Topic guide
Scam Prevention
Clear, source-backed checks that help readers spot common scams before sharing information, clicking a link, or sending money.
Someone on the Phone Wants You to Send Money — Your iPhone Can Now Pause That Moment
Turn on iPhone Impersonation Risk Detection in iOS 27 so supported apps can warn you before a rushed payment or account change.
They Message Every Day but Never Meet You — When Is It a Romance Scam?
Daily messages can feel real. Learn the clearest romance-scam warning signs and the one money rule that protects you before trust turns costly.
That Full-Screen Virus Warning Wants One Thing: Your Phone Call
A scary virus pop-up can look convincing. Learn the quickest way to spot a tech-support scam, close it safely, and protect your accounts.
That Social Media 'Trading Coach' Flashing a Fancy Car Wants Your Savings, Not to Help You
Learn how to recognize a fake investment training scam on social media before you sign up, using the same warning signs the FTC uses.
Before Medicare Open Enrollment Starts, Know What a Real Plan Call Sounds Like
Learn how to tell a real Medicare Open Enrollment call from a scammer pretending to be Medicare or an insurance agent, before enrollment opens.
That Call Claiming You Missed Jury Duty and Owe a Fine? Hang Up
Learn how to tell a real jury duty notice from a scam call, text, or fake arrest warrant, and the one simple step that shuts the scam down every time.
Before You Donate to Help Storm Victims, Check This One Thing First
A hurricane hits the news and donation requests pour in. Here's how to spot a fake charity and verify a real one before you give a cent.
That Adorable Puppy Ad Online Might Not Have a Real Puppy Behind It
Learn how to spot a fake puppy or kitten ad before paying a deposit or shipping fee, so a gift for a grandchild doesn't turn into a scam.
That Apartment Listing Might Be Real, But the Person You're Emailing Isn't
Learn how scammers hijack real rental listings by swapping the contact info, and the one search that exposes it before you send a deposit.
Your Power Company Will Never Give You Just One Hour to Pay
Learn how to spot a fake utility shutoff threat by phone, text, or in person, and the one call that shuts the scam down every time.
That 'Dealership' Website With the Perfect Reviews and a Rare Muscle Car Might Not Exist
Scammers spoofing car dealership websites use AI to clone real dealers down to the reviews. Here's how to check before you ever wire a dime.
That Postcard Promising Extra VA Benefits? Here's Why You Shouldn't Call That Number
A fake 'Veterans Savings Program' postcard is pressuring veterans to call and hand over personal details. Here's how to spot it and what to do instead.
That Company Promising to Erase Your Tax Debt for 'Pennies on the Dollar' Almost Never Does
How to spot a tax debt relief scam that promises pennies on the dollar, and the one call to make before you ever pay anyone upfront.
Your Phone Can Now Tell You When 'Mom Calling' Isn't Actually Your Mom
Android's new fake call detection flags spoofed calls from AI voice clones of your contacts. Here's how it works and what you need set up.
That Top Search Result for Your Bill Just Cost Someone Millions
Learn how a paid search ad can impersonate your utility or loan company's payment site, and the one habit that keeps you off it.
That Call From 'Social Security'? Here's Why It's Almost Never Real
Learn how to tell a real Social Security Administration contact from a scammer, even one who already knows some of your personal details.
Your iPhone Can Now Interrogate Unknown Callers Before It Even Rings
Learn how the iPhone's Ask Reason for Calling feature screens unknown numbers, why it beats Silence Unknown Callers, and how to turn it on in two taps.
Got a Mystery Package? Don't Scan the QR Code Inside
Learn what a brushing scam is, why an unordered package landed on your porch, and the one thing to skip if there's a QR code inside.
That 'Unpaid Toll' Text? Probably Fake, Even If You Drove Through One
Learn how to tell if a text about an unpaid toll is a real scam, spot the warning signs, and check your toll account the safe way instead.
Your Phone Suddenly Has No Signal? That Silence Could Mean Trouble
Learn the early warning sign of phone number port-out and SIM swap fraud, and the first call to make if your phone loses service with no explanation.
The "Prove You're Human" Box That Wants You to Press Windows+R
Learn how to spot the fake CAPTCHA scam that asks you to press Windows+R and paste a command, and what to do if you already followed those steps.
Who Checks the Ads in Your Facebook Feed? (Not Who You'd Think)
Social platforms don't fully vet the ads or advertisers in your feed. Use this quick, repeatable check before you buy from a social media ad.
Lost Money to a Scam? Beware the "We Can Get It Back" Call
How to recognize a refund and recovery scam, verify anyone who offers to recover money you lost, and what to do if you already paid a second time.
It Sounded Exactly Like My Grandson. Here's Why I Hung Up Anyway
A calm, practical routine for checking a family emergency call that may use AI voice cloning before you send money or share information.
That USPS "Delivery Problem" Text? Check It Without Tapping
Verify a USPS delivery-problem text without tapping its link, then report the message or respond safely if you already entered information.
A "Past Due" Invoice You Don't Remember? Check It Link-Free
Check whether an unexpected invoice or past-due email is real without clicking its link, opening its attachment, or calling its number.