Scam Self-Check: Spot and Stop Common Fraud
Scams succeed by creating urgency and fake authority. This self-check walks through the most common red flags and what to do if you hit one. The guidance below reflects public information from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); similar consumer-protection agencies exist in most countries.
Red Flags — If You See These, Stop
- Urgency and threats: "Pay now or your account will be frozen," "your arrest is scheduled," or a prize that expires in minutes.
- Unusual payment demands: gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps to "settle" a bill or fee. Government agencies and legitimate companies do not demand these.
- Unexpected contact: a call, text, or email about an account you did not open, a package you did not order, or a refund you did not request.
- Spoofed identity: a caller or sender pretending to be your bank, the IRS, a tech company, or a family member in trouble — often with a matching logo or caller ID.
- Requests for secrets: anyone asking for your password, one-time code, or full card number by phone or message.
The 60-Second Self-Check
- Did this arrive out of nowhere, with pressure to act now? If yes, pause.
- Am I being asked to pay in a strange way (gift card, wire, crypto)? If yes, it is almost certainly a scam.
- Can I verify it through the organization's official website or the number on my statement — not the one in the message? Do that before doing anything.
- Does something feel off, even if the logo looks right? Trust that instinct and confirm independently.
If You Are Targeted
- Do not pay, do not share codes or passwords, and do not click links or call numbers in the message.
- Contact the real organization through its official site to confirm whether the message is genuine.
- If you already paid or shared data: contact your bank or card issuer immediately, change exposed passwords, and report it (in the US: ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov; tax-specific impersonation to the IRS).
- Tell a friend or family member — scammers rely on isolation, and sharing helps protect others.
Disclaimer
This self-check is educational and based on public agency guidance; it is not legal advice and not a substitute for reporting to the appropriate authorities. Scam tactics evolve constantly — verify current warnings with your official consumer-protection agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number-one sign of a scam?
Pressure to act immediately — a deadline, a threat, or an "exclusive" opportunity you must accept right now. Legitimate organizations give you time to verify. The FTC advises hanging up or deleting the message and contacting the company or agency directly through its official website.
How can I tell if a call about my taxes or bank is real?
The IRS does not initiate contact by phone, email, or text to demand immediate payment, and it never asks for gift cards or wire transfers. Your bank will not call to ask for your full password or one-time code. When in doubt, call the organization using the number on its official statement or website.
What should I do if I already gave information or money?
Act quickly: contact your bank or card issuer to stop payments, change any exposed passwords, and report to the relevant agency (the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov in the US; your local consumer-protection authority elsewhere). Early reporting improves your chances of limiting the damage.