The big cam platforms aren’t where the scams are. Scammers hang around them instead, betting that people will be too embarrassed to ask anyone for help. Once you know the handful of tricks they use, most of the danger goes away. These are the seven you’re most likely to come across.

1. Copycat websites

A site with a name almost identical to a famous platform: one letter different, or .net where it should be .com. Or something generic like “LiveCamsFree-Now”. It plays a few videos on a loop and very quickly asks for your card “to verify you’re over 18” or “to unlock free access”.

The giveaways:

  • You got there from a pop-up, an ad on some dubious site, or a link in an email or text.
  • It wants your card before you’ve seen anything.
  • There’s no company name, no terms of service, no 2257 notice.
  • The “live” performers never respond to anything in the chat.

Type addresses yourself or use a link from a guide you trust. After your first visit to the real site, bookmark it.

2. Fake performers on other apps

Someone on a dating app, social network or messaging app is using photos of a real cam performer. “She” invites you to a “private show”, payable by gift card or through a payment app.

Real performers work through their platform, and the platform takes every payment. If someone wants to be paid personally, they’re not who they say they are.

3. “Let’s talk somewhere else”

Someone you’ve been chatting with, on a platform or off it, suggests WhatsApp, Telegram, email or the phone “so we can get to know each other properly”. Over days or weeks, a relationship grows. Then a problem turns up that only money can fix.

That’s a romance scam. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, it costs older Americans huge sums every year, and it gets its own page: romance scam warning signs.

Keep conversations on the platform. There, messages are moderated and you can report an account. And don’t send money outside it.

4. Discount token sellers

A website, a social media account or a “fellow viewer” offering tokens at half price. Sometimes it’s a “token generator”.

You can only buy tokens from the platform. Every other offer is a scam. You’ll lose the money and maybe your login details too.

5. Sextortion emails

An email says hackers took over your webcam while you were on adult sites, and they’ll send the video to all your contacts unless you pay in Bitcoin. Sometimes it quotes one of your old passwords to make it feel real.

These go out to millions of people. There’s no video. The password came from some old data breach that has nothing to do with cam sites. Don’t reply and don’t pay. Change that password anywhere you still use it, and report the email to IC3.

If someone threatens you directly

If it's a person you really did talk to who's threatening to share pictures or messages, stop all contact and don't pay. Keep the messages as evidence and report it to the FBI. Paying hardly ever makes the demands stop.

6. Fake support and refund calls

A call, text or email from the “billing department” of a platform. You were overcharged, they say, and to get a refund you need to confirm your card details or install some software.

Platforms don’t ring customers out of nowhere. Hang up, and contact support through the official website if you’re worried.

7. Pop-ups and downloads

A pop-up says your device is infected, or that you need to install a “player” to watch.

Close the tab. Cam sites work in your usual browser and there’s nothing to install.

Odd behavior on real platforms

The reputable platforms check every performer’s identity and age, but once in a while an account behaves strangely. Be careful if a performer:

  • asks for your email, your phone number or your social media;
  • tells you about a personal emergency and needs money;
  • talks about meeting up in person;
  • wants paying any way other than tokens.

Use the site’s report button. Platforms do act on these, because this kind of thing hurts their business.

If you’ve been targeted

  1. Stop all contact. No explaining, no arguing, no negotiating.
  2. Protect your money. Paid by card? Call the issuer. Gave out bank details? Call your bank.
  3. Change your passwords, starting with your email and any account you used.
  4. Keep the evidence. Screenshots, usernames, email addresses, receipts.
  5. Report it to the platform, to IC3 and to the FTC.
  6. Tell someone you trust. Scammers count on shame to keep you quiet. Being targeted doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.

Before you buy anything next time, anywhere, go through our safety checklist before you pay.