Scam & Phishing Guides
Real answers to the questions people search after receiving a suspicious email.
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What to Do Next
Immediate steps to take after a suspicious email, click, or reply.
Email Scams
How common email scams work and how to spot them.
Brand Impersonation
Fake emails pretending to be from well-known companies.
Government Impersonation
Scam emails pretending to be from the IRS, SSA, Medicare, and other agencies.
Financial Scams
Bank alerts, payment app scams, invoice fraud, and money-transfer scams.
Shopping & Delivery Scams
Fake package notifications, order confirmations, and retail scams.
Older Adult Safety
Guides for older adults, families, and caregivers.
Scam Explainers
Plain-English explainers of common scam types.
Latest Scam Alerts
Timely and seasonal scam alerts.
All guides
I Downloaded an Attachment From a Suspicious Email
Downloaded — or opened — an attachment you shouldn't have? Work through these steps in order. Most people are fine, but the next hour matters.
I Sent Money to a Scammer: What Should I Do?
Recovery depends almost entirely on how you paid and how fast you move. Follow the steps for your payment method below.
Should You Reply to a Suspicious Email?
It feels harmless to fire back a one-line reply. It is not. Here is what a scammer learns the moment you press send.