The Scam-Proof Checklist
Print this page and keep it by your phone. It is free, and you do not need to sign up.
Before you pay, click or share anything
- Hang up and call back. If a call worries you, hang up. Call the person or company back on a number you already know, like the one on your bank card or in your own address book.
- Never pay with gift cards, a wire transfer or cryptocurrency. Real companies and government offices do not ask for these. Anyone who does is a scammer.
- Never share a code sent by text. A code that arrives by text message is only for you. No real bank, company or agency will call to ask you for it.
- Be wary of "act now". A caller who says you must pay today, or you will be arrested or lose your money, is trying to rush you. Take your time.
- Be wary of "keep it secret". If someone asks you not to tell your family or your bank, that is a warning sign.
- Check with someone you trust. Before you send money, call a family member or a friend and tell them what is going on.
- Do not click links in surprise messages. Type the website address yourself, or use the app you already have.
- Do not let a stranger into your computer or phone. Real tech support does not call you out of the blue.
If you think you have been scammed
- Stop sending money and stop talking with the person.
- If you paid, call your bank or the company you used to pay right away, on the number you already know.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- If it happened online, also report it to the FBI: IC3.gov
Being scammed can happen to anyone. It is not your fault, and reporting it helps protect others.
My trusted numbers
Write them here after you print this page.
- A family member or friend I can call:
- My bank (the number on the back of my card):
- My phone company: