Scammers are constantly changing their tactics. One day it’s a text claiming to be from your financial institution. The next, it’s a call from someone pretending to be the IRS, Medicare, a utility company or even law enforcement. Trying to memorize every type of scam is nearly impossible. The good news? You don’t have to.
No matter who contacts you or what they claim is happening, there are a few simple rules you can follow to take control of the conversation. Think of them as your personal fraud-fighting rights.
Someone calls and says there’s a problem with your account.
Before you do anything, ask questions.
What is your name?
What organization are you calling from?
What department do you work in?
Why are you contacting me?
Is there a case or reference number?
A scammer may try to discourage questions, give vague answers or redirect the conversation back to what they need you to do.
And remember: Answers alone don’t prove someone is legitimate. A convincing scammer may have done their homework. Asking questions gives you information you can independently verify.
This may be the most important one.
You do not have to stay on the phone just because someone says the situation is urgent.
Scammers often create pressure because they don't want to give you time to think. They may claim your account is being drained, your benefits are about to be canceled, you owe money or someone you love is in trouble.
Whatever the story, you can stop the conversation. You don't need permission. You don't need to convince the caller. You don't even need to explain why. Simply hang up.
If the situation is legitimate, you can still address it after you've independently verified what's happening.
If someone contacts you claiming to represent an organization you know, don't rely on the contact information they provide.
Instead, find the organization yourself.
Open the official app.
Type the organization's website into your browser.
Look at a statement or the back of your card.
Use a phone number you already know is legitimate.
Then ask whether there really is a problem with your account.
This is especially important because scammers can manipulate caller ID, create convincing websites and messages, and may even know where you bank, shop or have other accounts.
You don't have to decide whether the person who contacted you is convincing. You can go around them entirely.
“Right now” should make you slow down, not speed up.
Scammers frequently manufacture urgency to get people to act before they have time to question what's happening. They may tell you an offer expires in minutes, your account will be closed, your service will be disconnected, you'll lose your benefits or you'll face serious consequences if you don't act immediately.
Don't let someone else's urgency make the decision for you.
Before sending money, moving funds, sharing personal information, clicking a link or providing a verification code, stop. A legitimate problem can be handled through a legitimate channel.
“Don't tell anyone about this.”
That sentence should immediately get your attention.
A scammer may tell you not to contact your financial institution, law enforcement, a spouse, a family member or anyone else who might question what's happening. They may even give you a reason that sounds convincing. Secrecy isolates you. And isolation makes scams easier to pull off.
You always have the right to stop and talk to someone you trust.
If you're unsure about a request involving your money or personal information, contact your financial institution before taking action. A second set of eyes can make a huge difference.
Modern scams can be remarkably convincing. A caller may know your name, a text may reference an account you actually have, caller ID may show a familiar organization, an email may look nearly identical to the real thing.
That doesn't mean you have to become an expert at spotting every fake.
Instead, remember three things:
STOP before sending money, sharing information or following instructions.
HANG UP or end the conversation so you have space to think.
LOOK IT UP and contact the organization independently using information you know you can trust.
Scammers can change their stories. They can pretend to be different people. They can use new technology. They can invent new emergencies.
But they can't take away your ability to stop, verify and decide what happens next.