Spotting a Scam Call or Message: A Simple Guide
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Scam calls and messages can look and sound real, but there are clear warning signs. This guide shares those signs and some steps you can take to stay safe.
Warning signs to watch for
Scammers can be convincing. They may use information from social networking sites, or hack into a loved one's email account, to make their story seem more real. They also pressure you to send money before you can think.
Caller ID can fool you too. Scammers use technology to change the phone number on your caller ID, so the name and number you see might not be real.
- A family-emergency scam call may say the situation is urgent and tell you to keep it a secret.
- Some scammers say there is a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information.
- Scammers may lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but must pay a fee to get it.
- No government agency will ever ask you to wire money.
- On the phone, scammers may tell you not to hang up so you cannot check out their story.
What you can do
Do not give personal or financial information in response to a request you did not expect. Honest businesses give you time to decide, and anyone who pressures you to pay or give personal information is a scammer.
If you get an unexpected call saying there is a problem with a computer, hang up, because it is a scam.
- If you need tech help, go to someone you know and trust.
- Call them at a phone number you know is true, since numbers shown in a search engine are not always legitimate.
This is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. For your own situation, talk to a doctor or another qualified professional. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Where to get help
United States
- National Elder Fraud Hotline — Scams and fraud · Phone: 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311)
- Report fraud to the FTC — Scams and fraud · Phone: 1-877-382-4357
United Kingdom
- Report Fraud — Scams and fraud · Phone: 0300 123 2040
Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre — Scams and fraud · Phone: 1-888-495-8501
Sources
- Impersonator Scams — U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), retrieved October 18, 2026
- Grandkid and Family Scams — U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), retrieved October 18, 2026
- Tech Support Scams — U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), retrieved October 18, 2026
- How To Avoid a Scam — U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), retrieved October 18, 2026