Course Catalog / BMU 050 / Job aid
Spot the Scam Card
Keep it by your phone or print it for a family member. Use it any time a call, text, or email surprises you.
Four signs (FTC)
- ☐ They pretend to be someone you know
- ☐ They say there is a problem or a prize
- ☐ They push you to act now
- ☐ They ask for a gift card, wire, crypto, or app payment
Sort it
- ☐ Asks you to pay, even a small fee, or for a code or private info: Scam
- ☐ Problem, prize, hurry, or a link: Check first
- ☐ Expected and asks for nothing: Likely safe
Check it
- ☐ Do not use the link or number in the message
- ☐ Use the back of your card, a saved number, or a site you type in
- ☐ Family call: hang up, call their saved number, ask for the safe word
- ☐ Never pay to get a job
Lock it
- ☐ Passphrase: 4 to 7 random words, 16 or more characters
- ☐ A different one for each important account
- ☐ Two step login on email first
- ☐ Never share a login code
First hour plan
- ☐ Stop
- ☐ Call who you paid: ____
- ☐ Lock up
- ☐ Save proof
- ☐ Report: ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 877 382 4357; IdentityTheft.gov
- ☐ Tell someone: ____
Free help
- ☐ Spam texts: forward to 7726
- ☐ National Elder Fraud Hotline (60 and older): 833 372 8311
- ☐ Bank will not help: consumerfinance.gov/complaint
- ☐ Where to report other scams: usa.gov/scams-and-fraud
Use it
- In 7 days: Lock one more account with a passphrase and two step login.
- In 30 days: Sort last week's messages, check that your family still knows the safe word, and retake the self check.
- Put both dates on your calendar now.