Dad's Quick Take
Most scams create fake urgency to make you act before you think. Never give personal info to someone who contacted you, turn on two-factor authentication, use a password manager, and consider freezing your credit. When in doubt, hang up and call the real number yourself.
Red flags that it's a scam
- Urgency: “Act now or your account/benefits are gone.”
- They contacted you, then ask for personal info or payment.
- Payment by gift card, wire, crypto, or “don't tell anyone.”
- A link or number that doesn't match the real company.
- Too-good-to-be-true jobs, prizes, or investment returns.
Lock yourself down
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) on email and banking — the single best protection.
- A password manager so every account has a unique strong password.
- Freeze your credit at the three bureaus (free) so no one can open accounts in your name.
- Check statements regularly and report anything you don't recognize fast.
If you're not sure
Stop. Don't click, don't pay, don't share. Hang up and contact the company using the number on their official website or the back of your card — never the one the “caller” gave you.
Common questions
Does freezing my credit hurt my score?
No. A freeze just blocks new credit checks; it doesn't affect your score and you can unfreeze anytime.
I think I got scammed — now what?
Contact your bank immediately, change passwords, freeze your credit, and report it. Acting fast limits the damage.