Questions people actually ask
These are the questions people send us. They're also the ones people type into a search box at eleven at night, with the phone still warm. Each answer is short, and each one says what to do next.
Something just happened
My grandson called asking for bail moneyWhat to do in the next ten minutes.
Why does my computer say Microsoft detected a virus?The popup with a number on it.
Is this text from my bank real?How to tell, without tapping the link.
Caller ID said it was my bank, can that be faked?Yes, easily, and here's why.
I already did something I'm worried about
I let someone into my computerWhat to turn off first.
I gave out my Social Security numberWhat it does and doesn't mean.
Should I buy gift cards for someone I met online?The short answer is no, and this explains why.
Can I get my money back after a scam?What depends on how you paid.
I want to understand how this works
Will Social Security ever call me?Sometimes, and here's the difference.
How did scammers get my information?Breaches, lists, and public records.
They already know my address, so is it really a scam?Knowing your details proves nothing.
Is it too late to report a scam from months ago?No, and reporting still helps.
Don't see yours? The scam types page covers the calls, texts and knocks people meet most often. And the three steps work on anything, including whatever nobody has written a page about yet.
If something is happening right now, start here. If money has already moved, start here instead. Then call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311. The line is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
