Simple Habits That Can Keep You Safer
A few consistent habits make it much harder for scammers to succeed — no technical skill required.
Pause Before Acting
Give yourself time to think before responding to unexpected calls, texts, or emails.
Verify Independently
Contact the person or organization yourself using a number or website you already trust.
Be Careful With Unexpected Links
Avoid clicking links in messages you weren't expecting, even if they look official.
Protect Personal Information
Never share passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details with unexpected callers.
Be Suspicious of Unusual Payment Requests
Gift cards, cryptocurrency, and wire transfers are common scam payment methods.
Never Give Unexpected Callers Remote Access
Legitimate companies won't ask to control your computer out of the blue.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Sharing what happened with a family member or friend can help you see things clearly.
Keep Devices Updated
Regular updates help close security gaps that scammers try to exploit.
The 10 Warning Signs of a Scam
Many different scams use the same tricks. Learning to spot these patterns helps you recognize a scam no matter how it arrives.
1. Urgency
Example: "You must act right now or your account will be closed."
2. Secrecy
Example: "Don't tell anyone about this call."
3. Threats
Example: "You will be arrested if you don't pay immediately."
4. Unexpected Money Request
Example: "Please send money right away for an emergency."
5. Gift Cards
Example: "Pay this fine using gift cards from the store."
6. Cryptocurrency
Example: "Transfer funds using Bitcoin to resolve this issue."
7. Unexpected Links
Example: "Click this link right now to verify your package."
8. Requests for Personal Information
Example: "Confirm your Social Security number to continue."
9. Remote Computer Access
Example: "Let me connect to your computer to fix the problem."
10. Too-Good-To-Be-True Promises
Example: "You've won a prize — just pay a small fee to claim it."
Scammers Don't Just Trick People — They Pressure Them.
FEAR
"You'll be arrested."
URGENCY
"Do this immediately."
AUTHORITY
"I'm calling from the government."
FAMILIARITY
"It's your grandson."
REWARD
"You've won a prize."
SECRECY
"Don't tell your family."
When you notice pressure, PAUSE.
Create a Family Safety Word
Families can choose a private word or phrase that only close family members know. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in an emergency, you can ask for the family safety word to help confirm who you're really talking to.
- Choose something difficult for strangers to guess
- Do not post it online or share it publicly
- Make sure close family members know it
- Change it if you believe someone else learned it
This website will never ask you to enter or save your family safety word — it's something you and your family keep to yourselves.