Scams

Scam Spotter: 5 checks before you click, pay or call back

Five quick checks to help you spot phone, text and email scams, in plain words.

The Scam Spotter card. Five numbered checks: who is it, really; is there a sudden problem or prize; are they rushing you; do they want gift cards, a wire transfer, crypto or a payment app; and check it yourself.

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The 5 checks

  1. Who is it, really? Scammers pretend to be someone you trust, like the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, your bank, Microsoft or Apple. The name and number on your screen can be faked. Source: FTC, How To Avoid a Scam
  2. Is there a sudden problem or prize? "You owe money," "your account is locked," "a family member is in trouble" or "you won!" are favorite opening lines. Source: FTC, How To Avoid a Scam
  3. Are they rushing you? If they say act now, don't hang up, or don't tell anyone, stop. Honest businesses give you time to decide. Source: FTC, How To Avoid a Scam
  4. Do they want gift cards, a wire transfer, crypto or a payment app? Real businesses and government agencies never ask you to pay with gift cards. That's a scam every time. Sources: FTC, How To Avoid a Scam; FTC, Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams
  5. Check it yourself. Don't click the link or call the number they gave you. Look up the real website or phone number yourself, and talk to someone you trust before you do anything. Source: FTC, How To Avoid a Scam

Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Want more? Read Is This a Scam? 4 warning signs and what to do next.