Quick Guides
Recognize a scam
Notice pressure, unusual payment requests, and stories that need an independent check.
A scam is an attempt to trick someone into giving away money, information, or access. It can arrive in an ordinary call, message, or conversation. You do not have to decide whether a story is true while someone is pressuring you.
Key warning signs
- Someone demands an immediate decision, threatens consequences, or asks you to keep the conversation secret.
- A prize, refund, job, or investment requires you to pay first or share sensitive information unexpectedly.
- A caller insists on gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a money transfer, or tells you to move savings to a ‘safe’ account.
- The person objects when you say you want to check with someone else. A familiar name or caller ID is not proof of identity.
What to do
Pause the request
Stop before sending money or information. End the call or step away from the message. You can say, ‘I need time to check this.’
Check a separate way
Use a number from a statement, card, or contact you already trust. Ask whether the organization actually made the request.
Bring in another perspective
Talk through the request with someone you trust. Describe what you were asked to do, not just who the person claimed to be.
What not to do
- Do not move money or share a sign-in code because a caller says it will protect you.
- Do not use the contact details supplied by the suspicious person to verify their own story.
- Do not assume a polished website, official-looking logo, or personal details make a request genuine.
When to get help
If you sent money, contact the bank or payment service through its official channel promptly and ask about stopping or reversing the transaction. Save messages and payment details. Recovery is not guaranteed, but asking quickly can help. Being deceived is not a personal failure.
For U.S. scam reporting, visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For a personal identity-theft recovery plan, use IdentityTheft.gov. Outside the U.S., contact your local consumer-protection agency.
Try it together
A caller says your bank account is at risk and tells you to transfer money before hanging up. What could you do first?
A safer next step
End the call. Use the number on your bank card to ask the bank directly about your account. Do not make the transfer while you check.
Sources & further reading
These public guidance sources informed this resource. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of the Foundation.
ZoraSafe Foundation · https://www.zorasafefoundation.org/education/recognize-a-scam