Recognizing Scams

4 short modules. Read them in order, or pick one.

Scammers are organized professionals. Being targeted is not a sign of carelessness.

Goal Explain why older adults are targeted, and describe the shape every scam follows.

Almost every scam shows the same four signs. Learn these and you do not have to memorize every scheme.

Goal Name the four signs — pretend, problem or prize, pressure, pay — and point them out in a message.

The payment method is the clearest sign of all. This one habit stops most scams.

Goal List the payment methods that almost always mean a scam, and say what to do when one is requested.

A few simple habits stop almost every scam.

Goal State the habits that stop a scam in progress, and know the first steps to take if money was already sent.

Where this comes from

These modules follow consumer-protection guidance from the sources below.