Protect yourself
Guides
Plain-English guides to scam calls, robocalls and spam texts in the US: how they work, how to block them, where to report them and what to do if you've been caught.
Start here
Start hereWho called me? How to find out who's behind an unknown numberFind out who's behind a missed call or text, and why calling back blind is a bad idea.6 min readStart hereArea codes to watch out for: the ones that aren't in the US21 area codes that look domestic but aren't, with the country for each.5 min readStart hereWhat to do if you've been scammed: a step-by-step planThe first hour matters. Who to call, in what order, and how to stop it getting worse.7 min read
Protect yourself
Protect yourselfHow to block a number on iPhone, Android and landlinesBlock one number, screen everyone you don't know, and use your carrier's free tools.6 min readProtect yourselfHow to stop robocalls: a layered plan that actually worksDo Not Call, carrier filters, call screening and the habits that keep your number off the lists.6 min readProtect yourselfHow to stop spam texts on iPhone and AndroidForward to 7726, filter unknown senders, and when not to reply STOP.5 min readProtect yourselfCaller ID spoofing: when scammers use a real numberThe number on your screen can be fake. How spoofing works and what to do about it.5 min readProtect yourselfThe one-ring scam: missed calls that cost you to call backIt rang once and stopped. Why calling back is exactly what they want.4 min readProtect yourselfSilent calls: why nobody's there when you answerDead air, a click, then nothing. What's behind silent calls and how to stop them.4 min readProtect yourselfThe "Can you hear me?" scam: myth vs realityCan a recorded "yes" be used against you? What's real, what's overblown, and what to do.4 min read
Your rights
Your rightsHow to report scam calls and texts in the USFTC, FCC, IC3, your state AG or your carrier: which one to use, and what to include.6 min readYour rightsThe National Do Not Call Registry: what it does and doesn't stopRegister free, know who can still call, and complain when a telemarketer ignores it.6 min readYour rightsDebt collector calls: your rights, and how to spot a fakeCall limits, calling hours, the validation notice, and how to tell a real collector from a scam.7 min readYour rightsPolitical calls and texts: why they're allowed and how to stop themWhy Do Not Call doesn't cover campaigns, what the consent rules say, and how to opt out.6 min read
Scams to know
Scams to knowIRS scam calls: how to tell if it's really the IRS"A lawsuit has been filed against you for tax fraud." How the real IRS actually reaches you.5 min readScams to knowSocial Security scam calls: "your number has been suspended""Your Social Security number has been suspended." It hasn't, and it can't be.5 min readScams to knowCar warranty robocalls: "we've been trying to reach you""Your vehicle's warranty is about to expire." What these calls are really selling.5 min readScams to knowMedicare and health insurance scam calls"You're eligible for a free knee brace." Why your Medicare number is the real prize.6 min readScams to knowBank impersonation scams: fake fraud alerts and "send it to yourself"It starts with one text: "Did you authorize this $1,249 purchase? Reply YES or NO."6 min readScams to knowAmazon impersonation scams: fake order, Prime and refund calls"Your order of an iPhone for $1,099 is on its way." Press 1 and the scam starts.5 min readScams to knowTech support scams: fake Microsoft, Apple and Geek Squad calls"Your computer is infected. Call Microsoft now." A real warning never says that.6 min readScams to knowThe grandparent scam: "Grandma, it's me, I'm in trouble""Please don't tell Mom." The emergency call that one callback stops.6 min readScams to knowJury duty and fake warrant scam calls"You failed to appear for jury duty." Why no real officer calls to collect a fine.5 min readScams to knowStudent loan forgiveness scam calls and texts"Your loans qualify for forgiveness. Enroll today for a one-time fee." Free help exists.5 min readScams to knowUtility shutoff scams: "your power will be cut off in 30 minutes""A crew is on the way to disconnect your service." Real utilities warn you in writing.5 min readScams to knowCharity scam calls: how to check before you give"Thank you for your pledge last year." How to give to a charity, not a scam.6 min read
Text scams
Text scams"Unpaid toll" scam texts (E-ZPass, SunPass, FasTrak, TxTag)"Outstanding toll of $4.35. Pay now to avoid a $50 late fee." The text to delete.5 min readText scamsPackage delivery scam texts (USPS, UPS, FedEx)"Your package can't be delivered. Update your address." The most reported scam text.5 min readText scams"Wrong number" text scams and crypto romance (pig butchering)"Sorry, wrong number, but you seem nice." The slow scam that ends in crypto losses.6 min readText scamsJob offer text scams: fake recruiters, task scams and fake checks"Earn $500 a day from home. Reply YES if interested." Real employers don't hire this way.6 min read