Is it real, or is it a scam?
Got a strange call, text, email, or pop-up? You are not alone. Scammers are good at sounding real. This site helps you check, in plain words, before you pay or share anything.
Golden rule: If someone contacts you and wants money or private information, hang up. Then call the company or person yourself using a number you trust.
Common scams
- Grandparent and family emergency scams
A caller says your grandchild or relative is in trouble. - Medicare and Social Security impostor scams
Someone says they're from Medicare, Social Security, or another government office. - Tech support pop-up scams
A warning on your screen says your computer has a virus. - Romance and online friendship scams
A new online friend or sweetheart asks for money. - Gift card payment scams
Anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer. - Bank and fraud-alert text scams
A text says there's a problem with your bank account.
What to do if you were scammed
- Stop. Do not send more money or talk to the scammer again.
- Call your bank or card company using the number on the back of your card.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Need to talk to someone? AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360 (free).