Inside a Scammer’s Toolbox: Common Tools, Tactics and Technologies

Ever wonder how scammers have become more prevalent and resourceful than ever?

Over the last decade, digitalization, social media, and technology have given criminals countless new ways to find victims. From payment and messaging platforms to  artificial intelligence and the rise of so-called “Scam-as-a-Service,” even people with minimal technical know-how can pay for ready-made scam kits and guides.

All of this has led to an unprecedented level of sophistication and reach, allowing scammers to trick more people, faster, and often with less risk. The good news is that, by understanding exactly how these criminals operate, you can spot suspicious activity sooner and protect yourself more effectively.

Below is a list of tools scammers use on a daily basis to con millions of unsuspecting victims:

1. Money Transfer Services

How Scammers Use Them
Scammers use peer-to-peer payments, money transfer services and online payment apps because they can quickly receive money without revealing their true identities. Once a victim sends funds, the criminal often picks it up in cash or transfers it to another account, making it very difficult to trace. They’ll pressure people to send money right away, claiming emergencies or limited-time offers so the victim has no time to verify claims.

2. Virtual Offices and Mail Drops

How Scammers Use Them
Criminals may rent a “fancy” business address or use a virtual office service to look legitimate. When they list these addresses on their websites or business cards, it tricks people into thinking the scammer works out of a professional location. Any mail sent there is forwarded to the scammer’s actual address—often in another city or country—so victims never realize the “office” is just a shell location with no real staff.

3. Virtual Phone Numbers and Call Spoofing

How Scammers Use Them
With internet-based phone services (VoIP), scammers can choose the area code they want their targets see on caller ID, either making them appear local or even from a respected organization (like a government office). They can also create “burner” phone numbers that can be thrown away any time. This technology enables them to remain anonymous and quickly change their contact details to evade detection by law enforcement.

4. Phishing Kits and Email Tools

How Scammers Use Them

Scammers send out mass emails posing as your bank, an e-commerce site, or a social network. You might be tricked into clicking a link that leads to a fake website or into downloading a malicious attachment. What many people don’t realize is that these crooks often obtain ready-made “Scam-as-a-Service” kits, which include pre-built templates: complete with official-looking logos and text that mimic real brands, and automated scripts  with step-by-step instructions, mass-mailing programs, or web forms that collect credentials. Some cybercriminal groups even provide “customer service” to buyers of these kits, enabling novice users to launch effective phishing campaigns.

According to Bitdefender Labs researchers, these “Scam-as-a-Service” offerings significantly lower the entry requirements for criminals who may have limited technical knowledge but are willing to pay for tools. This means that more phishing attacks can be launched on a larger scale, putting everyday consumers at a greater risk.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

How Scammers Use Them
With AI, scammers create realistic videos (deepfakes) or voices that mimic real people. They may pose as a CEO ordering a sudden transfer of funds, a family member in desperate need of cash or a celebrity who is promoting an online raffle, investment opportunity or giveaway.  AI can also write highly convincing messages, making scam emails or text conversations sound more personal.

Read more about AI-enabled scams and fraud:

• Deep Dive on Supplement Scams: How AI Drives ‘Miracle Cures’ and Sponsored Health-Related Scams on Social Media
• AI meets next-gen info stealers in social media malvertising campaigns
• How to Spot a Voice Cloning Scam
• Robocall Scams: What They Are & How to Protect Your Small Business
• How to Talk AI and Deepfakes with Children
• No, Brad Pitt isn't in love with you
• Heartbreak and Fraud: Woman Loses $375,000 in Fake Martin Henderson Romance Scam

6. Malware, Keyloggers, and Remote Access Tools

How Scammers Use Them
Cybercriminals hide dangerous software in email attachments, bogus updates, or free downloads. Once on your device, malware can record every keystroke (a “keylogger”) or even let someone remotely control your computer (via “remote access tools”). The goal is usually to steal your login details for bank accounts, credit cards, or other sensitive accounts, allowing them to transfer money or commit identity theft.

7. Social Media and Instant Messaging

How Scammers Use Them
On platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp, scammers pretend to be your friend or a relative in trouble—sometimes by hacking a real person’s account. They might also pose as a potential romantic partner, a celebrity, or a wealthy investor. After building trust, they suddenly request money for emergencies, investments, or other schemes. These messages often come with emotional or urgent language to push you to send funds quickly.

8. Fake Invoicing and Document Templates

How Scammers Use Them
Fraudsters create official-looking invoices, bills, or shipping documents that claim you owe money or must click a link to confirm payment. The documents typically feature well-known brand logos and often convey a sense of urgency, such as “final notice” or “last chance to pay.” If you follow the instructions, you either end up sending money to the scammer or unwittingly providing sensitive details they can exploit later.

9. Fake IDs and Government Documents

How Scammers Use Them
To enhance credibility, criminals forge documents such as driver’s licenses, passports, or even business licenses to look trustworthy. They may show you a counterfeit government ID over video chat or provide a blurry scan, insisting it’s proof of their authenticity. This tactic helps them avoid suspicion when opening accounts, renting property, or persuading victims to trust them enough to send money.

Related: Scammers Pose as Government Officials to Steal Your Money, the FTC Warns

10. Cryptocurrency and Mixing Services

How Scammers Use Them
Because crypto transactions can be extremely difficult to trace, scammers request payment in Bitcoin or other digital coins. Then they use a “mixer” or “tumbler” service to split and shuffle the crypto so it’s unclear where it originated or where it ends up. Some also run fake investment schemes, promising easy profits if you buy a new digital token—then vanishing once you invest.

11. Dark Web Tools and Hosting

How Scammers Use Them
On hidden marketplaces, scammers purchase stolen personal data, including credit card numbers and passwords. They can also purchase “how-to” tutorials, phishing kits, or access to special hosting services that ignore law enforcement complaints. This underground economy helps criminals set up websites and send phishing emails without being shut down right away, and it lets them buy or sell information for future scams.

Staying Safe

• Use Comprehensive Security Solutions. Consider using Bitdefender solutions to guard against malware, phishing, and other threats.
• Use Scam Detection Tools like Bitdefender Scamio and Bitdefender Link Checker. These tools are FREE and can help you detect scams on demand, wherever you are.
• Verify Identities. Don’t trust unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls by default—especially when money comes up. Double-check by calling the official business number or confirming details with friends and family.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Even if a scammer has your password, MFA (like a text code or biometric check) can block them from accessing your accounts.
• Never Act Out of Fear or Urgency. Scammers thrive on panic. Slow down, conduct thorough research, and consult with someone you trust before sending money or sharing personal information.
• Keep Devices Up to Date. Keep your operating system, apps, and security software current. Updates often fix weak spots criminals like to exploit.
• Share Your Experience and Educate. Warn your family, friends and colleagues about new scams or suspicious experiences. The more people know, the less likely they are to be taken advantage of.