Scam-Proof Your Devices

The one rule that beats almost every scam:

Slow down.

Scammers create panic so you act before you think. A real bank, family member, or company can always wait. That little jolt of fear or urgency is the warning sign itself.

If a call, text, pop-up, or email does any of these — stop:

• Says it’s URGENT, or that you’ll be in trouble if you don’t act now
• Asks for gift cards, a wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Wants remote access to your computer
• Asks for a password — or a code they just texted you
• Claims to be “tech support,” your bank, the IRS, Amazon, or Medicare out of the blue
• Pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble who needs money

What to do instead:

• Hang up. It’s okay to hang up. You are not being rude.
• Look it up yourself. Call the real number on the back of your card — never the number they gave you.
• Never let a stranger control your computer.
• Check with someone you trust before you click, pay, or let anyone in.

When in doubt, it’s always okay to check first. No real company ever asks for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency — ever. If anyone asks you to buy gift cards and read off the numbers, it is a scam, no exceptions.