Spot and respond to a scam
Identify pressure tactics and verify a request before you pay or share information.
You will learnSpot common pressure tactics and verify a request before sharing money or information.
Quick scenario
Choose an answer to see the explanation.A text threatens arrest unless you pay in Bitcoin within 20 minutes. What should happen first?
Worked example
A suspicious payment request
Fictional text: “MA Court Services: You missed jury duty. Pay $900 in Bitcoin within 20 minutes or a warrant will be issued. Use this link now.” The message impersonates an organization, creates fear, applies time pressure, and demands a difficult-to-reverse payment.
- 1StopDo not send money or information.
- 2VerifyUse a contact method you find yourself.
- 3AskBring in a trusted person before acting.
Key ideas
Three things to know
Common warning signs
The details change, but the structure repeats: an impersonation, a problem or prize, pressure to act quickly, and a specific way to pay or share information.
Read more
- Urgency or secrecy
- Threats, prizes, or guaranteed returns
- Gift card, wire, crypto, or payment-app demand
- Login code, password, or remote access request
Verify outside the message
Do not use its link or phone number. Find the official website or a known number yourself. Ask a trusted person before sending money or information. A legitimate organization will allow you time to verify.
If you already responded
Contact the payment provider, secure affected accounts, save the messages and receipts, and report the attempt. IdentityTheft.gov can build a recovery plan when personal information was used.
Practice
Remember to stop, verify, and ask
Use information you can confirm as you work through the checklist.
Interactive checklist
Check a suspicious message
For the example above, select every warning sign you notice.
Knowledge check
Check your understanding
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