STOP.
Is it a scam?
Real companies never:
- Ask you to pay with gift cards, a wire transfer or Bitcoin
- Put a phone number in a pop-up warning on your screen
- Ask for the code they just texted you
- Ask to take control of your computer or phone
- Tell you to keep it secret or act right now
Common ones right now
- “Your package couldn’t be delivered” text with a link
- “You owe an unpaid toll” text
- “Fraud alert from your bank” call or text
- “Grandma, I’m in trouble, don’t tell Mom” call. Voices can be faked.
- “Suspicious charge on your Amazon or Apple account, press 1”
What to do
- Hang up. Don’t click. It’s never rude to hang up on a stranger.
- Call back using a number you already trust, like the one on the back of your card.
- Ask someone before you pay anyone or give out information.
Tip: pick a family code word for real emergencies.
My trusted numbers
My bank
Family
Family
Tech helpNathan · 806-370-0230
Already clicked or paid? Call your bank right away, change your passwords, and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Then call Nathan to check your computer or phone.