ScamyCheck the trigger first
Scam messages usually try to move you quickly: a locked account, a missed delivery, a limited-time investment, a fake invoice deadline, or a request from someone pretending to be a manager or family member.
Your Guide to Online Safety
Scams are becoming more sophisticated. Learn how to recognize the red flags and protect your personal information.
Common Types of Scams to Watch For
Phishing Scams
Emails or websites tricking you into revealing passwords or financial info.
Online Shopping Scams
Fake sellers with great deals who never deliver the promised goods.
Job & Investment Scams
False promises of high returns or jobs to steal your money or data.
Impersonation Scams
Scammers pretending to be a trusted person or institution to manipulate you.
Tech Support Scams
Fake alerts claiming your device is infected to gain access or payment.
Ransomware Scams
Malware that locks your files until you pay a ransom to the scammers.
Top 5 Prevention Tips
1
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages
If you get an unexpected message asking for personal info, always verify the sender`s identity through a separate, trusted channel before responding or clicking links.
2
Use Strong, Unique Passwords & 2FA
Combine strong passwords with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This means even if a scammer steals your password, they cannot access your account.
3
Keep Software and Devices Updated
Regular updates patch security flaws. Keep your OS, apps, and antivirus programs current to block known threats and exploits.
4
Stay Informed and Educated
Keep up with the latest scam trends. Follow trusted cybersecurity sources and share your knowledge with friends and family to keep everyone safe.
What to Do If You have Been Scammed
- Secure Your Accounts: Immediately change passwords for any compromised accounts.
- Contact Your Bank: If financial information was lost, contact your bank or credit card company to stop payments and secure your funds.
- Report the Scam: Report the incident to the relevant authorities (e.g., local police, FTC, or national anti-fraud centre).
- Inform the Platform: Report the scammers profile or post on the website or app where the scam occurred.
A Practical Scam Message Review Flow
When a suspicious message arrives, slow the decision down. The safest review starts with the pressure tactic, then checks the communication channel, the requested action, and the evidence you may need later.
Verify the channel separately
Do not reply inside the suspicious thread. Open the official app, type the company website yourself, or call a number from an invoice, card, or official profile you already trust.
Inspect the requested action
Be especially careful when the sender asks for gift cards, crypto transfers, one-time passwords, remote access, bank detail changes, or a payment to a new account.
Preserve the evidence
Take screenshots before blocking the sender. Keep the phone number, email address, payment handle, website URL, and any file names so a bank, platform, or support team can review the case.
Payment Red Flags
Payment scams often work by changing one detail in an otherwise familiar process. Before sending money, compare the request with a previous trusted invoice, official support channel, or known contact.
- The sender changes bank details at the last moment or says the old account is temporarily unavailable.
- The message asks you to keep the payment secret, act before a deadline, or avoid calling the usual contact.
- The invoice has small changes in domain spelling, company name, recipient name, or phone number.
- The seller pushes you away from the marketplace checkout, escrow, or buyer protection flow.
First Hour Recovery Checklist
If you already clicked, paid, or shared information, quick containment matters more than blame. Start with money movement, then accounts, then reporting and evidence.
- 1Call your bank or card provider immediately and ask whether the transaction can be stopped or recalled.
- 2Change passwords for any affected accounts and turn on two-factor authentication where available.
- 3Report the account, listing, message, or phone number on the platform where the scam started.
- 4Write down the timeline while it is fresh, including who contacted you, what they asked for, and what you sent.
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