An advance-fee scam occurs when a scammer asks for payment upfront in exchange for a promised benefit, such as an investment return, job opportunity, or online purchase. However, after paying the scammer, victims typically receive nothing in return.

These scams can involve various situations, from simple requests for payment to complex schemes involving multiple fraudulent entities. If you encounter such a scam, it’s essential to dispute or chargeback any payments made, block the scammer, and avoid further communication with them.

For more information on text message scams and how to stay protected from them, click here.