Learn to spot scams
Short, plain-language lessons on the scams going around right now: how each one works, the red flags, and what to do instead. Written for everyone, including the parents and grandparents scammers target most.
Five habits that stop most scams
Every scam below breaks at least one of these. You don't need to memorize every trick, just these habits.
- Pause. Scams rely on hurry. Nothing real falls apart because you took ten minutes to check.
- Don't use their link or number. Open the company's app, or call the number on your card, bill or statement.
- Keep codes, passwords and numbers to yourself. No real bank, agency or company asks you to read them out.
- Odd payment = scam. Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency and payment apps are scammers' favorites.
- Secrets are a warning. If someone says "don't tell anyone", tell someone you trust.
Common scams, explained
3 lessons are free for everyone, in full. The other 5 come free with an account: preview any of them here. Create a free account to unlock every lesson.
Delivery & tariff fees
A text or email says a package is held until you pay a small fee. The fee is the bait; your card details are the prize.
Read the lesson →FreeBank & card fraud
Someone pretending to be your bank's fraud team asks you to "verify" a password, card number or the code they just texted you.
Read the lesson →Free accountGovernment impostors
A caller or message claims to be from a tax, benefits or health agency and wants your Social Security number, bank details or a payment.
Preview the lesson →Free accountTech support & refunds
A pop-up, call or email says your computer has a virus, your subscription renewed, or your email will be shut off, and offers "help".
Preview the lesson →FreeGrandparent, romance & charity
Scams that work on your heart: a grandchild in trouble, an online friend in a crisis, or an urgent appeal after a disaster.
Read the lesson →Free accountUtility & toll
A message says your power is about to be cut off, or you owe an unpaid toll, and you must pay right now through a link or by phone.
Preview the lesson →Free accountJob & mystery shopper
An easy job offer, often as a mystery shopper, sends you a check to deposit and asks you to send part of the money back or buy gift cards.
Preview the lesson →Free accountPolitical donations
Messages that look like a campaign or cause, with a "match" deadline or an offer to refund a donation if you confirm your card.
Preview the lesson →Try it on a safe, labeled drill
Sparring sends consented practice scenarios by email, text and phone, then shows what to watch for, with a link back to the matching lesson here. Routine email and text drills are labeled; a separately consented, allowlisted realism test may omit those labels or the standard voice opening. Both of you opt in, and either person can stop drills at any time.
Think you were targeted?
- Stop replying and don't send any money.
- Call your bank using the number on your card.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Talk to someone you trust. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.