🛡️

Were You Targeted by a Scam?

Answer a few quick questions and get immediate, personalized guidance on what to do next — before more damage is done.

Step 1 of 3

What best describes what happened?

Choose the situation that most closely matches your experience.

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What did the caller claim?

Who did they say they were, or what were they offering?

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What type of online contact was it?

Select the closest match.

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What were they offering or asking for?

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What did you provide?

This helps us give you the most urgent action steps.

High Risk

Government Impersonation Scam

Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare to create fear and pressure you into paying money or revealing personal information. These agencies will never call and demand immediate payment.

What's happening

This is one of the most common scams targeting retirees. Fraudsters use caller ID spoofing to make the call appear to come from a real government number. They create urgency — threatening arrest, benefit suspension, or fines — to prevent you from thinking clearly.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Hang up immediately if you're still on the call. Do not engage further or call back any number they gave you.
  • 2
    Do not pay anything. Real government agencies never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
  • 3
    If you gave any personal info or money, contact your bank immediately and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • 4
    Verify independently. If you're concerned the call might be real, hang up and call the agency directly using the number on their official website — not one the caller gave you.
  • 5
    Report the scam to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) and the agency being impersonated. Your report helps protect others.
⚠️

If you already sent money via gift cards or wire transfer, act immediately — these transactions are very difficult to reverse. Call your bank and the gift card company's fraud line right away.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit includes word-for-word call scripts for contacting your bank, reporting to the FTC, and disputing fraudulent charges.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
  • All major scam types covered
Get the Response Kit — $5
High Risk

Tech Support Scam

Scammers impersonate Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies, claiming your computer has a virus or has been hacked. Their goal is to get remote access to your computer or steal your money.

What's happening

Legitimate tech companies like Microsoft and Apple will never call you unsolicited about a problem with your computer. If someone asks you to install software that lets them control your computer remotely — that is a scam, regardless of how official they sound.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Do not install any software the caller recommends or allow anyone remote access to your computer.
  • 2
    Hang up immediately. Do not call back any number they provided.
  • 3
    If you already gave remote access, turn off your computer, disconnect it from the internet, and contact a trusted local computer repair shop to have it checked.
  • 4
    Change your passwords from a different, clean device — especially email, banking, and Social Security accounts.
  • 5
    Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to Microsoft or Apple directly if their name was used.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit includes word-for-word call scripts and letter templates for every step of the recovery process.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
  • All major scam types covered
Get the Response Kit — $5
High Risk

Lottery / Prize Scam

You cannot win a contest you didn't enter. Any prize that requires you to pay fees, taxes, or processing costs upfront is a scam — no exceptions.

What's happening

These scammers create excitement about a large prize, then ask for small "fees" to release it. Once you pay, they ask for more fees. The prize never arrives. This scam often targets people repeatedly — if you've paid before, they may contact you again posing as a "recovery" service.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Stop all contact. Do not send any more money, regardless of what they say will happen if you don't.
  • 2
    Block the number and do not respond to follow-up calls from anyone claiming to help you recover your money — that is often the same scammers.
  • 3
    If you sent money, contact your bank or the gift card company immediately to attempt a reversal.
  • 4
    Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov — include any phone numbers, names, or details you have.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit includes word-for-word call scripts and letter templates for every step of the recovery process.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
  • All major scam types covered
Get the Response Kit — $5
High Risk

Phishing Scam

Fraudulent emails and texts designed to look like they come from legitimate companies — your bank, Medicare, Amazon, or the IRS — to steal your login credentials or personal information.

What's happening

Phishing messages create urgency — "your account has been suspended," "unusual activity detected," "you owe a balance." They contain a link to a fake website that looks real. Once you enter your credentials, scammers have full access to your account.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Do not click any links in suspicious emails or texts. Delete the message.
  • 2
    If you clicked a link and entered information, change your password immediately from a different device.
  • 3
    Check your accounts for unauthorized activity — bank, credit card, email, and Social Security accounts.
  • 4
    Report phishing emails by forwarding them to spam@uce.gov (FTC) or reportphishing@apwg.org.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit includes word-for-word call scripts and letter templates for every step of the recovery process.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
  • All major scam types covered
Get the Response Kit — $5
High Risk

Romance / Online Relationship Scam

One of the most emotionally devastating scams — fraudsters build a genuine-feeling relationship over weeks or months before asking for money. These scams cost Americans over $1 billion per year.

What's happening

Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media, investing significant time building trust and emotional connection. They typically claim to be widowed professionals, military members overseas, or international businesspeople. Once trust is established, they fabricate an emergency and ask for money — then keep asking.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Stop sending money immediately, even if you fear it will end the relationship. The relationship you experienced was not real.
  • 2
    Do a reverse image search of their profile photo at images.google.com — scammers often steal photos from real people.
  • 3
    Contact your bank immediately if you sent money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • 4
    Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the platform where you met this person.
  • 5
    Talk to someone you trust. Romance scams carry significant emotional impact — speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor is important.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit includes word-for-word call scripts and letter templates for every step of the recovery process.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
  • All major scam types covered
Get the Response Kit — $5
Urgent — High Risk

AI Voice Clone / Grandparent Scam

Scammers use artificial intelligence to clone a loved one's voice from social media videos, then call you pretending to be them in an emergency — to get money before you can verify the situation.

What's happening

With just a few seconds of audio from social media, AI can now generate a convincing imitation of anyone's voice. Scammers call grandparents, parents, or spouses and use this fake voice to claim the loved one is in jail, in an accident, or in danger — and needs money immediately. A second caller then impersonates a lawyer or bail bondsman.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Hang up and call your loved one directly at their regular phone number — not any number given to you during the call.
  • 2
    Do not send money until you have personally spoken to your family member through a verified contact.
  • 3
    Establish a family code word — a secret word only your family knows that anyone can use to verify they are real in an emergency call.
  • 4
    If you already sent money, contact your bank immediately and report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
  • 5
    Warn your family. Share this scam with others — AI voice cloning is new and many people don't know it exists.
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This scam moves fast — scammers create urgency specifically to prevent you from verifying. Taking 5 minutes to call your loved one directly can save thousands of dollars.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit includes word-for-word call scripts and letter templates for every step of the recovery process.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
  • All major scam types covered
Get the Response Kit — $5
Urgent — Act Now

Financial Information Compromised

You need to act within the next few hours. The sooner you act, the better your chances of limiting the damage.

Your immediate action steps — do these today
  • 1
    Call your bank immediately — tell them your account information was compromised by fraud. Ask them to freeze your account and issue new account numbers and cards.
  • 2
    If your Social Security number was shared, go to IdentityTheft.gov and follow the recovery plan. Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
  • 3
    Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com for any accounts or inquiries you don't recognize.
  • 4
    Consider a credit freeze — this is free and prevents anyone from opening new credit in your name. Call each bureau directly.
  • 5
    Report to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov — they will create a personalized recovery plan for you.
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Time matters. Every hour you wait is time the scammer can use your information. Call your bank first — right now if possible.

Need word-for-word scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit gives you the exact words to say when calling your bank, the credit bureaus, and government agencies — so you don't miss anything critical.

  • Bank fraud call script
  • Credit bureau scripts
  • FTC report walkthrough
  • Identity theft recovery plan
Get the Response Kit — $5
Urgent — Act Now

Money Sent to a Scammer

The chances of recovery depend on how you paid and how quickly you act. Some methods can be reversed — but only if you move fast.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Gift cards: Call the gift card company immediately — the number is on the back of the card. Report fraud and ask them to freeze the card value. Act within hours.
  • 2
    Wire transfer: Call your bank immediately and ask them to recall the wire. This is time-sensitive — banks can sometimes stop transfers that haven't yet been received.
  • 3
    Zelle or Venmo: Contact the payment app's fraud department immediately. Also report to your bank — some banks will reimburse scam-related Zelle payments.
  • 4
    Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the amount, method, and any details about the scammer.
  • 5
    Beware of recovery scams — if someone contacts you claiming they can get your money back for a fee, that is also a scam.
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Gift card and wire transfer reversals are only possible in the first few hours. Call immediately — even if you're not sure it was a scam.

Need word-for-word scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit gives you the exact words to say when calling your bank, gift card companies, and payment apps.

  • Bank fraud call script
  • Gift card company scripts
  • Payment app dispute scripts
  • FTC report walkthrough
Get the Response Kit — $5
Caution

Suspicious Phone Call

Trust your instincts. If a call felt wrong, it probably was. High-pressure tactics, requests for unusual payment, and urgency are the hallmarks of fraud.

Your action steps
  • 1
    Do not call back any number the caller gave you.
  • 2
    Do not send money by any method until you have independently verified who you're dealing with.
  • 3
    If you gave personal information or money, contact your bank immediately.
  • 4
    Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit covers all major scam types with ready-to-use call scripts and action plans.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
Get the Response Kit — $5
Caution

Social Media Scam

Facebook and other platforms are heavily targeted by scammers posing as real businesses, government agencies, or even friends whose accounts have been hacked.

Your action steps
  • 1
    Do not click links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from a friend.
  • 2
    Verify independently — if a "friend" sent you something unusual, call them directly to confirm it was really them.
  • 3
    Report the post or message to Facebook or the platform using their reporting tools.
  • 4
    If you clicked and entered information, change your passwords immediately and check your accounts.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit covers all major scam types with ready-to-use call scripts and action plans.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
Get the Response Kit — $5
High Risk

Tech Support Pop-Up Scam

Fake warning pop-ups are designed to look like official Microsoft or Apple alerts. They are not real — your computer is not locked and you have not been hacked.

Your action steps
  • 1
    Do not call the phone number shown in the pop-up. It connects directly to scammers.
  • 2
    Close the browser tab or window. If it won't close, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete (Windows) or Command+Option+Escape (Mac) to force-quit your browser.
  • 3
    Do not allow remote access to anyone who calls you as a result of this pop-up.
  • 4
    Run a virus scan using your existing security software to confirm your computer is clean.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit covers all major scam types with ready-to-use call scripts and action plans.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
Get the Response Kit — $5
High Risk

Home Repair / Contractor Scam

Door-to-door contractors who demand large cash payments upfront, create urgency about damage you can't see, or pressure you to decide immediately are almost always scammers.

Your action steps
  • 1
    Do not pay cash upfront to any door-to-door contractor. Legitimate contractors provide written estimates and accept payment on completion.
  • 2
    Get multiple estimates from licensed local contractors before agreeing to any work.
  • 3
    Verify licensing and insurance — ask for their contractor's license number and verify it with your state licensing board.
  • 4
    If you already paid, report to your local police department and your state attorney general's consumer protection office.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit covers all major scam types with ready-to-use call scripts and action plans.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
Get the Response Kit — $5
Caution

Charity Scam

Fake charities often spring up after disasters or use names very similar to legitimate organizations. Never give cash to door-to-door collectors.

Your action steps
  • 1
    Verify the charity at Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) or Give.org before donating.
  • 2
    Never give cash to door-to-door collectors. Legitimate charities accept checks or online donations that create a record.
  • 3
    If you gave cash, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit covers all major scam types with ready-to-use call scripts and action plans.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
Get the Response Kit — $5
Caution

Suspicious In-Person Contact

High-pressure tactics, urgency, and requests for cash are warning signs regardless of who is asking.

Your action steps
  • 1
    Take your time. Any legitimate offer will still be available tomorrow. Urgency is a manipulation tactic.
  • 2
    Do not give cash to anyone who came to your door unsolicited.
  • 3
    Talk to a trusted family member or friend before making any financial decision prompted by a stranger.
  • 4
    Report suspicious activity to your local non-emergency police line.

Need the exact scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit covers all major scam types with ready-to-use call scripts and action plans.

  • Ready-to-use call scripts
  • Letter templates
  • Step-by-step action plans
Get the Response Kit — $5
Urgent — Act Now

Remote Access Given to Scammer

This is serious. When someone has remote access to your computer, they can steal passwords, banking credentials, and personal files — even after the session ends.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Disconnect immediately. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the internet (unplug the ethernet cable or turn off Wi-Fi).
  • 2
    Do not turn the computer back on until a trusted technician has examined it for malware and remote access software.
  • 3
    Change all passwords from a different device — especially banking, email, and Social Security. Do this before turning your computer back on.
  • 4
    Call your bank and let them know your computer was compromised — they can monitor for fraudulent activity.
  • 5
    Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Remote access scammers often install software that lets them return to your computer even after the session ends. Do not use the computer again until it has been professionally cleaned.

Need word-for-word scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit gives you exact scripts for your bank, the FTC, and more.

  • Bank fraud call script
  • FTC report walkthrough
  • Identity protection steps
Get the Response Kit — $5
Urgent — Act Now

Password or Verification Code Compromised

Act immediately. A verification code or password gives scammers access to your accounts right now.

Your immediate action steps
  • 1
    Change the password immediately for the account that was compromised.
  • 2
    Change passwords for any other accounts that use the same password or email address.
  • 3
    Check the account for unauthorized activity — look for transactions, purchases, or changes you didn't make.
  • 4
    If it was a banking or financial account, call your bank immediately and alert their fraud department.
  • 5
    Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts going forward.

Need word-for-word scripts for these calls?

The Senior Fraud Response Kit gives you exact scripts for your bank, the FTC, and more.

  • Bank fraud call script
  • Account recovery steps
  • Identity protection plan
Get the Response Kit — $5