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Is This a Scam? Warning Signs to Look for in Texts, Emails, Calls and Pop-Ups

Got a strange text, email, phone call or pop-up? Answer a few quick yes-or-no questions. We'll point out common warning signs and suggest what to do next.

This checker needs JavaScript to run. Without it, these are the common warning signs it looks for:

  • It came out of the blue.
  • It claims to be from a company or agency you know.
  • It mentions a problem with your account, a payment, a delivery or money you owe.
  • It offers a prize, a refund or something free.
  • It's rushing you or making threats.
  • It asks you to pay in a way that's hard to undo (gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, a payment app or cash).
  • It asks for private information, like a password, a code or an account number.
  • It gives you its own link or phone number to use.
  • It's about a package, toll, bill or order you don't recognize.
  • It has an attachment or invoice you don't recognize.
  • The caller wanted you to stay on the line, keep it secret, press a number or move your money.
  • The pop-up tells you to call a phone number.
  • It asks you to keep it a secret.
  • It asks you to let someone control your device, or to install an app.
  • It offers to get back money you lost.
  • Something about the sender or the wording looks off.

What to do next

  1. Don't click, reply or call back. Don't tap links, open attachments, reply "STOP," or call any number in the message or pop-up.
  2. Check with the real company yourself. Open the company's app, or type its website address into your browser yourself. You can also call the number on the back of your card or on a bill or statement you already have. Don't use the phone number or link in the message. Caller ID can be faked, so a familiar name on your screen isn't proof.
  3. Take your time. A real company should give you time to check. If someone pushes you to act right now, that's a reason to slow down.
  4. Talk to someone you trust. Telling a friend or family member can help you see the situation clearly.
  5. Pop-up on your screen? Close the browser tab or window. If it won't close, restart your computer or phone. Real security warnings from your device don't ask you to call a phone number.
  6. Block the sender. Use your phone's or email app's block option, and use the "report junk" or "report spam" option if your app has one.

If you already paid or shared information

Act quickly. The sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping more harm.

If you paid:

  • Credit or debit card: Call the number on the back of your card. Tell them about the charge and ask them to reverse it.
  • Bank transfer or Zelle: Contact your bank right away. Tell them it was a scam and ask them to reverse the payment.
  • Payment app (like Venmo or Cash App): Report it in the app and ask for a reversal. If the app is linked to a card or bank account, contact your bank or card company too.
  • Gift card: Contact the company that issued the gift card. Tell them it was used in a scam and ask for a refund. Keep the card and the receipt.
  • Wire transfer: Contact the wire transfer company and ask them to reverse it:
  • Cryptocurrency: Contact the company you used to send it (like the exchange or crypto ATM operator) and ask to reverse it. Crypto payments are usually very hard to undo, so report it right away.
  • Cash sent in the mail: Contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

If you shared information:

  • Social Security number: Go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a recovery plan.
  • A password: Change it right away, plus anywhere else you used the same password. Turn on two-step sign-in (a code sent to your phone) where you can.
  • Bank or card number: Contact your bank or card company using the number on your card or statement.
  • Let someone into your computer or phone: Update your security software and run a scan. Then change your passwords, starting with email and banking.

Watch out for "recovery" scams. If someone contacts you offering to get your lost money back for a fee, that's a common follow-up scam.

Where to report it

Reporting helps law enforcement spot scams and warn others, even if you didn't lose money.

  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • Spam texts: Copy the text and forward it to 7726 (that spells SPAM). Your phone's "report junk" option works too.
  • Scam emails: Forward the email to reportphishing@apwg.org, a group that fights phishing (fake emails that try to steal your information).
  • FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If it happened online or you lost money, file a report at ic3.gov. You can file even if you're not sure your case fits. The IC3 doesn't reach out to ask you for money or personal information, so be wary of anyone who claims to be from the IC3.
  • Your bank or card company: Call the number on the back of your card, or use the bank's official app, if any of your accounts or cards might be involved.
  • The company being faked: Tell the real company someone is pretending to be them. Find its contact info on its official website or app (type the address yourself), not in the message.
  • Unwanted sales calls or robocalls (recorded-message calls) where you didn't lose money: Report them at DoNotCall.gov. You can also add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry there for free.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

This checker can't tell for sure if something is a scam. It points out common warning signs. A low result isn't an all-clear, and a high result isn't proof. When in doubt, check with the company yourself and stay careful.

References

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