🚩 Quick Red Flags
If any of these show up, assume it’s a scam until you verify. Scams work when you’re rushed.
The “Stop. Review. Verify.” Checklist
⏱️ Urgency or pressure
“Act now,” “final notice,” “today only,” “your account will be closed.”
😨 Fear + consequences
Threats of arrest, lawsuits, shutoffs, or “you’ll lose everything.”
🤫 “Don’t tell anyone”
Any request to keep it secret is a major red flag.
💳 Weird payment methods
Gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, or “pay with an app” to fix a problem.
🔗 Links that feel off
Shortened links, misspellings, strange domains, or “verify here” buttons.
📞 Unrequested calls or pop-ups
Pop-up says “Call Microsoft/Apple support now” — it’s almost always fake.
👤 Impersonation
Claims to be your bank, Amazon, IRS, your grandkid, or “tech support.”
🧾 Too good to be true
Free money, miracles, prizes, refunds you didn’t request, “blessings,” big discounts.
🔐 Requests for codes or login
“Read me the code you just received” = they’re trying to hijack your account.
What to do if you spot a red flag
- Stop. Don’t click links. Don’t call numbers in the message.
- Verify independently. Go to the official website yourself or call the number on the back of your card.
- Don’t send codes. Nobody legitimate needs your verification codes.
- Screenshot it. Keep proof for reporting and family.