Stay one step ahead

Scam prevention tips

A handful of simple habits stop the large majority of scams. Keep these in mind, and when something feels off, check it before you trust it.

• 1

  Slow down — urgency is the trick

  Almost every scam pushes you to act right now: a threat, a deadline, a limited-time offer. Real companies and agencies give you time. If a message is rushing you, that itself is a warning sign. Pause and check before you act.

• 2

  Verify using details you look up yourself

  Never trust the phone number, link, or email address inside a suspicious message. Look up the company or agency independently — type their website yourself, or use the number on the back of your card or a printed bill.

• 3

  Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto

  No legitimate business or government agency asks to be paid with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer. These are the payment methods scammers prefer because the money is almost impossible to get back.

• 4

  Guard your codes and passwords

  A one-time verification code proves it's you — anyone asking you to read it back is trying to break into your account. No real company will ever ask for your password or a code you received by text.

• 5

  Don't let strangers into your computer

  If someone unexpected asks you to install software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer so they can 'help' or 'fix' something, hang up. That gives them full control of your device and your accounts.

• 6

  A brand name is not proof

  Scammers freely use names like Microsoft, Amazon, the IRS, or your bank. Caller ID and sender names can be faked. The name alone means nothing — look at what they're asking you to do.

• 7

  Hover before you click — or don't click at all

  Links can hide where they really go. A web address can put a trusted brand in the wrong place (like paypal.verify-login.xyz, which really belongs to 'verify-login.xyz'). When in doubt, don't click — go to the real site directly.

• 8

  Talk to someone you trust

  Scammers want you isolated and secretive — especially in romance, grandparent, and investment scams. Before sending money or sharing information, tell a friend or family member what's going on. A second opinion stops most scams.

• 9

  If you already responded, act fast

  Contact your bank right away if you sent money or shared card details. Change passwords from a clean device if you shared them. Keep records. Acting quickly gives you the best chance to limit the damage.