Warning Signs and Red Flags
Recognizing scam warning signs is crucial. Here are the most common red flags that should make you stop and think twice.
🚨 Common Warning Signs
Unexpected or urgent requests for money or personal information, especially when accompanied by threats or promises of prizes.
Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—these are nearly impossible to reverse.
Pressure to act immediately or not to tell anyone; scammers deliberately create panic so victims don't verify the story.
Unsolicited pop-ups or phone calls claiming your device is infected and offering to fix it.
Unfamiliar email addresses, misspellings, or poor grammar in messages; these are typical phishing indicators.
Links that don't match legitimate domains or websites lacking a secure "https" address.
Calls from numbers not in your contact list or disguised to look local (caller-ID spoofing).
Overly formal or unnatural language—a sign that generative AI may have written the content.
Visual or audio inconsistencies in videos or phone calls that suggest deepfake manipulation.
❌ If You See These Signs
DO NOT provide information or send money.
DO NOT click on suspicious links or download attachments.
DO NOT let anyone pressure you into acting quickly.
✅ Instead, Do This
Hang up or delete the message immediately.
Verify the request through a known, trusted contact.
Call the organization using a number you find yourself (not the one they provided).
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels wrong, it probably is. No legitimate organization will pressure you to act immediately without giving you time to think or verify.
When in doubt, hang up and call a trusted family member or friend for advice.