Know the scams
A plain-English guide to the scams hitting people most. Two rules cover almost all of them: anyone who says to pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency is a scammer, and when in doubt, don't click — look the company up yourself.
The “Read the FTC's advice ↗” links open the FTC's official website in a new tab. To come back here, close that tab or tap your browser's Back button.
Phishing emails & texts
How to spot it: A message that looks like it's from a bank, store, or service you use, claiming there's a problem with your account or a suspicious charge — and pushing you to click a link or share your password, account number, or Social Security number.
What to do: Don't click. If you're worried, contact the company through a phone number or website you know is real. Turn on two-factor authentication where you can.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Scam text messages
How to spot it: Texts promising free prizes, gift cards, or low-interest offers — or claiming there's a problem with a payment, a package, or your account, often with a link.
What to do: Don't click links in unexpected texts. Check directly with the company on its official site. You can forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM).
Read the FTC's advice ↗Government impersonators
How to spot it: Calls, emails, or texts claiming to be the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or the FBI — saying your number is 'suspended,' you owe money, or you'll be arrested.
What to do: Hang up or don't reply. The government won't demand money or personal info this way, won't threaten arrest, and won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto. Caller ID can be faked.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Company & bank impersonators
How to spot it: A call or message using a name you trust — like Amazon or your bank — about a suspicious purchase, a lost package, or an account problem, urging you to press 1, call a number, or confirm details.
What to do: Don't use the number or link they give you. Contact the company using a number or website you already know is real. Never share passwords or codes.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Tech-support scams
How to spot it: A pop-up, call, or email warning that your computer is infected and telling you to call a number or pay to fix it — often pretending to be Microsoft, Apple, or an antivirus brand.
What to do: Real tech companies don't reach out like this. Don't call the number, don't pay, and never give anyone remote access to your computer.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Cryptocurrency scams
How to spot it: Anyone who says you must pay by cryptocurrency, or promises big guaranteed returns on a crypto 'investment.' Often paired with blackmail emails or social-media or romance approaches.
What to do: Treat 'pay in crypto' as a scam signal. Crypto payments are almost impossible to get back. Don't act on pressure or promises of guaranteed profit.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Fake check scams
How to spot it: Someone you don't know sends you a check — often for more than you're owed — and asks you to deposit it and send some money back, with a story about overpayment, taxes, or fees.
What to do: Don't send money back against a check you weren't expecting. A deposited check can 'clear' and still turn out to be fake days later, leaving you on the hook.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Robocalls
How to spot it: A recorded sales message you didn't agree to receive. If it's an illegal robocall, there's a good chance it's a scam.
What to do: Don't press buttons to 'opt out' or speak to someone — that leads to more calls. Just hang up. Don't trust caller ID; numbers can be spoofed.
Read the FTC's advice ↗Adapted from public-domain consumer guidance published by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov). Baloney is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FTC.