I'm a producer looking for talent"
• "I want to be your benefactor"
• "I'll set you up in an apartment"

Red flags:

• No reasonable explanation for generosity
• Strings attached that emerge later
• Urgency to accept before thinking
• Requests something unusual as "small" return

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Romance Scam Elements

Pattern: Building emotional connection to exploit financially.

Progression:

1. Intense flattery and attention
2. Fast emotional escalation
3. Stories of hardship emerge
4. Requests for money begin
5. Excuses why can't meet

Detection phrases:

• "I've never felt this way"
• "You're different from everyone else"
• "I just need help this once"
• "I'll pay you back when [event]"

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Pattern Recognition Tips

Trust Your Instincts

• If something feels wrong, it probably is
• Urgency is almost always a red flag
• Legitimate people respect boundaries
• Real opportunities don't require upfront payment

Verification Steps

• Google their claims
• Reverse image search their photos
• Check platform verification status
• Ask questions only a real person would know

When in Doubt

• Don't send money
• Don't share sensitive information
• Don't feel pressured by urgency
• Do verify through independent channels
• Do trust your instincts