Scam Basics: Pause, Verify, and Protect Yourself
Learn how scammers use fear, excitement, and trust to pressure people into sending money or sharing private information.
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Start here to learn the most common scam warning signs, simple safety habits, and what to do when something feels suspicious.
Learn how scammers use fear, excitement, and trust to pressure people into sending money or sharing private information.
Learn what scams are, how scammers create urgency, common scam types, and the simple habits that help you pause, verify, and ask for help.
Learn how pig butchering scams build trust through friendship or romance, how fake investment sites show false profits, and what to do before sending money online.
Learn what a scam is, why scammers target people, and the simple habits that help you stay safe every day.
Learn how fake computer warnings, pop-ups, and support calls try to trick people into giving access or money.
Learn how to scan QR codes safely, spot warning signs, and avoid QR code scams that can lead to fake websites.
Learn how to recognize fake IRS messages, avoid urgency tricks, and follow a pause, verify, and ask-for-help plan during tax season.
Learn how fake prize notifications work, recognize their most common warning signs, and safely respond when someone says you won money or a valuable prize.
Learn how to recognize fake charity requests, check an organization, and donate using a safer payment method.
Learn how common Facebook Marketplace scams work, how to spot warning signs, and how to pause before sending money or handing over an item.
Learn what a fake check scam is, why deposited money may look real at first, and what to do before spending or sending any of it.
Learn what scams are, who scammers target, and the predictable patterns that make fraud easier to recognize — based on the Hawaii Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide.
Learn the four common ways scammers reach victims — internet, mail, phone, and in person — and how to recognize suspicious contact.
Learn the emotional tactics scammers use — phantom riches, authority, scarcity, intimidation, and more — and how to recognize when your feelings are being manipulated.
Learn which personal information scammers value most and the best practices for keeping your Social Security number, Medicare number, and financial details safe.
Learn the five steps to take when you suspect a scam — stop communicating, do not send money, verify, talk to someone you trust, and report it.
Go deeper into how scams unfold, how scammers create pressure, and how to recognize more complex multi-step scams.
Learn how to recognize cloned shopping websites, fake recall messages, unsafe payment requests, package scams, and AI-assisted fraud.
Learn how QR code scams work, where they appear, and how to check preview links before tapping.
Learn how AI voice cloning and deepfake scams work, why familiar voices are no longer enough proof, and how to verify urgent money requests safely.
Learn how romance scams, pig butchering, call center fraud, and AI tricks build trust over time — and how to verify before sending money.
Learn how to check tax preparers, verify IRS notices, request an Identity Protection PIN, and respond after tax-related fraud.
Examine fake checks, impersonation, repeated payment demands, recovery scams, and the psychological techniques used to make prize scams convincing.
Learn how charity fraud can happen outside and inside an organization, how weak controls create risk, and how caregivers can notice signs of financial exploitation.
Learn how to examine Marketplace accounts, confirm payments, avoid advanced scam stories, report suspicious users, and respond after money or information has been shared.
Recognize convincing fake check scams that use AI, polished websites, realistic jobs, impersonation, and multi-step payment instructions.
Learn how fake tech support scams can turn into fake banking emergencies involving "safe accounts," cash, gold, couriers, and Bitcoin ATMs.
Learn what identity theft is, how criminals use stolen information, warning signs to watch for, and steps to prevent it.
Learn about harmful software like adware and ransomware, how hidden URLs work, and simple habits to stay safe online.
Learn about common Medicare fraud schemes — genetic testing scams, equipment billing fraud, upcoding, and medical identity theft — and how to protect yourself in Hawaii.
Learn how older adults are financially exploited — including the grandparent scam, caregiver theft, and property fraud — and the warning signs to watch for.
Learn the five steps to recover after identity theft — fraud alerts, credit freezes, FTC reporting, police reports, and ongoing monitoring.
Recognize fake emails and dangerous links.
Learn how to spot fake emails that try to steal your passwords, money, or personal information.
Protect your logins and online accounts.
Simple steps to create passwords that are hard to guess and easy for you to manage safely.
Buy online with confidence and avoid fake stores.
Simple ways to recognize suspicious stores, advertisements, sellers, and payment requests.
Learn how fake stores, marketplace tricks, payment scams, and delivery messages work.
Understand everyday technology in plain language.
Understand what CAPTCHA checks are, why websites use them, and how to avoid fake CAPTCHA tricks used by scammers.
A calm, beginner-friendly lesson for learning the basic parts of your phone one step at a time.
Know what to do right away if something goes wrong.
Clear steps to take right away if you shared information, sent money, or clicked something suspicious.