In-depth guides
How to recognize any text scam (2026 guide)
The complete framework: anatomy of a scam text, 6 most common patterns, universal red flags, what to do.
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Scams that target seniors: protection guide
The 10 scams most often targeting older adults, six rules that prevent 90% of senior scams, what to do if you've been hit.
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Phone scams: what to do when the call seems real
From robocalls to AI voice cloning: how to recognize them, respond, and stop them at the source.
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Investment & money scams: from romance to crypto
Pig butchering, romance scams, crypto recovery, forex mentors — the patterns behind the highest-loss fraud category in the US.
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Bank & payment scams: spotting fake fraud alerts
What real bank alerts look like, the universal scam playbook, five rules that prevent bank fraud.
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Delivery & shipping
Is the USPS delivery text a scam?
Got a text from 'USPS' about a missed delivery, address issue, or unpaid fee? Here's how to spot the scam in seconds and what to do next.
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Is the FedEx delivery text a scam?
FedEx delivery texts about address issues, customs fees, or held packages are usually scams. Learn the exact red flags and what to do.
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Is the UPS delivery text a scam?
Got a UPS text about a missed delivery, customs fee, or address update? Most are scams. Here's how to tell, and what to do.
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Is the DHL customs fee message a scam?
Got an email or text from 'DHL' demanding a customs fee to release your package? It's a phishing scam — here's how to spot and avoid it.
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E-commerce
Is the Amazon refund / charge message a scam?
Got a message about an unexpected Amazon refund, charge, or order you didn't make? Here's how to tell if it's a scam — and what to do.
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Is the 'Amazon account suspended' email a scam?
Got an Amazon email saying your account is locked or suspended? It's a phishing trap. Here's how to spot it and what to do.
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Is the PayPal payment pending email a scam?
Received a PayPal email about a pending payment, invoice, or unauthorized charge? Most are scams. Here's how to identify and avoid them.
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Is the unexpected Venmo payment a scam?
Got an unexpected Venmo payment from a stranger? Don't refund it. Here's how the scam works and how to protect yourself.
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Is the Cash App money flip / giveaway a scam?
Promises to multiply your Cash App balance? Free cash from #CashAppFriday? Here's how the scams work and why you'll never get the money.
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Is the eBay buyer who overpaid running a scam?
Selling on eBay or Craigslist? Buyers who 'overpay' and ask for the difference are running a classic check scam. Here's how to spot it.
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Government impersonation
Is the IRS text or call a scam?
The IRS never texts, never threatens arrest by phone, and never demands gift cards. Here's exactly how to spot and report IRS impersonation scams.
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Is the 'Social Security suspended' call a scam?
Got a call saying your Social Security number is suspended or linked to a crime? It's a scam. Here's exactly how to recognize and report it.
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Is the Medicare cancellation message a scam?
Got a call or text saying your Medicare coverage will be cancelled? It's a scam. Learn how to spot it and protect yourself.
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Is the DMV text message a scam?
Got a text from 'the DMV' about a suspension, toll, or registration issue? Almost certainly a scam. Here's how to verify and respond.
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Is the missed jury duty call a scam?
Got a call saying you missed jury duty and need to pay to avoid arrest? It's a scam. Here's how the script works and what to do.
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Is the unemployment benefits notice a scam?
Got a letter or text about unemployment benefits you didn't apply for? Someone may have filed in your name. Here's how to spot it and respond.
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Is the IRS tax refund email a scam?
Got an email about an IRS tax refund waiting to be claimed? It's a scam. The real IRS never emails about refunds.
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Banking
Is the Chase fraud alert text a scam?
Got a text from 'Chase' about a charge or fraud alert? Some are real, most are scams. Here's exactly how to tell.
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How do Zelle scams work?
Zelle transfers are instant and irreversible — which is exactly why scammers love them. Learn the most common Zelle scams and how to spot them.
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Is the Wells Fargo text a scam?
Got a Wells Fargo text about fraud, a card alert, or a Zelle issue? Some are real, most are scams. Here's exactly how to tell.
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Is the Bank of America text a scam?
Got a Bank of America text about a charge, Zelle, or fraud alert? Here's how to distinguish real alerts from phishing scams.
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Is the Capital One fraud alert a scam?
Capital One alert about an unauthorized charge, Venture transfer, or account access? Here's how to spot the scam version.
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Is the direct deposit change email a scam?
Did HR get an email from 'you' asking to change your direct deposit account? That's a business email compromise scam — here's how to recognize and prevent it.
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Tech support
Is the Geek Squad renewal email a scam?
Got an email about a Geek Squad renewal you didn't sign up for? It's a phishing scam. Here's how to spot it and what to do.
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Is the Norton / LifeLock renewal email a scam?
Got an unexpected Norton or LifeLock renewal email for $300+? It's almost certainly a phishing scam. Here's how to identify it.
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Is the 'Apple ID locked' message a scam?
Got a text, email, or call saying your Apple ID is locked or suspended? It's a phishing scam. Learn how to identify and report it.
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Is the Microsoft tech support warning a scam?
Got a Microsoft warning about a virus, security breach, or 'critical error'? It's a scam. Here's how to recognize and respond safely.
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Is the McAfee renewal email a scam?
Got a McAfee renewal email for $300-$500 you didn't authorize? It's a phishing scam. Here's how to spot it.
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Is the iPhone virus warning pop-up a scam?
Saw a scary pop-up on Safari saying your iPhone has a virus? Don't panic. Here's why iPhones don't get viruses and what to do.
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Impersonation
Is the 'grandchild in trouble' call a scam?
A panicked call from 'your grandchild' in trouble is almost always a scam. Learn the script, the red flags, and how to respond.
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Is the urgent CEO email asking for a wire / gift cards a scam?
Employees getting urgent emails from the 'CEO' asking for gift cards or wire transfers? That's Business Email Compromise — here's how to spot and prevent it.
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Is this charity a scam?
After every disaster or tragedy, fake charities emerge. Here's how to tell legitimate ones from scams that pocket your donation.
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Romance & investment
Is this online relationship a romance scam?
Online romance turning into money requests? Here's how to spot a romance scam, why it works, and what to do if you're already involved.
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What is a 'pig butchering' scam?
Pig butchering combines romance and fake crypto investments to drain entire savings. Here's how to recognize and avoid it.
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Is the crypto recovery service a scam?
Already lost money to a crypto scam? Beware of 'recovery agents' promising to get it back — they're almost always a second scam targeting the same victim.
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Is the deployed soldier I met online a scam?
Met a soldier online who's 'deployed' and now asking for money? It's a romance scam using military identity. Here's how to recognize it.
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Job scams
Is this job offer a scam?
Got a job offer that seems too good — high pay, easy work-from-home, no interview? Here's how to recognize fake job scams.
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Is the mystery shopper job a scam?
Got hired as a mystery shopper and sent a check to deposit? It's the most common check-fraud scam in the US. Here's how it works.
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Is the work-from-home offer a scam?
Promises of easy work-from-home pay assembling products, stuffing envelopes, or processing payments are almost always scams. Here's why.
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Marketplace & rental
Is the Craigslist / Zillow rental listing a scam?
House for rent at a great price? If you can't see it before paying and the landlord is out of town, it's a scam. Here's how to verify.
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Is the Facebook Marketplace transaction a scam?
Whether buying or selling on Facebook Marketplace, scams abound. Here's how to spot the most common patterns and protect yourself.
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Is the puppy listing a scam?
Found a perfect puppy online at a great price? Many puppy listings are scams. Here's how to verify a breeder and avoid losing your deposit.
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Lottery & prize
Is the lottery winning notification a scam?
Got a call, letter, or email saying you've won a lottery you never entered? It's a scam. Here's how the script works and what to do.
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Is the Publishers Clearing House call a scam?
Got a call from 'Publishers Clearing House' saying you won millions? It's a scam. PCH never calls winners. Here's how to recognize it.
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Is the inheritance email a scam?
Got an email about a long-lost relative leaving you a fortune? It's a 419 scam — sometimes called the Nigerian prince scam. Here's how to recognize it.
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Phone scams
Is the 'car warranty expired' call a scam?
Getting calls about your car's expired warranty? They're scams. Here's how to identify and stop them.
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Is the one-ring phone call a scam?
Phone rings once and hangs up? Calling back can cost you hundreds in international charges. Here's how the 'one ring' scam works.
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Is the health insurance call a scam?
Got a call about 'low-cost' health insurance, ACA enrollment help, or 'Medicare advantage' offers? Many are scams. Here's how to recognize them.
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Is the QR code a scam?
Scanned a QR code in a parking lot, on a flyer, or in an email? It might be a phishing scam. Here's how QR code attacks work and how to stay safe.
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Don't memorize every scam. Just check it.
Paste any suspicious message, screenshot, or link into Double Check and get a plain-English verdict in seconds. Free to start. Family alerts included.