scam safety checklist
Got a request for your money or information? Pause to question:
What do they want? The safest thing you can do is ignore unexpected requests altogether. But if you do respond, put the ball back in their court: “Can you tell me why you need that information?
Unexpected requests to transfer money, "confirm" your information, or approve a login attempt are some of the most common signs of a scam.
Who’s asking? Scammers know life gets busy. If a request catches you off guard, take a minute to verify who's asking before you respond or click anything.
A familiar name doesn't always mean the request is real. Caller ID, email addresses, websites, and even voices or videos can be faked.
What’s the pressure? Feeling rushed can make it harder to stop and think. If the request is real, it can usually wait while you take a moment to verify.
Scammers often use emotion to cloud your judgment—whether it’s rushing you, scaring you, or earning your trust.
Can you verify? Legitimate companies or organizations shouldn't have a problem with you hanging up, calling back through an official number, or taking time to double-check the request.
Check the request independently. Contact the person, company, or organization using a phone number, website, or app you found yourself and know you can trust.
Scam types library
Scammers are skilled at finding any way in. Understanding what's out there is your first layer of protection.
Advance fee scams
Someone says you’re owed something, but you first have to pay to get it.
Bank impersonation scams
Someone tells you they’re with your bank or credit card company, usually saying there’s an issue with your account.
Bill payment scams
Someone tells you there is an issue with a bill.
Business and email compromise scams
Someone impersonates a vendor, executive, client, or business partner to trick you into sending money or changing payment information.
Cryptocurrency scams
Someone shares an investment opportunity or emergency and insists payment be made in cryptocurrency.
Debt collection scams
Someone attempts to collect a debt from you.
Debt relief scams
Someone offers to resolve your debt issues for a fee.
Employment scams
Someone requires you to pay to be considered for a job or get your first paycheck.
Fake check scams
Someone mails you a check to deposit.
Investment scams
Someone pitches you a too-good-to-miss investment opportunity.
Pig butchering scams
Someone you don’t know cultivates a relationship with you before exploiting it.
Prize and lottery scams
Someone informs you that you won a prize or payout.
Toll scams
Someone texts you a link to pay for a toll.
Utility scams
Someone tells you your utility bill needs to be paid, or your account needs review.
Government impersonation scams
Someone imitates a representative from a government agency, like the IRS or Social Security.
Law enforcement impersonation scams
Someone claims to be a police officer, sheriff, or federal agent saying you’re in legal trouble.
Charity scams
Someone posing as a charitable organization, disaster relief effort, crowdfunding campaign, or an individual in need.
Celebrity impersonation scams
Scammers use AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate celebrities and other recognizable public figures.
Family impersonation scams
Someone pretends to be a loved one who needs help.
Friendship scams
Someone uses social media to befriend and cheat you.
Romance scams
Someone steals from you using flattery, flirtation, and sexual dynamics.
Wrong number scams
Someone pretends to accidentally call or text you.
Brushing scams
Someone sends you an unexpected package you didn’t order.
Marketplace scams
Someone poses as a buyer or seller on a resale site.
Online shopping scams
Someone sells you subpar, counterfeit, or non-existent goods.
Package delivery scams
Someone sends you a fake delayed delivery notice.
Rental scams
Someone rents you a property that doesn’t exist or isn’t theirs.
Ticket scams
Someone sells you fake tickets to a real event.
Travel and vacation scams
Someone tricks you into booking properties, rentals, tickets, and activities.
Calendar invite scams
Someone sends a fake calendar invitation via text, email, or calendar app.
Tech support scams
Someone says they’re from a trusted tech company and can help fix a problem.
Workplace impersonation scams
Someone pretends to be your boss, coworker, HR representative, or IT support team to trick you into approving requests or giving access to company systems.
