How to identify scam red flags

One strange detail does not always mean a message is fake. A typo could be a mistake. An urgent request could be real. What matters is the full situation.

Look for a group of warning signs

If you notice two or three of these signs together, stop before doing anything:

• Pressure: You are told to act right now or something bad will happen.
• Secrecy: You are told not to speak with family, a bank employee, or anyone else.
• Unusual payment: Someone wants gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash, a wire transfer, or payment through a kiosk.
• Personal questions: The person asks for a password, verification code, account number, or government ID number.
• No safe way to check: The person tells you to use only the phone number or link they provided.

Pay attention to the feeling they create

Many suspicious requests are designed to make you feel scared, excited, embarrassed, or rushed. That feeling can make it harder to think clearly.

If someone says you won a prize, a relative is in danger, your account will close, or police are coming, take a breath. You are allowed to hang up. You are allowed to stop texting. You are allowed to check with someone you trust.

A quick example

Imagine you get a text saying your bank account is locked. It includes a link and says you have ten minutes to respond.

The bank name might be real, but the message has three warning signs: urgency, a link you did not request, and a request to sign in through that link. Instead of clicking, open the bank's official app or call the number on the back of your card.

The main idea

You do not have to decide whether something is definitely a scam. You only have to decide whether it is safe to pause and check. Most of the time, it is.

Review a suspicious situation

Sources

• FTC: How To Avoid a ScamOfficial tips for recognizing common scam tactics.
• FTC: What To Do if You Were ScammedOfficial next steps if money or information was shared.