Pause when someone creates urgency, promises a guaranteed result, or demands an unusual payment method.

Words to know

  • Scam: A dishonest attempt to take money, information, or account access.
  • Finance charge: The dollar cost of borrowing, including interest and certain fees.
  • Complaint: A factual request asking a company or official agency to review a consumer problem.

The main idea

Scammers often try to stop careful thinking by creating fear, excitement, secrecy, or a short deadline.

Use this lesson as a starting point. Check the current numbers, written terms, and dates that apply to you. If a detail is missing, leave it blank until an official record or qualified professional can confirm it.

What can change the answer

  • Urgency, secrecy, guarantees, and unusual payment requests are warning signs.
  • Dates, receipts, statements, and written promises can determine the next useful step.
  • The right official channel depends on the product and problem.

Three things to remember

  • Slow down urgent requests
  • Verify through a separate channel
  • Never pay by a method you cannot reverse
ExampleA caller says an account will close in ten minutes unless payment is made with a gift card. Ending the call and checking through an official channel prevents the caller from controlling the next step.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Letting an unexpected caller choose the contact method.
  • Paying upfront for a guaranteed refund, loan, debt fix, or recovery.
  • Sending full account numbers, passwords, or unrelated private records with a complaint.

Try these steps

  • End the unexpected contact
  • Find the official website or number yourself
  • Tell a trusted person before paying

Questions to ask yourself

  • Can the request be verified through an official channel found independently?
  • What facts and records support the problem?
  • What specific result is being requested?
Choose one small step now. Write down what you checked, what is still missing, and when you will review it again. Small recorded steps are easier to repeat and correct.
Educational information only. Rules, prices, and product terms can change. Confirm important details with the linked official sources or a qualified professional before acting.

Official resources

Use these primary sources to verify current rules and guidance before acting.