Spot a scam

Scam websites often have very similar URLs and can look nearly identical to the real website. Always look out for these red flags before entering your personal or payment information. 

Fake social media accounts promote phony products, spread scams, and even share lies and misinformation. Here's how to spot a phony account right away⁠— before you engage with the content.

Here’s how to tell a real text message from a scam⁠—even if the con artist is posing as a business you know and trust.

Example:

• That's not your boss texting

Ecommerce websites have tools to analyze and remove fake reviews, but they can't catch everything. Learn the signs of a phony review, so you can spot fakes next time you shop online.  

Phony surveys are a very common way that scammers phish for personal information. Here’s how to tell a fake survey from a business truly looking to better understand their customers.     

Email scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so don’t rely on your spam filter to catch every trick. The following tips will help you to recognize scam emails and delete them.

Who doesn’t want $500 in gift cards, free groceries, or designer clothes? It’s easy to be tempted by a phony social media giveaway. But before you “like” or comment on a social post in hopes of winning, make sure that giveaway is the real deal. 

 The earlier you notice the signs of identity theft, the faster you can take action to minimize the damage. Watch out for these warning signs. 

Scammers may pose as local government or utility company representatives. Here's how to protect yourself.

New AI technology is becoming more sophisticated and more accessible, making it possible for just about anyone to create realistic-looking images and videos. The following tips will help you identify fake images and videos.