A free resource from Spot a Fake
3-Minute Anti-Scam Starter Guide
You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. This simple guide will help you protect yourself and the people you care about.
🛑1. Stop and Slow Down
Scammers want you to act fast. If a message, call, or email makes you feel panicked or rushed — that’s a warning sign.
💡 Take a deep breath. There is almost never a real emergency that requires you to click a link or send money right now.
🔍2. Check the Web Address (URL)
Before you click a link or enter any personal information, look at the web address carefully.
- ✓Does it start with https:// (with the “s”)?
- ✓Is the website name spelled correctly?
- ✓Watch out for tricks like amaz0n.com or paypa1.com
⚠️ When in doubt, don’t click. Type the website address yourself in your browser.
📞3. Verify Through Official Channels
If someone says they’re from your bank, the government, or a company you use — don’t use the phone number or link they give you.
- ✓Look up the real phone number on the company’s official website or on your bank card
- ✓Call them directly to check if the message is real
- ✓Real organizations will never rush you or threaten you
💰4. Never Send Money Under Pressure
No legitimate business or government agency will ever ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to avoid trouble.
- ✓Gift cards are for gifts — not for paying bills or fines
- ✓If someone asks for payment in an unusual way, it’s almost certainly a scam
- ✓Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending money
😱5. Be Careful with Emotional Content
AI can now create very realistic fake photos, videos, and voice messages. If something looks shocking, heartbreaking, or too good to be true — it might be fake.
- ✓Look for odd details: strange hands, blurry backgrounds, lips not matching audio
- ✓Don’t share emotional content without checking if it’s real first
- ✓Remember: if it makes you feel strong emotions, someone may be trying to manipulate you
🆘6. What to Do If You Think You Were Targeted
It’s okay. It can happen to anyone. Here’s what to do:
- 1Don’t feel ashamed — scammers are professionals and target everyone
- 2Stop all contact with the scammer immediately
- 3Contact your bank right away if you shared financial information
- 4Change your passwords on any accounts that may be affected
- 5Report it: visit reportfraud.ftc.gov (US) or antifraudcentre.ca (Canada)
- 6Tell someone you trust — a friend, a family member, or a local help center
Want a printable version?
Download our free one-page checklist. Perfect for posting at home, at work, in a library, or at a senior center.
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Support Spot a Fake →Stay safe. Take your time. You’ve got this. 🛡️