Course Catalog / BMU 050 / Lesson 2 of 5
BMU 050
Lesson 2: Sort texts, emails, and calls
Quick review
1. Name two of the four scam signs.
See the answer
Any two: they pretend to be someone you know, they say there is a problem or prize, they push you to hurry, they ask you to pay in a certain way.
Why this matters
Most messages are not scams. Some are. A few you cannot tell right away. In this lesson you learn a quick way to sort each message, and a safe way to check the ones you are not sure about.
Start with what you already do
You already sort mail. Bills go in one pile, ads in another, and odd letters in a pile to look at later.
Common belief: If a message has the company's logo, it is real.
What is actually true: Logos, names, and even web pages are easy to copy. The FTC says the safe move is to skip the link and contact the company in a way you already trust.
In this lesson you will
- Sort a message as scam, check first, or likely safe
- Check a contact with a number or site you already trust
- Report a spam text by forwarding it to 7726
- Explain why you should not use a link in a surprise message
Key words
- phishing
- A fake message that tries to get your password or private information.
- link
- Words or a web address you tap to open a page.
- trusted contact
- A number or site you found yourself, like the back of your card.
- 7726
- A short code. Forward spam texts to it. It spells SPAM on a keypad.
Short explanation
Ask two questions about each message. The answers sort it into one of three piles. Then use a trusted contact for anything in the middle pile.
Question 1: Does it ask you to pay, or ask for a code or private information?
This means any payment, even a small fee. It also means a gift card, a wire, crypto, or an app payment. It means a login code, a password, a card number, or your Social Security number too. It counts if the message asks for these directly or through its link. If the message also came as a surprise, it goes in the Scam pile. The FTC says honest groups will not text, email, or call out of the blue to ask for these. The FTC says a surprise text about unpaid tolls with a pay link is probably a scam, even if you did drive on a toll road. If you think you might really owe something, check your account on your own, never through the message.
Question 2: Does it claim a problem or a prize, push you, or give a link or number?
If yes, it goes in the Check first pile. It may be real, like a note about a package. But you check it on your own. You do not use its link or number.
Likely safe
If both answers are no, it is likely safe. This is a message you expected that asks for nothing. An example is a reminder for a visit you booked. Still, you can always check.
Text version of this figure
- Question 1: Asks you to pay, or for a code or private info? Yes: SCAM. Do not reply. Report it.
- Question 2: A problem, a prize, a hurry, or a link? Yes: CHECK FIRST with a number you trust.
- If every answer is no: LIKELY SAFE: you expected it and it asks for nothing.
Check with a contact you trust
- Do not tap the link or call the number in the message.
- Find the number yourself. Use the back of your card, a paper bill, or the company's site that you type in yourself.
- Call or log in that way and ask if the message is real.
- For a person, call them at the number saved in your phone.
Report and delete
Forward spam texts to 7726. Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete the message.
Worked example: Sort three made up messages
These three messages are made up.
| Part | Model | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| "Your package could not be delivered. Tap [link] to pay $1.99." | Scam. | It asks you to pay through its link. A small fee is still a payment. If you are waiting for a package, check on the shipper's site you type in. |
| "Hi, it's your boss. Buy 3 gift cards and text me the codes." | Scam. | Asks for gift card codes. Call your boss at the saved number. |
| "Reminder: your dentist visit is Tue at 2 PM. Reply C to confirm." | Likely safe. | You booked it. It asks for nothing private. |
| All three | Report the scam to 7726 and ReportFraud.ftc.gov | Reports help the FTC find scammers. |
Practice: Sort two more
Sort these made up messages: (1) An email: "We saw a strange sign in on your account. Confirm your password here: [link]." (2) A call: "This is your grandson. I'm in jail. Don't tell Mom. Send money by app." (3) A text: "Your card was used for $412 at a store in Ohio. If this was not you, visit [link]."
Check your practice: feedback
(1) Scam. It asks for your password. Log in the usual way, not with the link, and check your account.
(2) Scam. It asks for money by app and asks you to keep a secret. Hang up and call your grandson at his saved number.
(3) Check first. It claims a problem and gives a link, but it does not ask you to pay or share anything yet. Skip the link. Call the number on the back of your card or open your bank app. If the link page later asks for your card number or a code, that is the Scam pile.
Common mistakes
- Using the link "just to look". Type the site yourself or use your app.
- Calling the number in the message. Use a number you found yourself.
- Replying STOP to a strange text. Forward it to 7726 and delete it instead.
Try it: Sort five messages and build a trusted contact list
Pick your scenario:
- Your email inbox
- Your text messages
- Your voicemail
- Pick five messages you got this week.
- Sort each one: scam, check first, or likely safe.
- Write a trusted contact list: your bank's number from your card, your phone company, and two family members.
- Keep the list on paper near your phone.
- Forward any spam texts to 7726.
Do it by: in 2 days
Reflect
Who in your life would you call first to ask, "Does this look real to you?"
Check your understanding
1. A text says your bank card is locked and gives a number to call. What is the safest move?
- Call the number in the text right away.
- Reply with your card number.
- Call the number on the back of your card.
See the answer and feedback
C is correct. Right. That is a trusted contact you found yourself.
A: The number in the text may go to the scammer. Review Check with a contact you trust.
B: Never send card numbers by text. Review Question 1.
2. Where can you forward a spam text?
- 7726
- 911
- The number that sent it
See the answer and feedback
A is correct. Right. 7726 spells SPAM on a keypad.
B: 911 is for emergencies. Review Report and delete.
C: Replying tells the scammer your number works. Review Report and delete.
3. A message you did not expect asks for the code just sent to your phone. Which pile?
- Likely safe
- Scam
- Check first
See the answer and feedback
B is correct. Right. A surprise request for a login code goes in the Scam pile.
A: It asks for a code. Review Question 1.
C: A code request is more than a check. Review Question 1.
Takeaway: sorting
- 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 with a number or site you found yourself
- Forward spam texts to 7726
Recap
- Two questions sort a message into three piles.
- Never use the link or number in a surprise message.
- Check with a contact you trust.
- Report and delete.
You now have: a way to sort messages, and a trusted contact list.
Next up
Next you will lock your accounts with a passphrase and two step login. Go to Lesson 3: Lock it down. BMU 050 is free. There is no paywall and no fee.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Advice: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice: How to recognize and report spam text messages (forward to 7726) (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Alert: Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam (Jan. 2025) (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
- FTC Consumer Advice: How to avoid a scam (Four signs that it's a scam) (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov and its FAQ (report even if you lost no money; phone 877 382 4357) (current as of Oct 29, 2026)
