Stop the interaction
Do not send money, share credentials, disclose verification codes, install software, or grant remote access while you are uncertain.
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.
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.