Recognize pressure before you act
Unexpected messages may impersonate a company or someone you trust. A demand to act immediately is a reason to stop and verify.
- Avoid using a link or callback number in an unexpected message to verify the sender.
- Contact the organization through a website, app, or number you already know is real.
- Give yourself time before paying or sharing personal information.
- Talk through a suspicious request with someone you trust.
Keep the evidence, use official channels
Retain messages and transaction details for your own records. If you suspect fraud, use the FTC’s official reporting site. For a local crime report, follow your police department’s instructions.
Report fraud to the FTC ↗ · Find local reporting resources
