Not sure if you've been scammed?
Being unsure is normal. Scams are built to look ordinary while they're happening — the doubt usually comes later. Read the warning signs below. You don't need a perfect match. If several of these describe your situation, treat it as a scam and act on that.
Five groups of warning signs. Tap any one to see what's inside.
If several of these apply
Then this is almost certainly a scam. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to confront the other person to find out. The safest move is to stop, step back, and check independently — the next steps depend on whether money or information has already left your hands.
If you haven't paid yet — do this now
- Stop responding. Hang up, stop replying. You don't owe them a goodbye.
- Don't pay or share anything — no codes, card numbers, or remote access — whatever they threaten.
- Verify yourself. Look up the real number — on your card, a statement, the official website — and call that. Never a number or link they gave you.
- Take your time. Anyone who can't survive you hanging up to check is telling you what they are.
Already paid, or shared a code, password, or card number? Then this moves from prevention to recovery, and some steps have deadlines measured in hours. Start the recovery steps.