Scam messages, texts, ads, websites, and other such written material have a lot in common. Certain signs can be giveaways. The most common ones each begin with the letter P: pretending (the author impersonates someone legitimate); prize or problem (one or the other crops up); pressure (the message urges you to act fast); and payment (you can only pay via wire transfer, crypto, gift card, etc.). Sharpen your instincts by memorizing these and others.
A few years ago, “sus” was named the number-one slang word among Generation Z and Generation Alpha. Short for “suspicious,” it’s still a go‑to label for anything that feels a little off.
And there’s a lot that feels sus these days—even for adults. From random emails and texts to ads and pop‑ups, we’re hit with content constantly. Add in how polished much of it looks and how fast we all move through our days, and it can be hard to spot what deserves a second look and what doesn’t.
That’s exactly what scammers rely on—and that’s where this checklist comes in. We’ve rounded up a universal list of red flags designed to trigger your inner “scam alarm.”
Common signs of a scam
The Social Security Administration says that a scam is likely afoot when you encounter what they call the “four Ps.”
When it comes to messages, texts, ads, and other content, the four Ps include a sender or author who:
Pretends to be someone they are not (especially someone with authority, like a government representative or police officer)
Surprises you with a problem (or a prize, notes several credit unions)
Pressures you to act fast
Demands hard-to-trace payment (usually via peer-to-peer apps, crypto, gift cards, or wire transfers)
Chances are good that if even one of the Ps (pretends, problem, pressures, or payment) comes your way, you’ve stumbled upon a scam. In that case, delete the message, empty your trash, and end contact with the sender.
Beyond the “big four,” any content you receive that checks more than one of the following boxes is likely a scam.
Scam checklist
Get familiar with these telltale signs so the next time you come across something sus, you’ll know when to slow down, delete, or walk away. Ask yourself whether any of the following describe what you received.
Does the message pressure or rush you to act?
Are you told to respond immediately or within a short deadline?
Does it warn of consequences if you don’t act—account closure, legal trouble, lost access?
Does it discourage you from slowing down, double‑checking details, or talking to someone else first?
Does it involve money or rewards?
Does the message claim you’ve won a prize, refund, or reward you weren’t expecting?
Does it present a problem involving money—an unpaid balance, suspicious charge, or frozen account?
Does the offer seem unusually generous or too good to be true (below‑market prices or above‑market pay)?
Does it ask for sensitive information, like personal or financial details?
Are you asked for personally identifiable information (PII), like a Social Security number or date of birth?
Does it request banking details, credit card numbers, or payment credentials?
Are you prompted to enter login information through a link instead of a site you normally use?
Does the sender or source raise red flags?
Did the message arrive unexpectedly or without context?
Does the sender come from an unfamiliar email address or phone number?
Does the sender have little to no online history or social media presence?
Do the links or attachments look suspicious?
Are you asked to click a link or download an attachment to fix a problem or claim a reward?
Do the links point to unfamiliar or shortened URLs when you hover over them?
Do email addresses, URLs, or domains fail to match the real organization?
Does anything about it feel off?
Does the tone sound strange—overly formal, overly familiar, or oddly robotic?
Are there spelling errors, poor grammar, odd spacing, excessive punctuation, or random emojis?
Does searching the sender’s name alongside the word “scam” turn up warnings or complaints?
What to do after you encounter a scam
If you spot more than one of these signs, trust your instincts. You don’t need proof that a message is a scam—just enough reason to pause.
And if you think you’ve already interacted with a scam, don’t panic. Acting quickly can help limit the impact. Call us if you’re an Allstate Identity Protection member, or explore our resources for step‑by‑step guidance on what to do next.
