Stop the interaction
Do not send money, share credentials, disclose verification codes, install software, or grant remote access while you are uncertain.
Scam prevention
Scam Prevention: Pause Before Urgency Becomes a Decision
Unexpected contact, pressure to act, and unusual payment or information requests are reasons to stop and verify through a channel you trust.
Scam prevention before and after contact
Before responding, slow the interaction down and verify the person or organization through a phone number, app, or website you locate independently. Urgency, secrecy, unusual payment methods, remote-access requests, and pressure to bypass normal procedures are warning signs.
If money or information has already been sent
Contact the payment provider or financial institution immediately, secure affected accounts, preserve messages and receipts, and report the incident through the appropriate official channel. Recovery is not guaranteed, and anyone promising certain recovery for an upfront fee should be treated cautiously.
Use a repeatable check.
You do not need to decide while a caller, message, pop-up, or email is pressuring you.
Verify independently
Contact the organization using a phone number, app, statement, or website you already know—not the contact details supplied in the suspicious message.
Limit further loss
If you paid or shared account information, contact the bank, card issuer, payment service, or affected provider promptly through an official channel.
Preserve and report
Save messages, receipts, phone numbers, usernames, and transaction details. Review current scam guidance at FTC Consumer Advice and report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Phishing email or text? Check it before you click
Use a six-step process to evaluate the request, verify it safely, report it, and respond if you interacted.