How to Tell If Something Is a Scam (And What to Do About It)

Scams are everywhere these days—emails, texts, phone calls, even pop-ups on your screen. Some are easy to spot, but others can be sneaky and convincing. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this real?” you’re not alone. Here's how to tell when something’s fishy, and what to do if you think you’re being scammed.

They Want Urgent Action--Right Now
Scammers love pressure. If someone says you need to act immediately or something terrible will happen (like your account being shut down, or you’ll be arrested), take a breath. That’s a red flag. Real companies and government agencies don’t work like that.

They Ask for Personal Information
A bank will never call and ask for your Social Security number, password, or PIN. Neither will the IRS or Medicare. If someone’s asking for personal details out of the blue, it’s probably a scam.

The Message Is Full of Weird Grammar or Spelling Mistakes
A lot of scam messages are written quickly—or come from overseas. Look out for poor grammar, odd phrases, or strange-looking email addresses.

They Want Payment in Gift Cards, Crypto, or Wire Transfers
No real company will ever ask you to pay a bill in Amazon gift cards or Bitcoin. If someone says that’s the only way to pay, it’s a scam. Every time.

It Sounds Too Good to Be True
“You’ve won a prize!” “You’ve inherited a fortune!” If you didn’t enter a contest or have a rich uncle you’ve never heard of, don’t fall for it. Scammers bait people with fake windfalls, then ask for “fees” or “taxes” upfront.

Links or Attachments Look Suspicious
Never click a link or download an attachment from someone you don’t know—even if it looks official. Scammers often send fake messages that look like they’re from Amazon, your bank, or even a friend.

The Caller ID or Email Looks Official, But Something’s Off
Scammers can fake caller ID and email addresses to look like they’re from a real business or government agency. If you’re not sure, don’t respond—look up the company’s phone number or website yourself and contact them directly.

So, What Should You Do?

• Stop and think. Don’t let anyone rush you.
• Don’t share info. Hang up or delete the message.
• Ask someone. If you’re not sure, ask a friend, family member, or local librarian.
• Report it. You can report scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Scammers are clever, but you don’t have to fall for it. When in doubt, it’s totally okay to say, “I’m going to double-check this first.”

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