What should I do immediately if I think I've been scammed?

Immediately contact your bank to freeze your accounts and reverse any unauthorized transactions. File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your local police. Act fast — the sooner you report, the better your chances of recovering lost funds.

Will a government agency ever call asking for payment?

No. The IRS, SSA, and other government agencies do not call demanding immediate payment by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Any such call is a scam. Hang up and call the agency's official number directly.

How can I tell if a text message link is safe?

Do not click links in unexpected texts. Look up the sender's number on their official website independently. Legitimate companies rarely send unsolicited text links asking for personal information or payment.

Fraud Prevention Checklist | Phishing Risk Score

Check all items that apply to your current situation.

I received a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement or a bank, asking me to transfer money I clicked a link in a text message and was asked to install an app or enter personal information A friend or family member contacted me via text/social media asking for urgent money I was asked to provide all my online banking credentials, one-time passwords, or security codes I entered personal information on a website that looked like a bank or government site Someone asked me to pay an upfront fee (insurance, tax, deposit) to receive a loan or prize I was told to pay via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency to claim a prize or refund I installed a remote access app (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.) at someone's request over the phone

How to use the Fraud Prevention Checklist

Financial fraud takes many forms — phone scams, text phishing (smishing), email phishing, romance scams, and advance-fee fraud. This checklist helps you identify whether what you are currently experiencing matches known fraud warning patterns.

Even one checked item is a serious warning sign. When in doubt, stop all communication, do not transfer any money, and contact your bank or the FTC immediately. Scammers rely on urgency and confusion — taking a moment to verify can save you thousands of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can scammers fake a bank's caller ID?

Yes. Scammers use "caller ID spoofing" to make calls appear to come from your bank or a government agency. Never trust caller ID alone. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card or on the official website.

What if I already sent money to a scammer?

Contact your bank immediately to attempt a recall. File reports with the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), and your local police. Recovery is not guaranteed, but reporting helps law enforcement track scammers.

How do I protect elderly family members from scams?

Set up regular check-ins, add your number to family accounts as a trusted contact, and consider using a service that alerts family members before large transfers. Talk openly about common scam tactics — awareness is the best defense.

How to use the Fraud Prevention Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

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