A little pause. A useful reminder.
The Scam-Safe
Everyday Checklist
10 quick checks before you share information, click a link or send money.
- Pause before responding to unexpected contact.
- Verify the sender through independent channels.
- Be cautious of urgent demands.
- Never share one-time verification codes with an unexpected caller or sender.
- Check website addresses carefully.
- Question demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency or unusual transfers.
- Avoid remote-access requests from unsolicited callers.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Discuss suspicious requests with someone you trust.
- Report suspected fraud through appropriate official channels.
Something already happened?
If money or an account may be affected, contact the provider promptly using a verified number. If login details were shared, secure the account through the legitimate service.
Official U.S. resources:
Scams: ReportFraud.ftc.gov • Internet crime: IC3.gov
Identity theft and recovery steps: IdentityTheft.gov
General education, not a scam detection test or professional financial, legal or cybersecurity advice. Completing these checks does not establish that a request is safe. This website resource is not an excerpt from the book.