Help center/Money and paperwork Works today

Is this a scam?

Send your assistant a text, an email or a letter that worries you. It tells you the warning signs and what to do next.

What to text

• I got this text. Is it a scam? (send a screenshot)

  Copy

• Someone called saying they are from my bank and I need to move my money. Is that real?

  Copy

• This email says I won a prize. What should I do?

  Copy

• A man on the phone says my computer has a virus and wants to connect to it. Is that normal?

  Copy

• I already clicked the link. What do I do now?

  Copy

Steps

1. Do not click the link. Do not call the number in the message. Do not reply.
2. Take a screenshot of the message, or a photo of the letter.
3. Text it to your assistant and ask: "Is this a scam?"
4. Read the warning signs it finds. Common ones: a rush, a prize, a threat, a request for a code, a gift card or a password.
5. To check, call the company yourself with the number on your card or your bill, not the one in the message.
6. You can report a scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or in Spanish at ReporteFraude.ftc.gov.

Example conversation

Make it stick

• When a message makes you hurry, slow down. Ask first.
• No real company asks for a code, a gift card or your password by text or phone.