How to Defend Yourself from Scams
Follow these essential guidelines to keep yourself and your money safe from scammers and fraudsters.
This is the most important rule. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash apps to strangers.
Essential Defense Guidelines
- •Don't wire money, send gift cards, or use cash apps for strangers
- •Government agencies never ask for payment via gift cards
- •Legitimate companies don't demand immediate payment
- •Never pay "fees" to claim prizes or winnings
- •Contact companies directly using official phone numbers
- •Don't click links in suspicious emails or texts
- •Verify caller identity before sharing information
- •Use Scams Defender to verify suspicious communications
- •Never give Social Security numbers over the phone
- •Don't share banking details via email or text
- •Be cautious about sharing personal details on social media
- •Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
- •Hang up on high-pressure sales calls
- •Don't press numbers when prompted by robocalls
- •Block and report suspicious phone numbers
- •Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Common Scam Red Flags
Urgency and Pressure
"Act now or lose this opportunity!" Scammers create false urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly.
Requests for Payment
Asking for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency payments is a major red flag.
Too Good to Be True
Promises of easy money, guaranteed returns, or free prizes usually indicate a scam.
Poor Communication
Bad grammar, spelling errors, or generic greetings often indicate fraudulent communications.
Unsolicited Contact
Be suspicious of unexpected calls, emails, or texts claiming you've won something or owe money.
Secrecy Requests
Scammers often ask you to keep transactions secret or not tell family members.
If You've Been Scammed
Stop All Communication
Immediately cease contact with the scammer and don't send any more money.
Contact Your Bank
Call your bank or credit card company immediately to report fraudulent transactions.
Report the Scam
File reports with the FTC, FBI's IC3, and your local police department.
Document Everything
Keep records of all communications, transactions, and evidence related to the scam.