Hang up. It’s always OK.

They want money

No real bank, police, or government agency will ask you to pay with gift cards, crypto, a Bitcoin ATM, a wire, or cash, or to move your money to “protect” it.

1. Don’t send anything. Hang up.
2. Call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
3. Talk to someone you trust before you send anything.

Someone coming to your door to pick up cash, gold, or cards? Call 911.

They want a code or password

A code sent to your phone is a key to your account. Real companies never call and ask you to read it to them, not even your bank.

1. Don’t read it out or type it anywhere they tell you.
2. Hang up.

Already shared a code? Here’s what to do.

They want into your phone or computer

Real companies don’t call you about viruses. They never need you to install an app or share your screen.

1. Don’t install anything or share your screen.
2. Hang up.

Already let them in? Here’s what to do.

They say “keep it secret” or “act now”

Pressure and secrecy are the clearest signs of a scam. AI can fake any voice, face, or caller ID, so don’t judge by how real it sounds. Real problems can wait a few minutes. Scams can’t.

1. Hang up.
2. Talk to someone you trust.

They say they’re family in trouble

AI can copy a voice. Someone who really loves you will understand if you call back.

1. Hang up.
2. Call them, or another relative, on the number you already have.
3. Ask for your family safe word if you have one.
4. Don’t send money until you’ve talked to them yourself.

A pop-up says to call a number

Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. A warning that does is a scam.

1. Don’t call the number or click anything in the warning. Already called? Hang up.
2. Close your web browser, the app you use to go online, like Edge, Chrome, or Safari. On Windows, press Ctrl, Alt, and Delete together. Choose Task Manager, pick your browser, and choose End task. On a Mac, press Option, Command, and Esc together. Pick your browser and choose Force Quit.
3. Can’t close it? Turn the computer off. Press and hold the power button until it turns off. Wait a minute, then turn it back on. This usually clears it.
4. Never let anyone on the phone into your computer, even if they say they’re Microsoft, Apple, or your bank.

Already let them into your computer? Here’s what to do.

Already paid them? Here’s what to do.

A text wants you to tap a link

Texts about an unpaid toll, a package, or your bank are often fake. The link can lead to a fake site that steals your card number or password.

1. Don’t tap the link, and don’t reply.
2. Check with the company yourself. Open its own app, type its web address yourself, or call the number on your bill or card.
3. Report it as spam, then delete it. Look for “Report spam” or “Report junk” in your messages app.

Already typed in a card number? Here’s what to do.

Already typed in a password or a code? Here’s what to do.

Already typed in your Social Security number? Here’s what to do.

They want your personal info

Social Security, Medicare, and the IRS won’t call out of the blue to ask for your numbers. They won’t threaten to arrest you or cut off your benefits. Caller ID can be faked.

1. Hang up. Don’t give out any numbers.
2. Call back on a number you already have. Find it on your card, a bill, or an old letter. Never use a number the caller gives you.
3. Call your bank if you gave out your bank account number. Use the number on the back of your card.
4. Call Medicare if you gave out your Medicare number. Use the number on the back of your Medicare card.

Already gave out your Social Security number? Here’s what to do.

They say they can get your money back

This is a second scam, called a recovery scam. It targets people who already lost money. They may say they’re the FBI, the FTC, or a lawyer.

1. Hang up, or stop replying. Don’t pay them or give them anything.
2. Never pay a fee to get money back. Government agencies and real groups never ask for money to help you get a refund.
3. Don’t give them a code, your bank details, or access to your phone or computer.
4. Ask for help yourself. Call your bank or the company you paid, on a number you already have.

Already paid them? Here’s what to do.