Stay Safe

Spot suspicious messages & websites

• Check sender email addresses and URLs carefully — scammers use look-alike domains.
• Be wary of unsolicited offers for money, prizes, jobs, or investments. See our advance-fee, employment, and BEC guides.
• Never click links in unexpected texts or emails; go directly to the official website.
• Close fake virus pop-ups safely — tech support scam guide.
• Hang up on unsolicited Medicare or IRS phone scams — see Medicare red flags.
• Never pay with gift cards — gift card scam guide.
• Verify family emergency calls — grandparent scam & AI voice cloning.
• Watch for fake Amazon delivery texts — Amazon impersonation smishing.
• Search the company name plus "scam" before sending money or sharing personal details.

Protect your accounts & devices

• Use unique, strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on email, banking, and social accounts.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
• Do not share verification codes, PINs, or remote desktop access with anyone.
• Consider a password manager and a credit freeze if your identity may be compromised.

Safe payment practices

Zelle & bank impersonation: Your bank will never ask you to Zelle money to reverse fraud. Read our Zelle scam guide.

• Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency for goods, services, taxes, or "fees."
• Read realistic recovery options before paying anyone who promises refunds.
• Use credit cards for online purchases when possible — stronger fraud protections than debit.
• Verify seller identity on marketplaces before paying outside the platform.

If you encounter a scam attempt

1. Stop — do not send money or share more information.
2. Document — save screenshots, URLs, phone numbers, and messages.
3. Report — file a report and contact local authorities.
4. Secure — change passwords, contact your bank, and enable 2FA.