1. The five warning signs
Almost every scam has at least one of these. If you notice even one, slow down.
- It is urgent. "Act now," "your account will be closed," "your grandson is in trouble." Scammers want you to act before you think.
- It is secret. "Do not tell anyone," "do not tell the bank teller." Real organizations never ask this.
- It asks for odd payment. Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash in an envelope. No real company or government office asks for these.
- It came to you. You did not call them, they called, texted or emailed you. Be most careful with surprise contact.
- It plays on emotion. Fear, love, loneliness, excitement about a prize. A scam wants you feeling, not thinking.
2. The 60-second check
- Stop. Do not click, call back the number given, or reply.
- Hang up and look it up yourself. Call the number on the back of your card or on the company's real website, never the one in the message.
- Ask someone. A family member, a friend, or an AI helper (see section 5). A second opinion takes one minute.
- Wait one hour. Real emergencies can survive a phone call to a person you trust.
3. Scams going around right now
"Your bank account has a problem" texts and calls
A message says there is fraud on your account and you must call or click. Your real bank will not text you a link to fix it. Call the number on your card.
The grandchild in trouble
A call from a "grandchild" or "lawyer" saying there has been an accident or arrest and money is needed fast. Today, scammers can copy a real voice from a few seconds of video. If the voice sounds right, that proves nothing. Hang up and call your family member on their own number.
Tech support pop-ups
A loud warning on your screen says your computer is infected and gives a phone number. Microsoft and Apple never do this. Close the window or restart the computer, and do not call.
Package delivery texts
"Your package could not be delivered, click here to reschedule." If you were not expecting a package, ignore it. If you were, go to the store's own website.
Medicare, Social Security and IRS calls
These agencies write letters first. They do not threaten arrest by phone and they do not take gift cards.
Fake invoices and renewals
An email says your antivirus, Amazon Prime or Geek Squad plan renewed for $400 and to call to cancel. Check your actual bank statement. If you did not buy it, do not call.
Romance and investment scams
Someone you only know online, who is very warm and never can meet in person, then needs money or recommends a "sure thing" investment. Be cautious about anyone who moves you to a private chat app.
4. Protect yourself from AI voice and video fakes
- Agree on a family safe word that only your family knows. If someone calls in an emergency, ask for it.
- Ask a question only the real person would know, such as the name of a childhood pet.
- Be wary of any call or video where you are rushed. Hang up and call back on a number you already have.
- Keep social media settings private so fewer videos of your voice are public.
5. Using AI as a second opinion
AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude are good at spotting the patterns of a scam. Copy the suspicious message into the chat and ask:
"I got this message. Is it likely a scam? List the warning signs you see, and tell me the safest thing to do next."
Never paste passwords, full account numbers, your Social Security number or verification codes. Remove them first. AI can be wrong, so treat the answer as a helpful opinion, then confirm by contacting the real company yourself.
6. If you already clicked, shared or paid
It happens to smart people every day. Do not be embarrassed, and act quickly.
- Call your bank or card company right away, using the number on your card. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
- Change passwords for any account you gave away, starting with email and banking.
- Freeze your credit for free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion if you shared personal details.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov (FTC). For money lost online, also report at ic3.gov (FBI). For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov.
- Talk to someone. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is free at 1-877-908-3360.
Keep this small card by your phone
- Is it urgent, secret, or asking for odd payment?
- Did they contact me first?
- Can I hang up and call the real number myself?
- Can I ask someone I trust or an AI helper?
Want to practice this live?
Our free Scam or Not? class is a friendly 45 minutes in a small group where you try the checks together. See all classes.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Riside Learning is not affiliated with the organizations named.
