How To Avoid a Scam

While scammers' delivery methods and messaging can quickly change, a few basic security measures can help protect you from the latest and most common scams:

Be skeptical when someone contacts you. Scammers can spoof calls and emails to make them appear to be coming from different sources, including government agencies, charities, banks, and large companies. Don't share personal information, usernames, passwords, or one-time codes that others can use to access your accounts or steal your identity.

Don't click unknown links. Whether the link arrives in your email, a text, or a direct message, never click on it unless you're certain the sender has good intentions. If the message claims to be from a company or government agency, call the company using a number you have verified independently to confirm its legitimacy.

Be careful with your phone. Similarly, if you suspect a spam call, don't respond or press a button. The safest option is to hang up or ignore the call entirely. You can look up the organization and initiate a call if you're worried there may be an issue.

Update your devices. Software updates may include essential security measures that can help protect your phone, tablet, or computer.

Enable multifactor authentication. Add this feature to any account that offers it as an option and try to use a non-SMS version to protect yourself from SIM swapping.

Research companies before taking any actions. Before you make a purchase or donation, take a few minutes to review the company. Do a web search for its name plus "scam" or "reviews" and research charities on Charity Navigator and CharityWatch.

Don't refund or forward overpayments. Be cautious whenever a company or person requests that you refund or forward part of a payment. Often, the original payment will be fraudulent and later reversed.