# OwlGuardian: full content > Plain-text copy of OwlGuardian's scam library, recovery guides and FAQ for AI assistants. Canonical pages at https://owlguardian.net. Updated 2026-10-14. --- ## FAQ (https://owlguardian.net/faq) ### My loved one is smart and careful — do they really need this? This is the most common reaction, and the hard truth is: being smart and careful used to be enough. Today’s scam emails are written using the same AI tools you might use to draft an email — they’re polished, personal, and free of the obvious tells (broken English, weird formatting, stock images) that used to give scams away. The Consumer Federation of America estimated in March 2026 that Americans lose $119 billion annually to online fraud, with a disproportionate share of those losses falling on people over 60. The gap between “obvious scam” and “looks completely real” has nearly closed. It’s not about intelligence anymore. ### How are modern scams different from the junk in my Gmail spam folder? Spam filters are great at catching mass-mailed junk — the “you won the lottery” emails sent to ten million addresses at once. They’re not built for the more dangerous category: a scammer who’s done a few minutes of research on your loved one — their bank, their grandkids’ names, a recent purchase — and writes one targeted message. That message looks personal, urgent, and plausible. Exactly the kind that sails right past spam filters into the inbox. ### How do scammers exploit fear, and why does that matter? Most scams aren’t about tricking your loved one into believing a lie. They’re about creating enough panic — “your account will be locked in 24 hours,” “your grandson’s been arrested,” “fraudulent charge detected” — that they act before they think. Scammers test which emotional triggers work and reuse the ones that do. OwlGuardian’s job is to interrupt that 30-second window between “I’m panicking” and “I just transferred my savings.” ### What email providers does OwlGuardian work with? OwlGuardian currently works exclusively with Gmail, the most popular and secure email provider. However, we’re working on expanding support to other email providers in the future. ### What is a Trusted Contact, and why is that the heart of OwlGuardian? A Trusted Contact is someone the protected user chooses to back them up — usually an adult child or close family member. When OwlGuardian flags a suspicious email, it doesn’t alert your loved one (who’s the target of the manipulation). It alerts you, the person with calm distance to evaluate it. Scams exploit isolation — the moment when someone is alone with their phone, panicking. Trusted Contacts break that isolation. That’s the part no spam filter can do. And the bigger gift, beyond any single scam blocked, is the peace of mind — yours and theirs — that someone has their back. ### What actually happens when OwlGuardian spots a suspicious email? Within seconds of a suspicious email arriving, OwlGuardian moves it out of your loved one’s inbox into a quarantine folder so they don’t accidentally click it. At the same time, you get a push notification with a preview of what was flagged. You review it in the OwlGuardian app and either release it back to their inbox in a couple of taps, or leave it quarantined. Your loved one never has to make the call alone. ### Will my loved one feel watched or notice OwlGuardian running? OwlGuardian works silently in the background. Your loved one doesn’t get notifications about flagged emails, and won’t see anything different in Gmail. They just experience the world as if scams stopped reaching them. They can always open the OwlGuardian app to see what’s been quarantined — total transparency — but they don’t need to. ### What if OwlGuardian flags something that’s actually legitimate? It happens, especially in the first week or two while the system learns your loved one’s normal correspondence. When a legitimate email gets flagged, you can release it back to their inbox in a couple of taps. After two safe-marks from the same sender, OwlGuardian stops re-flagging mail from them — the false positive rate drops quickly. We err on the side of asking you to review one extra email rather than letting one scam through. ### What is “Call My Owl”? Call My Owl is OwlGuardian’s instant scam-check feature for things that don’t arrive by email — a suspicious text, a fake popup, a strange-looking letter in the mail, a phone number on a Post-It a stranger gave them. Your loved one has three ways to use it. Inside the app, tap Call My Owl to either take a photo of something physical (a letter, a flyer, a piece of mail) or pick an existing screenshot from their camera roll. Or, hands-free: say “Hey Siri, call my Owl” while looking at anything suspicious on their screen — a text message, a Facebook DM, a website, a phishing popup. OwlGuardian analyzes the image and tells them whether it looks like a scam, usually in about five seconds. ### When would my loved one actually use Call My Owl? Most often: when they get a text claiming to be from their bank, USPS, Apple, the IRS, or a family member in trouble. The right move is to not click anything and verify first — but in the moment, panic kicks in. Saying “Hey Siri, call my Owl” gives them an instant second opinion they can summon by voice. They don’t have to call you, dig up the bank’s real number, or risk clicking the wrong thing. ### What can my loved one see, and what can I see? Your loved one can see everything OwlGuardian sees — the same flagged emails, the same review history — inside the app. You, as the Trusted Contact, only see emails OwlGuardian has flagged as suspicious. You don’t see their normal correspondence, their finances, their medical scheduling, or anything that came through clean. The boundary is firm: OwlGuardian shows you only what your loved one is being exposed to that’s potentially dangerous. Their privacy stays intact for everything else. ### What does OwlGuardian cost, and why isn’t it free? OwlGuardian is $4.99 per month, and you can try it free for 30 days before you’re ever charged. There’s just one subscription per person you’re protecting — no matter how many family members are helping out, no one is billed twice. Whoever sets up the subscription is the one who pays for it, which in many families is the adult child doing the protecting. As for why it isn’t free: every email is analyzed by real AI, and every “Call My Owl” check runs an image through that same analysis — each of those costs money to run, along with the secure, encrypted infrastructure behind them. Just as important, OwlGuardian doesn’t show ads and doesn’t sell anyone’s data — the subscription is the entire reason it can exist. It keeps our incentives simple and honest: you’re the customer, not the product. ### Is OwlGuardian itself safe? Absolutely. OwlGuardian was built with your loved one’s privacy and security in mind from the start. It earned a perfect score on a rigorous independent code audit called the Cloud Application Security Assessment (CASA) — the review Google requires of any app that wants to connect to Gmail. Your loved one’s data is double-encrypted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers, and only suspect messages are ever stored for your review — then deleted. And only you, the Trusted Contact, can view those flagged messages. No one else can. Not even the person who built OwlGuardian. --- ## Unpaid toll text scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/toll-text-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A text saying you owe an unpaid toll and must pay through a link is almost always a scam, even if you drive toll roads. The FTC says these scammers pose as toll agencies to steal card numbers and even Social Security numbers. Do not click the link. Check any toll balance by going to your toll agency's website or app yourself. ### How it works - You get a text that looks like it comes from a state toll agency, such as E-ZPass, SunPass or FasTrak. - It names a small amount, often around $11 to $13, and threatens a late fee or trouble with your license. - The link opens a fake payment page built to look like the real toll service. - Whatever you type in, such as your card number, address or Social Security number, goes straight to the scammer. ### Red flags - The text has a link to pay. FasTrak, for one, says it does not ask for payment by text with a link. - The web address is not your toll agency's real site. It may end in something odd like .top or .xyz. - It threatens a fine, a late fee or your driver's license if you do not pay today. - You got it from an unknown number, or from a number in another state. - You have not driven on a toll road lately, or you live in a state with no toll roads. People in those states get these texts too. - The payment page asks for your Social Security number or date of birth to pay a small toll. ### If you got this message - Do not tap the link and do not reply, not even with STOP. - If you are worried you really owe a toll, look up your toll agency's website or phone number on your own and check there. - Report the text. Use the "Report Junk" option in your messages app, or forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). - You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - Delete the text. ### If you already acted - If you entered a card number, call the number on the back of your card or use the official app. Say it was a scam, ask them to block the card, and dispute the charge. - If you only opened the page, watch your card statements closely for the next few weeks. - If you gave your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It is free. - If you typed a password on the fake site, change that password, and change it anywhere else you used it. - Report what happened at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - Tell a family member or friend. You did nothing foolish. These texts fool careful people every day. ### Questions Q: Is the unpaid toll text real or a scam? A: If it asks you to pay through a link, treat it as a scam. The FTC says these texts are usually scams, even if you have driven on a toll road recently. Check your balance by going to your toll agency's site or app yourself. Q: What happens if you click on a toll text link? A: Opening the page alone usually does less harm than typing into it. The danger is the form, which collects card numbers and personal details. If you entered anything, call your card company using the number on the back of your card and watch your statements. Q: Why am I getting toll texts when I don't drive on toll roads? A: Scammers send these texts to huge lists of phone numbers at random. People in states with no toll roads get them too. It does not mean anyone knows where you drive. Q: How do I report a toll scam text? A: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use Report Junk in your messages app. You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/toll-road-texts, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/new-trends-reports-imposter-scams --- ## USPS package delivery text scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/usps-package-text-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A text saying USPS can't deliver your package and asking you to click a link or pay a small redelivery fee is a scam. The Postal Inspection Service says real USPS tracking texts come only if you signed up with a tracking number, and they do not contain a link. Fake delivery texts were the most reported text scam of 2024. ### How it works - You get a text that says a package could not be delivered, often because of a "missing" or "incomplete" address. - The link goes to a lookalike site with USPS logos and colors. - The site asks you to confirm your address and pay a tiny fee, so it feels low-risk. - The real goal is your card number, and sometimes your Social Security number or date of birth. ### Red flags - You never signed up for USPS text tracking for this package. - The text has a link. USPIS says real USPS tracking texts will not contain one. - The web address is strange or misspelled, and it is not usps.com. - A deadline, such as "within 12 hours" or "will be returned." - It asks for a fee, a card number, a PIN, your date of birth or your Social Security number. ### If you got this message - Do not tap the link or reply. - If you are expecting a package, track it by typing usps.com yourself, or check with the store that shipped it. - Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). - Email the message text and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov. - Delete the text. ### If you already acted - If you opened the link and started typing, tell your bank or card company right away, even if you never pressed submit. USPIS gives this same advice. Call the number on the back of your card or use the official app. - Ask them to block the card and send a new one, and to dispute any charge you do not recognize. - If you gave your Social Security number or date of birth, follow the steps at IdentityTheft.gov and freeze your credit at all three bureaus. - Report it to spam@uspis.gov and at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - Keep an eye on your statements for the next few months. ### Questions Q: Does USPS send text messages about packages? A: Only if you signed up for tracking texts and gave a tracking number. Even then, USPIS says the text will not contain a link. A USPS text with a link is a scam. Q: What happens if I clicked the USPS text link? A: If you only opened the page, watch your card statements. If you typed anything, call your bank or card company using the number on your card, even if you did not press submit. Q: Why does the fake USPS text ask for such a small fee? A: A tiny fee feels harmless, so people pay without thinking. The scammer does not want the 30 cents. They want your full card number. Q: How do I report a fake USPS text? A: Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), and email the text plus a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov. Then delete it. Sources: https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024 --- ## Grandparent scam (family emergency and AI voice cloning) URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/grandparent-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 The grandparent scam is a call from someone pretending to be a grandchild or other relative in an emergency, such as an arrest or a car accident, who needs money right away and asks you to keep it secret. Scammers can now use AI to copy a loved one's voice from a short clip posted online. Hang up and call your relative on a number you already know. ### How it works - The phone rings. A young voice says "It's me" and sounds upset. With AI voice cloning, it can sound just like your grandchild. - They describe an emergency, often an arrest or a car accident, and beg you not to tell their parents. - They hand the phone to a "lawyer," "police officer" or "bail agent" who names a dollar amount. - You are told to pay right away by wire, gift cards, cryptocurrency, a payment app or cash. Sometimes someone comes to your door to pick up the money. ### Red flags - A request to keep it secret, such as "please don't let Mom and Dad know." - Pressure to pay right now, before you can check the story. - Payment by gift cards, wire, cryptocurrency, a payment app, money order or cash. - An offer to send a courier to your home to pick up money. - The voice sounds right, but the caller avoids questions only your real grandchild could answer. - Caller ID shows a familiar name or number. Caller ID can be faked. ### If you got this message - Do not trust the voice, even if it sounds exactly right. Say "I'll call you right back" and hang up. - Call your grandchild on the number you already have for them. - If you cannot reach them, call their parents or another family member. - Do not send money, buy gift cards or hand cash to anyone while you check. - Agree on a family code word that only your family knows, and use it in any emergency call. - Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you paid by card, bank transfer or a payment app, call your bank right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app. - If you bought gift cards, call the gift card company right away and ask for a refund. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you used Western Union, MoneyGram or Ria, call them, report the transfer as fraud and ask for it to be reversed. - If you mailed cash or a check, report it to the US Postal Inspection Service. - If they say they will call or come back for more, do not answer. Scammers often return. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. People 60 and over can also call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. - Tell your family. These calls are built to fool loving, careful grandparents. Talking about it helps protect everyone. ### Questions Q: Can scammers clone your grandchild's voice? A: Yes. The FTC warns that a scammer can use AI to clone a loved one's voice from a short audio clip, such as a video posted online. That is why you should hang up and call back on a number you know. Q: What should you do if you get a grandparent scam call? A: Hang up and call your grandchild on their own number. If you can't reach them, call other family. Don't send money while you check, and report the call to the FTC. Q: How do I protect my grandparents from the grandparent scam? A: Set up a family code word, tell them it's always okay to hang up and call you, and remind them that no real emergency requires gift cards, crypto or a courier at the door. Q: What happens if you sent money in a grandparent scam? A: Act fast. Call the bank, gift card company or wire service you used and report fraud. Report it to the FTC and, if you are 60 or over, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Sources: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/scam-alert/grandparent-scams-get-more-sophisticated, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes --- ## Tech support scam (pop-ups and calls) URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/tech-support-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A pop-up or call saying your computer has a virus and you must call a number for help is a tech support scam. The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number, and real tech companies won't contact you out of the blue. Close the page, don't call, and never let a stranger connect to your computer. ### How it works - A loud, full-screen warning appears while you browse. It may beep or seem to lock the screen. It looks like it comes from Microsoft, Apple or a security company. - It tells you to call a phone number. Scammers also buy search ads, so a "tech support" number you look up can be fake too. - The person who answers asks to connect to your computer "to fix it," then shows you fake problems. - They charge for useless repairs, or claim they refunded you too much and need money sent back. They ask for gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or payment apps. ### Red flags - A warning on your screen that tells you to call a phone number. Real ones never do. - An unexpected call, email or text from "Microsoft," "Apple" or "Windows support." - Pressure: "Don't turn off your computer" or "Your bank account is at risk." - A request for remote access to your computer or phone. - Payment by gift card, wire, bank transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app. The FTC says this is like paying in cash. - A "refund" that turns into you sending money back. ### If you got this message - Do not call the number and do not click anything on the warning. - Close the browser. If it won't close, restart the computer. If that doesn't work, hold the power button until it turns off. - If you get a call from "tech support," hang up. - If you think you really have a problem, contact a person or company you already trust, using contact details you find yourself. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Pop-ups pretending to be Microsoft can also be reported at microsoft.com/reportascam. ### If you already acted - If they are still connected, disconnect from the internet. Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable. - If you paid by card or bank account, call the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Report fraud and dispute the charge. - If you paid with gift cards, call the gift card company right away and ask for a refund. Keep the cards and receipts. - Change your passwords, starting with email and banking, and change them anywhere you used the same one. Do this from a different device if you can. - Update your security software and run a full scan, or have someone you trust check the computer. Remove any program the scammer installed. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if you lost money. - Expect follow-up calls offering to "recover" your money. Those are scams too. ### Questions Q: Is the Microsoft security alert pop-up real? A: Not if it asks you to call a number. The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. Close the browser, or restart the computer if it won't close. Q: What to do if a scammer has remote access to your computer? A: Disconnect from the internet, call your bank using the number on your card, change your passwords from another device, and run a security scan or have someone you trust check the computer. Q: Can a pop-up give my computer a virus? A: Most scam pop-ups are just a web page made to look scary. The real harm comes from calling the number, letting someone connect, or paying them. Q: Does Microsoft call you about viruses? A: No. The FTC says legitimate tech companies won't contact you by phone, email or text about problems with your computer. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf --- ## Geek Squad invoice email scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/geek-squad-email-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 An email that looks like a Geek Squad or Best Buy invoice for a tech support renewal you don't remember buying is a scam. The FTC says these fake invoices push you to call a phone number to cancel or get a refund, and the person who answers is the scammer. Don't call. Check your card statement, and if there's no charge, delete it. ### How it works - You get an official-looking invoice with Geek Squad branding, an order number and a charge of a few hundred dollars. - It says you must call within 24 hours to dispute the charge. The number goes straight to the scammer. - The "refund agent" asks to connect to your computer, then has you type your bank or card details into a fake refund page. - They secretly change the numbers to make it look like you were refunded too much, and ask you to send back the "extra" by gift cards, wire or crypto. ### Red flags - You don't have a Geek Squad plan, or you don't remember renewing one. - The sender's address is not from bestbuy.com. It may be a free email account or an odd domain. - It greets you as "Dear Customer" instead of by name. - The only way to cancel is to call a phone number in the email. - A 24-hour deadline, or a warning that the charge becomes non-refundable. - The invoice comes as a PDF attachment or image, often with odd spacing or capital letters. - On the phone, they want remote access to your computer to process a refund. ### If you got this message - Don't call the number, reply or open any attachment. - Look at your card and bank statements, or open your bank's official app. If there's no charge, the email is fake. - If you do see a charge, contact Best Buy using contact details you find yourself at bestbuy.com, or call the number on the back of your card. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - In Gmail, use "Report phishing" or "Report spam," then delete it. ### If you already acted - If you let them connect to your computer, disconnect it from the internet right away. - If you gave bank or card details, call the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Report fraud and ask about stopping payments. - If you bought gift cards or sent a wire, call the gift card company or wire service right away and ask for a refund or reversal. - Change your email and banking passwords from a different device. - Have the computer scanned and cleaned by someone you trust. Remove any remote access program they installed. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if you lost money. ### Questions Q: Why did I get an email from Geek Squad? A: Most likely because scammers send fake Geek Squad invoices to huge email lists. If you don't have a plan, or there is no matching charge on your statement, it's a scam. Q: Is the Geek Squad auto-renewal email real? A: If it tells you to call a phone number to cancel or get a refund, treat it as fake. Check your card statement or sign in at bestbuy.com yourself. Q: What happens if you call the number on a fake Geek Squad email? A: The person who answers will try to get remote access to your computer and your bank details, then trick you into sending money back. Hang up. If you already gave details, call your bank right away. Q: How do I report a Geek Squad scam email? A: Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, mark it as phishing in your email program, and delete it. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf --- ## PayPal invoice and payment email scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/paypal-invoice-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A PayPal invoice, payment notice or money request you don't recognize, especially one that tells you to call a phone number, is a common scam. PayPal says not to click links, call numbers or open attachments in suspicious messages, and to forward them to phishing@paypal.com. Check your account by opening the PayPal app or typing paypal.com yourself. ### How it works - You get an email that looks like a PayPal invoice or payment receipt, often for something alarming, like a bitcoin purchase or an expensive gadget. - A "note" in the invoice tells you to call a number if you didn't make the purchase. - The person who answers pretends to be PayPal support and offers to cancel the charge. - They ask for your login, a verification code, card details or remote access, or have you send money to "reverse" the payment. ### Red flags - It greets you as "Hello user" or "Dear customer." PayPal says its messages always use the full name on your account. - A phone number to call, often tucked into a "note from seller." PayPal says not to call numbers listed in suspicious messages. - A charge you don't recognize, for crypto, electronics or software. - Urgency, such as "due upon receipt" or "cancel before the payment is processed." - A request for your password or a verification code. PayPal says those are for you only, and even a real representative shouldn't ask for them. - An attachment you weren't expecting. ### If you got this message - Don't click "View and Pay," don't call the number, and don't open attachments. - Open the PayPal app or type paypal.com into your browser and sign in. Look at your activity there. If the charge isn't there, the email is fake. - Don't pay an invoice you don't recognize. Unknown invoices can be ignored. - Forward the email to phishing@paypal.com, then delete it. - You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you gave your PayPal password, open the PayPal app or type paypal.com yourself, sign in and change your password right away. Change it anywhere else you used it. - If you shared a verification code or let someone connect to your device, contact PayPal through the Contact page in its Help Center and tell them. - If you paid or gave card or bank details, call the number on the back of your card or in your bank's official app. Report fraud and dispute the charge. - If they connected to your computer, disconnect from the internet and have the computer checked. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if you lost money. ### Questions Q: How do I know if a PayPal email is real? A: PayPal says its messages always use the full name on your account. The safest check is to ignore the email, open the PayPal app or type paypal.com yourself, and look at your activity. Q: Should I call the number on a PayPal invoice? A: No. PayPal says not to call phone numbers listed in suspicious messages, and to contact it only through the Contact page in its Help Center. Q: What happens if I ignore a PayPal invoice? A: Nothing is charged unless you choose to pay it. An invoice is a request, not a charge. If you don't recognize it, don't pay it. Q: How do I report a PayPal scam email? A: Forward it to phishing@paypal.com, then delete it. You can also report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Sources: https://www.paypal.com/us/security/learn-about-fake-messages, https://www.paypal.com/us/security/report-suspicious-messages, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams --- ## Norton or McAfee renewal email scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/norton-renewal-email-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 An email saying your Norton or McAfee antivirus plan just auto-renewed for hundreds of dollars, and that you must call to cancel, is usually a scam. The FTC lists Norton and McAfee among the names scammers use on fake renewal notices. Don't call. Sign in to your real Norton or McAfee account yourself, or check your card statement. ### How it works - The email borrows a name you trust, like Norton or McAfee, and a product that sounds real, like "Norton 360" or "Total Protection." - It says your plan renewed automatically and names a big charge, so you feel you must act fast. - It gives a "cancellation" phone number and a 24-hour refund window. - On the call, the scammer asks for remote access and your bank details to process a refund, then claims they over-refunded you and asks for the difference back. ### Red flags - You don't use Norton or McAfee, or you didn't buy the plan named. - The sender's address is not norton.com or mcafee.com. Look for swapped letters, like a zero in place of an "o." - The refund deadline is only 24 hours. - The only way to cancel is to call a number in the email. - It says "Hi" or "Dear customer" with no name, and no part of your account details. - The amount is much higher than antivirus usually costs you, or it's for more devices than you own. ### If you got this message - Don't call the number or click links in the email. - Check your card or bank statement, or your bank's official app. If there's no charge, delete the email. - If you do use Norton or McAfee, type norton.com or mcafee.com into your browser and sign in to check your plan. Turn off auto-renewal there if you want to. - If you see a real charge you didn't expect, contact the company through its own website, or call the number on the back of your card. - Report the fake email at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, then mark it as phishing and delete it. ### If you already acted - If you let the caller onto your computer, disconnect from the internet now. - If you shared card or bank details, call the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Report fraud and ask them to block the card. - If you sent gift cards, a wire or crypto, contact the gift card company, wire service or your bank right away. - Change your email and banking passwords from a different device. - Have the computer checked and cleaned by someone you trust. Your real antivirus can't protect you from a program you were talked into installing. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if you lost money. ### Questions Q: Is the Norton subscription renewal email a scam? A: If it tells you to call a phone number to cancel or get a refund, it's very likely a scam. Check by signing in at norton.com yourself, or look for the charge on your card statement. Q: Why am I getting McAfee renewal emails when I don't have McAfee? A: Scammers send fake renewal notices to huge email lists, using names like McAfee and Norton. If you never bought the product, it's a scam. Delete it. Q: What if I called the number on a fake Norton email? A: If you only talked, hang up and don't call back. If you gave bank details or let them onto your computer, disconnect from the internet, call your bank using the number on your card, and change your passwords. Q: How do I cancel Norton auto-renewal safely? A: Type norton.com into your browser, sign in to your account, and turn off automatic renewal in your subscription settings. Never use a phone number from an email. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams --- ## Medicare scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/medicare-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A call, text or email saying you need a new Medicare card, or asking for your Medicare, bank or card number, is a scam. Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically, and Medicare won't contact you out of the blue to ask for your number or to sell you anything. Scammers get busier during Open Enrollment, Oct 15 to Dec 7. ### How it works - The scammer calls, texts or emails, often during Open Enrollment. Caller ID may show "Medicare" or a real-looking number. - They offer a "new" or "updated" Medicare card, extra benefits, or a better plan. - They ask you to "verify" your Medicare number, bank account or card number. - Your number is then used to bill Medicare for services you never got, or your bank details are used to take money. ### Red flags - Someone says you need a new Medicare card. Cards are free and mailed automatically. - An unexpected call, text or email asking for your Medicare, Social Security, bank or card number. - Someone claims to be from Medicare and tries to sell you something. - Caller ID says "Medicare." Caller ID can be faked. - Pressure to decide today, or a warning that you'll lose coverage. - An offer of free gifts, gear or tests in exchange for your Medicare number. ### If you got this message - Hang up. Don't give your Medicare, Social Security, bank or card number. - If you want to check, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) yourself. - Ignore texts and emails about Medicare cards or benefits, and don't click their links. - Compare plans during Open Enrollment through sources you choose, not callers who reach out to you. - Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you gave your Medicare number, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and tell them. - Read your Medicare Summary Notices and benefit statements for any service or equipment you didn't get. Report errors to Medicare. - Contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol for help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud and errors. - If you gave bank or card details, call the number on the back of your card or in the official app. - If you gave your Social Security number, follow the steps at IdentityTheft.gov and freeze your credit. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### Questions Q: Does Medicare call you about a new card? A: No. Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically. Anyone who calls saying you need a new card and asks for your number is a scammer. Q: What happens if I gave a scammer my Medicare number? A: It can be used to bill Medicare for services you never got. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), watch your Medicare statements for errors, and contact your local Senior Medicare Patrol. Q: Why am I getting so many Medicare calls? A: Scammers get busier during Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs Oct 15 to Dec 7. Medicare won't call out of the blue to sell you anything, so it's safe to hang up. Q: How do I report a Medicare scam call? A: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/medicare-open-enrollment-season-learn-how-protect-yourself-scams --- ## Bank impersonation and Zelle scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/bank-impersonation-zelle-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A call or text claiming to be your bank's fraud department, asking you to move money to keep it safe or to read back a verification code, is a scam. Your money is fine where it is. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card or in your bank's official app. ### How it works - You get a text or call about a large or suspicious transaction. It may ask you to reply YES or NO. - A "fraud specialist" calls. Caller ID may show your bank's name. - They say your account is at risk and offer to "protect" your money by moving it, often by Zelle, wire, or to a "safe" account. - They ask you to read back a one-time code, which lets them into your account, or have you send the money yourself. - Once the money is sent, it goes to the scammer. ### Red flags - Anyone who tells you to move money to keep it safe. Your bank will never ask this. - A request to read back a verification code sent to your phone. - A text asking you to reply YES or NO about a large charge, followed by a call. - A callback number given to you by the caller or in the text. It goes to the scammer. - Caller ID showing your bank's name. Caller ID can be faked. - Pressure to act right now, or to stay on the line while you go to the bank. ### If you got this message - Don't move any money. Your money is fine where it is. - Never read a verification code to anyone who contacted you. - Hang up. Call the number on the back of your card or in your bank's official app, and ask if there's a problem. - Don't reply to the text or call any number in it. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). ### If you already acted - Call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Say you were scammed and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Speed matters. - If you sent money by Zelle, report it to your bank first. Zelle payments go through your bank. You can also report the scam at zelle.com/support/report-scam. - If you shared a code or password, ask your bank to lock your online banking, then change your password. - If you sent a wire, ask your bank to recall it, and call the wire service if you used Western Union, MoneyGram or Ria. - Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. People 60 and over can also call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. - Tell your family, and keep your expectations realistic. The FTC warns bank transfers have fewer protections than credit cards, so getting money back is hard, but reporting quickly gives you the best chance. ### Questions Q: Will my bank ever ask me to move money to a safe account? A: No. The FTC says anyone who tells you to move money to protect it is a scammer. Your money is fine where it is. Q: Can I get my money back if I sent it by Zelle to a scammer? A: Maybe, but act fast. Call your bank using the number on your card or in the official app and report it as fraud. The FTC warns that bank transfers have fewer protections than credit cards. Q: What should I do if I gave a scammer a verification code? A: Call your bank right away using the number on the back of your card. Ask them to lock your account, then change your online banking password. Q: How do I know if a call from my bank is real? A: You can't tell from caller ID, because it can be faked. Hang up and call the number on the back of your card or in your bank's official app. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://www.zelle.com/support/report-scam --- ## Social Security impersonation scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/social-security-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A call, text, letter or social media message saying your Social Security number will be suspended or your benefits will stop unless you pay or move money right away is a scam. In 2026, impostors began using the names of real Social Security employees and sending photos of fake badges to look official. Real Social Security employees never send badge photos, demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest. ### How it works - Someone contacts you by phone, text, email, letter or social media and says they work for Social Security or its Inspector General. - They say your Social Security number is being suspended or your benefits will stop. - To seem real, they may use the name of an actual Social Security employee, fake the caller ID, or send a photo of a badge. - They push you to pay right away, or to move your money to “protect it,” using gift cards, crypto, a wire transfer, cash or even gold bars. ### Red flags - They send a photo of a badge or ID. Real employees never do. - They demand payment right now, or ask for your Social Security number or bank details. - They want gift cards, gold bars, cryptocurrency, a wire transfer or cash. - They threaten arrest or legal action. - They say your money isn't safe and you need to move it. - Caller ID shows a government number. Scammers can fake that. ### If you got this message - Hang up, or don't reply. You don't owe the caller anything, not even politeness. - Don't call back any number they give you, and don't trust the caller ID. - If you want to check, contact Social Security yourself using contact details from ssa.gov, not from the message. - Talk it over with someone you trust before you do anything with your money. - Report it to the Social Security Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from the scammer. - If you paid with gift cards, call the company named on the card right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for your money back. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you sent a wire, call the company and ask them to reverse it: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. - If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Freezing is free. - Report what happened at ic3.gov, oig.ssa.gov/report and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you report it (weekdays, 10am to 6pm Eastern). - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Questions Q: Would a real Social Security employee send me a picture of their badge? A: No. The Social Security Inspector General says no legitimate government employee will ever send photos of badges or credentials. A badge photo is a sign of a scam. Q: The caller used a real Social Security employee's name. Does that mean it's real? A: No. Scammers now look up real employee names to seem believable. Hang up and contact Social Security yourself using details from ssa.gov. Q: Why would they tell me to move my money to keep it safe? A: Because that's how they take it. Government impersonators often say “your money isn't safe, move it to protect it.” Your money is safer where it is. Call your bank using the number on your card if you're worried. Q: Where do I report a Social Security scam? A: Report it to the Social Security Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and the FBI at ic3.gov. Sources: https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-alerts/2026-04-28-new-wave-of-imposter-scams-criminals-using-real-ssa-employee-names-and-fake-badges/, https://www.ssa.gov/blog/en/posts/2026-09-25.html, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## IRS impersonation scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/irs-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A call, text, email or social media message from the “IRS” that demands payment now, threatens you, or asks for personal or financial details is almost always a scam. The IRS normally contacts you first by mail through the U.S. Postal Service, and a social media direct message is never from the IRS. If you're unsure, don't respond, and contact the IRS yourself through irs.gov. ### How it works - You get an unexpected call, text, email or social media message from someone who says they're with the IRS. - They say you owe back taxes, or that there's a problem with your return or refund. - They rush you and threaten arrest, a lawsuit or other trouble if you don't pay now. - They ask you to pay, or to share personal and financial details, over the phone or through a link. ### Red flags - It demands payment right now. - It asks for personal or financial information. - It rushes you or threatens you. - It's unexpected, especially a first contact by phone, text or email. - It arrives as a social media direct message. The IRS never contacts you that way. - It's a text or email you never signed up for. The IRS only emails or texts if you opted in. ### If you got this message - Don't click any link, reply, or call back a number from the message. - If you're worried you really owe something, contact the IRS yourself through irs.gov. - Forward IRS-themed scam emails to phishing@irs.gov, then delete them. - Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM), then delete them. - Report IRS impersonation calls to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484 or tigta.gov, and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from the scammer. - If you paid with gift cards, call the company named on the card right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for your money back. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you sent a wire, call the company and ask them to reverse it: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. - If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Freezing is free. - If you typed a password into a fake site, change it now, and change it anywhere else you used the same one. - Report it to tigta.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If money was lost online, also report it at ic3.gov. - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Questions Q: Does the IRS ever text or email you? A: Only if you opted in. The IRS says it normally contacts you first by mail through the U.S. Postal Service. An unexpected IRS text or email, especially one with a payment link, is a red flag. Q: Will the IRS call and threaten to arrest me? A: Threats are one of the IRS's own listed warning signs of a scam, along with demands to pay now and pressure to hurry. Hang up and contact the IRS yourself through irs.gov. Q: Is a social media message from the IRS real? A: No. The IRS says a social media direct message is never from the IRS. Q: How do I report an IRS scam? A: Forward scam emails to phishing@irs.gov. Report calls to TIGTA at 1-800-366-4484 or tigta.gov, and report any scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Sources: https://www.irs.gov/help/how-to-know-its-the-irs, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## Romance scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/romance-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A romance scam is when someone builds an online relationship to win your trust, then asks for money. The person can never meet in person, often saying they're overseas, on an oil rig or in the military, and soon needs help with medical bills, travel, visas or legal trouble, or offers to teach you to invest in crypto. Never send money or gifts to someone you haven't met in person. ### How it works - The scammer creates a fake profile on a dating site or social media, and reaches out. - They chat often and warmly, and quickly ask to move to texting or a private messaging app. - They always have a reason they can't meet: working abroad, on an oil rig, in the military, or with an international group. - Once you trust them, an urgent need appears: medical bills, a plane ticket, a visa, legal trouble. Or they offer to teach you crypto investing. - Each payment leads to another request. ### Red flags - Strong feelings very early from someone you've never met. - They want to leave the dating site or app right away. - They always have a reason they can't meet or video chat. - They ask for money or gifts, for any reason. - Their profile photos show up online under other names. - They offer to help you invest in cryptocurrency. ### If you got this message - Don't send money or gifts to anyone you haven't met in person. - Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member, and listen if they're worried. - Do a reverse image search of their profile photos, for example with Google Images. If the photos appear under other names, it's a scam. - Stop contact, and report the profile to the dating site or app. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - Stop sending money, even if they promise it's the last time or that they'll pay you back. - If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from the scammer. - If you paid with gift cards, call the company named on the card right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for your money back. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you sent a wire, call the company and ask them to reverse it: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. - If you sent cryptocurrency, report it at ic3.gov with as many details as you can: dates, amounts, wallet addresses and the names they used. - Report the profile to the platform, and report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you report it (weekdays, 10am to 6pm Eastern). - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. - Be kind to yourself. Romance scammers are professionals who fool careful, intelligent people. The AARP Fraud Watch Helpline, 1-877-908-3360, has trained volunteers who can talk it through. ### Questions Q: How can I tell if someone I met online is a romance scammer? A: Watch for fast, intense feelings, a reason they can never meet, a push to leave the dating site, and any request for money or gifts. Reverse-search their photos. If the pictures appear under other names, it's a scam. Q: My mom is in a romance scam and won't believe me. What can I do? A: Stay calm and avoid blame. Shame makes it harder to talk. Ask gentle questions, like whether they've ever video chatted, and do a reverse image search together. The AARP Fraud Watch Helpline (1-877-908-3360) can also talk with her. Q: Can I get my money back from a romance scammer? A: Sometimes, if you act fast. Contact your bank, the gift card company, or the wire service right away and report the fraud. Be careful of anyone who offers to recover your money for a fee. That's another scam. Q: Why won't they ever meet in person or video chat? A: Because they aren't who they say they are. Excuses like working overseas, on an oil rig, or in the military are common romance scam stories, according to the FTC. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## Amazon impersonation scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/amazon-impersonation-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A call or text about a “suspicious purchase” on your Amazon account is a scam when it pushes you to call back, share information, or move money. The FTC says these callers build a story about identity theft, then hand you off to a fake bank, a fake FTC agent or a fake police officer to get you to drain your bank or retirement accounts. To check, open the Amazon app or website yourself and look at your orders. ### How it works - You get a call, voicemail or text about a suspicious purchase or problem on your Amazon account. - The “Amazon fraud department” says your identity was stolen, or that your Social Security number was used to open accounts. - They transfer you to a fake bank employee, then maybe a fake FTC agent or police officer, who may threaten arrest. - Everyone tells you to keep it secret and to move your money somewhere “safe.” That account belongs to the scammer. ### Red flags - An unexpected call or text about an order you don't recognize. - A callback number in a voicemail or text. - Caller ID that says Amazon or a bank. It can be faked. - Being told to keep it a secret from family or your bank. - Any request to move money, buy gift cards, or put cash in a Bitcoin ATM. - Being handed off to a “government agent” or police officer who threatens arrest. ### If you got this message - Hang up, or don't reply to the text. - Don't call back any number left in a voicemail or text. - Open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself, and check your orders. If there's no strange order, there's no problem. - Talk to someone you trust before you move any money. - Report it to Amazon at amazon.com/reportascam and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from the scammer. - If you paid with gift cards, call the company named on the card right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for your money back. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you sent a wire, call the company and ask them to reverse it: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. - If you let them onto your computer, update your security software and run a scan, and change any passwords you used while they were connected. - If you gave your Amazon password, log in through the app or website yourself and change it. - If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Freezing is free. - Report it to Amazon at amazon.com/reportascam, to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and if money was lost, at ic3.gov. - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Questions Q: How can I tell if an email from Amazon is real? A: Don't use the links, buttons or phone numbers in the email. Open the Amazon app or type amazon.com yourself and look at Your Orders. If the order or problem isn't there, the email is fake. Fake "order confirmation" and "account locked" emails are common, and they often push you to call a number to cancel a purchase you never made. Forward fakes to reportascam@amazon.com. Q: I got a call about a suspicious Amazon purchase. Is it real? A: Treat it as a scam. The FTC says to hang up and check your orders yourself by logging into the Amazon app or website. If the order isn't there, it was a scam. Q: I got a text about an Amazon order I didn't make. What should I do? A: Don't tap the link or call the number. Open the Amazon app yourself and look at your orders, then forward the text to 7726 and delete it. Q: The caller transferred me to the FTC or the police. Does that make it real? A: No. Handing you to a fake bank, a fake FTC agent or a fake police officer is part of this scam. Real agencies won't tell you to move your money or keep it secret. Q: How do I report a fake Amazon call, text or email? A: Report it at amazon.com/reportascam or email reportascam@amazon.com, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/did-you-get-call-or-text-about-suspicious-purchase-amazon-its-scam, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/new-trends-reports-imposter-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## Gift card payment scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/gift-card-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 If anyone tells you to pay them with a gift card, it's a scam. The FTC says only scammers ask for payment this way, whether they claim to be the IRS, Social Security, tech support, a utility, a prize company, a loved one in trouble, or a new romantic partner. If you already shared gift card numbers, call the company that issued the card right away and ask for your money back. ### How it works - Someone contacts you with an urgent story. They may pretend to be the government, tech support, a utility, a prize company, a family member, or a romantic interest. - They tell you exactly which gift card to buy and where, sometimes at several stores. - They may stay on the phone with you while you shop. - They ask for the card number and PIN, or a photo of the back of the card. Once they have it, the money can be gone in minutes. ### Red flags - Anyone asks you to pay with a gift card. That alone means it's a scam. - They tell you which brand of card to buy and which store to go to. - They want you to visit more than one store. - They stay on the phone while you're in the store. - They ask for the numbers and PIN on the back, or a photo of the card. - They say it's urgent or that you'll be in trouble if you don't. ### If you got this message - Stop. Hang up or stop replying. Gift cards are for gifts, not payments. - Don't read card numbers or PINs to anyone, and don't send photos of the back of a card. - Call someone you trust and tell them what happened. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, even if you didn't pay. ### If you already acted - Call the company that issued the gift card right away, no matter how long ago it happened. Tell them the card was used in a scam and ask for your money back. - Numbers for common gift card companies: Amazon 1-888-280-4331, Apple 1-800-275-2273, Best Buy 1-888-237-8289, Target 1-800-544-2943, Walmart 1-888-537-5503, Visa 1-800-847-2911, Vanilla 1-833-322-6760, American Express 1-877-297-4438. For other brands, see ftc.gov/giftcards. - Keep the gift cards and the store receipts. You may need them. - If you also shared bank or card details, call your bank or card company. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app. - If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Freezing is free. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you report it (weekdays, 10am to 6pm Eastern). - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Questions Q: Can I get my money back from a gift card scam? A: Sometimes, if you act fast. The FTC says to report it to the gift card company right away, no matter how long ago it happened, and ask for your money back. Keep the card and receipt. Q: Does the IRS, Social Security or a court ever accept gift cards? A: No. The Social Security Inspector General says no legitimate government employee will ask for gift cards, and the FTC says only scammers say you can pay a fine with gift cards. Q: Someone on the phone wants me to buy gift cards right now. What do I do? A: Hang up. It's a scam, no matter who they say they are. Then call a family member or friend you trust and tell them about the call. Q: Why do scammers want gift cards? A: Gift cards work like cash. Once a scammer has the numbers and PIN, they can spend the money quickly, and it's hard to trace or reverse. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/only-scammers-tell-you-buy-gift-card-pay-them, https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-alerts/2026-04-28-new-wave-of-imposter-scams-criminals-using-real-ssa-employee-names-and-fake-badges/, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/06/ignore-calls-texts-and-emails-threatening-arrest-you-missing-jury-duty, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## Crypto investment scam (pig butchering) URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/crypto-investment-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A crypto investment scam, often called “pig butchering,” starts with a friendly, romantic or professional online contact who later suggests investing in cryptocurrency. You're sent to a realistic fake platform that shows big profits, and small withdrawals may work, but larger withdrawals are blocked and the money is gone. The FBI says if someone you met online or by text pitches an investment, it's likely fraud. ### How it works - It often starts with a “wrong number” text, a social media message, or a dating profile. The stranger becomes a friend or more. - Over weeks, they mention how well they're doing with crypto investing and offer to show you how. - They send you to a professional-looking website or app that shows your balance and “profits” growing. Those numbers are fake. - They may let you take out a small amount to build trust. When you try to withdraw more, it's blocked. - Some victims are told to put cash into a Bitcoin ATM. Once deposited, it goes straight to the scammer. ### Red flags - Someone you met online or by text brings up an investment. - A “wrong number” text that turns into a friendship. - Pressure to act fast, or to keep it from family and friends. - A platform that shows big gains but won't let you withdraw. - Being told to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM. - Being told to ignore the FBI or your bank if they contact you. ### If you got this message - Take a beat. Don't send money to an investment suggested by someone you met online. - Do your own research, and talk to family or a financial professional you already know. - Stop replying, and block the contact. - Report it at ic3.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - Stop sending money, even if you're told one more payment will unlock your account. - Call your bank right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app. - File a report at ic3.gov as soon as you can. Include every detail: dates, amounts, wallet addresses, website names and the names the scammer used. - If you used a Bitcoin ATM, keep your receipts and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the ATM operator listed on the receipt. - Tell your family. You don't have to handle this alone. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you report it (weekdays, 10am to 6pm Eastern). - Don't pay a “crypto recovery” service. The FBI warns that anyone claiming they can recover your funds may be running another scam, and the FTC says never pay up front for help getting a refund. ### Questions Q: What is a pig butchering scam? A: It's a long con where a scammer builds a friendship or romance online, then talks you into investing in crypto on a fake platform. The FBI calls it confidence-enabled cryptocurrency investment fraud. Q: Can a crypto recovery service get my money back? A: Be very careful. The FBI warns that people claiming they can recover your funds may be running another scam, and the FTC says never pay up front for help getting money back. Report the loss at ic3.gov instead. Q: I was able to withdraw some money. Doesn't that mean it's real? A: No. Scammers often let you take out a small amount to build trust, then block larger withdrawals. Q: Someone told me to put cash into a Bitcoin ATM. Is that a scam? A: Yes. The FTC says only scammers tell you to use a Bitcoin ATM to protect or move your money. Once you deposit the cash, it goes straight to the scammer. Sources: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/operation-level-up-how-the-fbi-is-saving-victims-from-cryptocurrency-investment-fraud, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money, https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2023/psa230824, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## Sweepstakes, lottery and fake PCH prize scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/sweepstakes-lottery-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 If you have to pay to get a prize, it's a scam. Callers pretending to be Publishers Clearing House say you've won millions but must first pay “taxes,” “shipping and handling,” or “processing fees.” Real prizes are free, and it's illegal for U.S. citizens to play a foreign lottery, so a message saying you won one is almost certainly a scam. ### How it works - You get a call, letter, email or text saying you've won a sweepstakes, a lottery, or a Publishers Clearing House prize. - They may say the money is being held at the “Federal Reserve Bank of New York” to sound official. - To collect, you're told to pay “taxes,” “shipping and handling” or “processing fees,” or to give bank or personal details. - Some send a check and ask you to send part of it back. The check later bounces, and you owe the bank. ### Red flags - You have to pay to get your prize. - You have to pay to improve your odds of winning. - You're asked for bank, card or personal information. - It's about a foreign lottery. - They send a check and ask you to send some of the money back. - They mention the Federal Reserve Bank holding your winnings. ### If you got this message - Don't press 1, call back, or reply. - Don't pay anything and don't share bank or personal details. - Talk to someone you trust if you're tempted. It's normal to want to believe it. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the offer came by mail, also report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report. ### If you already acted - If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from the scammer. - If you deposited a check they sent, don't spend it or send any of it back. Tell your bank it may be fake. Banks can release the money before they find out a check is bad. - If you paid with gift cards, call the company named on the card right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for your money back. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you sent a wire, call the company and ask them to reverse it: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. - If you mailed cash or a check, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report or 1-877-876-2455. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you report it (weekdays, 10am to 6pm Eastern). - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Questions Q: Do I have to pay taxes or fees to get a sweepstakes prize? A: Not to the person giving you the prize. The FTC says if you have to pay to get your prize, it's a scam. Real prizes are free. Q: Is a call saying I won a Publishers Clearing House prize real? A: Be very skeptical. PCH impersonators say you've won millions and must pay fees, often claiming the money is at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The FTC's advice is to hang up. Q: They sent me a check for my winnings. Is it safe to deposit? A: No. Fake checks are common in prize scams. Your bank may make the money available before it finds out the check is fake, and then you're responsible for anything you spent or sent. Q: How do I report a fake sweepstakes or lottery call or letter? A: Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For offers that came in the mail, also report to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fake-prize-sweepstakes-and-lottery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/12/hang-pch-impersonators, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## Jury duty and arrest warrant scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scams/jury-duty-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A call, text or email saying you missed jury duty and will be arrested unless you pay a fine is a scam. Callers often pose as a U.S. Marshal or local police and may know your name and address. Real law enforcement never texts or emails an arrest warrant, and courts never demand payment over the phone. ### How it works - You get an urgent call from someone who says they're a U.S. Marshal or a local police officer. - They say you missed jury duty and there's a warrant for your arrest. They may know your name and address. - They may text or email you an official-looking “warrant” that lists what you owe. - They demand you pay right away by payment app, cryptocurrency, gift cards or a wire service like Western Union or MoneyGram. ### Red flags - A threat of arrest unless you pay now. - An arrest warrant sent by text or email. - Caller ID that looks official. It can be faked. - Threats about what happens if you hang up. - Payment by payment app, crypto, gift card or wire transfer. - They know your name and address. That information is easy to find. ### If you got this message - Hang up. You won't be arrested for hanging up. - Don't pay, and don't share personal or bank details. - If you're truly worried you missed a summons, call your local court clerk using the number on the court's official website or on a real summons you received. - Talk to someone you trust about the call. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already acted - If you paid or moved money, call your bank or card company right away. Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app, not a number from the scammer. - If you paid with Zelle, report it to your bank first. For Venmo, call 1-855-812-4430. For Cash App, open your profile in the app and choose Support, or call 1-800-969-1940. - If you paid with gift cards, call the company named on the card right away, tell them it was a scam, and ask for your money back. Keep the cards and receipts. - If you sent a wire, call the company and ask them to reverse it: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. - If you paid with cryptocurrency, report it at ic3.gov with the dates, amounts and wallet addresses. - If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a step-by-step recovery plan, and freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Freezing is free. - Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you report it (weekdays, 10am to 6pm Eastern). - Expect follow-up calls or messages offering to get your money back for a fee. Those are scams too. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Questions Q: Will the police or a U.S. Marshal call me about missing jury duty and ask for a fine? A: No. The FTC says courts never demand payment over the phone, and no government agency does. A call like this is a scam. Hang up. Q: I got an arrest warrant by text or email. Is it real? A: No. Real law enforcement will never text or email you an arrest warrant. Q: The caller knew my name and address. Does that mean it's real? A: No. Scammers often know basic details like your name and address. That doesn't make them police. Q: How can I check if I really missed jury duty? A: Call your local court clerk yourself, using the number on the court's official website or on a summons you received. Don't use any number the caller gave you. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/06/ignore-calls-texts-and-emails-threatening-arrest-you-missing-jury-duty, https://www.ssa.gov/blog/en/posts/2026-09-25.html, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/new-trends-reports-imposter-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help --- ## My parent just got scammed. What do I do now? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/parent Updated: 2026-10-14 First, call your mom or dad's bank or card company using the number on the card, and stop all contact with the scammer. Then lock down their accounts and report it to the FTC and, for anyone 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Through all of it, stay calm and kind: shame makes people hide the next scam. ### Start here: the next 30 minutes Speed matters more than anything else right now. A bank can sometimes stop a payment that has not gone through yet. Do these three things before you sit down for the longer talk. 1. Make sure the scammer is gone: If they are still on the phone, in a chat, or connected to the computer, hang up or close it. If a computer was being controlled, unplug the internet. 2. Call the bank or card company together: Use the number on the back of the card or in the bank's app. Say: "I want to report fraud." Ask them to stop or reverse any payment and to watch the account. 3. Write down what you know: What was paid, how, when, and to whom. Phone numbers, emails, receipts, gift card numbers. You will need this for every report. Do not call any number the scammer gave you, and do not use a number from a text or email. Use the number on the card or statement. ### How to talk to your mom or dad without shame Your parent probably feels embarrassed, scared, or angry at themselves. Some will play it down or say it never happened. That is normal. Scammers are professionals, and they target older adults on purpose. Your goal in this first talk is not to find out who is to blame. It is to get them to keep talking to you, now and the next time something feels off. - Lead with relief, not alarm. "I'm so glad you told me" goes a long way. - Blame the criminal. Say "they tricked you," not "you fell for it." - Normalize it. Doctors, lawyers, and bankers get scammed too. People over 60 reported $7.7 billion in losses to the FBI in 2025. - Ask, don't lecture. "Can you walk me through what happened?" works better than "Why would you do that?" - Offer to do the calls together. Many parents feel better on speaker with you next to them than handing the whole thing over. - Don't take control unless you must. Taking away their phone or checkbook can make them hide things. Agree on next steps with them. "Mom, thank you for telling me. I know that wasn't easy." "These people do this all day. They're really good at it. This is on them, not you." "Can you walk me through what happened? I just want to understand so we can fix what we can." "Let's call the bank together right now. I'll sit with you. You do the talking and I'll help." "If they call back, it's OK to just hang up. You don't owe them anything." "Next time something feels weird, call me first. I promise I won't be upset. I'd rather check ten fake ones than miss one." ### Stay C.A.L.M.: the four steps, adapted for helping a parent OwlGuardian uses one simple framework for every scam. Here is how to work through it with your mom or dad. The step-by-step scam help tool walks you through it based on what happened, and you can print the C.A.L.M. checklist to keep by their phone. 1. C: Cut contact: Block the scammer's number, email, and social profile. Expect them to call back, often pretending to be police, a bank, or a "recovery" service. Agree with your parent that they will hang up on anyone who brings up the scam or the money. 2. A: Alert the bank: Call every bank and card the scammer could touch. Ask for fraud notes on the account, new card numbers, and a new online banking password. Ask if the bank can add you or another person as a trusted contact. Options vary by bank. 3. L: Lock down accounts: Change passwords on email and banking from a device the scammer never touched. Turn on two-step verification. If a Social Security number was shared, freeze credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It is free. 4. M: Make reports: Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to ic3.gov if money was lost online. Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 if your parent is 60 or older. See where to report, in order. ### When to call the National Elder Fraud Hotline The National Elder Fraud Hotline is run by the Justice Department for fraud against people 60 and over. A case manager helps you report the crime and connects you with other help. You can call on your parent's behalf. - Phone: 1-833-372-8311 (833-FRAUD-11) - Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern - Good for: Any scam with money lost, when you don't know where to start, or when several agencies seem involved. ### When to involve Adult Protective Services (APS) Adult Protective Services is a state program that looks into abuse and financial exploitation of older adults. The name differs by state. Find your local office through NAPSA or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. - The person taking money is someone your parent knows: a caregiver, neighbor, new friend, or relative. - Your parent keeps sending money even after being told it's a scam, such as in a romance scam. - You think memory or judgment problems are making your parent an easy target. - Your parent lives alone and has no one else checking on their finances. If your parent is in danger right now, or someone is on the way to pick up cash, call 911. ### In the next few weeks - Check bank and card statements with your parent every week for a month or two. - Pull free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and look for accounts they didn't open. - Watch for "recovery" offers. Scammers sell lists of past victims. Anyone who wants a fee to get the money back is a scammer. Read how to spot crypto recovery scams. - Talk about it again in a few days. Shame often shows up later. Remind your parent they did the right thing by telling you. - If they need someone outside the family to talk to, the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 has trained volunteers. ### Help stop the next one Many people who get scammed once get targeted again. OwlGuardian is an iPhone app that scans your parent's Gmail and quarantines suspicious emails before they see them. You, as their Trusted Contact, get an alert and decide whether to release or keep each one. Your parent can also snap a photo of a letter, text, or pop-up and use Call My Owl for a scam verdict in about five seconds. It does not block calls or texts, and it cannot recover lost money. It costs $4.99 a month after a 30-day free trial. ### Questions Q: My mom got scammed. What do I do first? A: Call her bank or card company using the number on the back of the card and report fraud. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Then cut off contact with the scammer, change her passwords from a safe device, and report it to the FTC and the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Q: My dad got scammed and is embarrassed. How do I bring it up? A: Thank him for telling you, blame the scammer, and ask him to walk you through what happened. Offer to make the calls together. Avoid "why did you" questions. The goal is that he calls you first next time. Q: Should I report my parent's scam to Adult Protective Services? A: Call APS if someone your parent knows is taking money, if they keep sending money after being warned, or if memory or judgment problems are part of the picture. For a stranger scam with a one-time loss, the bank, the FTC, and the National Elder Fraud Hotline are usually the right first calls. Q: Can I call the bank for my mom? A: Usually the bank will need to speak with your mom, or with someone she has given legal authority like power of attorney. The simplest fix is to call together on speaker. Ask the bank how she can add you as a trusted contact. Rules vary by bank. Q: Will my parent get their money back? A: It depends on how they paid. Credit cards have the strongest protections. Gift cards, wires, crypto, and payment apps are much harder. See our guide on getting money back by payment method. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/resources-for-older-adults/reporting-elder-financial-abuse-guide/, https://www.napsa-now.org, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/ --- ## The first 24 hours after a scam: a checklist URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/first-24-hours Updated: 2026-10-14 In the first hour, cut off the scammer and call your bank or the company you paid, using a number you trust. Within a few hours, change passwords from a safe device and freeze your credit if personal details were shared. Before the day ends, report it to the FTC and save every record. ### Take a breath first Being scammed is a crime done to you. It is not a test you failed. You can still limit the damage, and the order you do things in matters. Work down this list. If you get stuck, the scam help tool asks a few questions and gives you a plan, and the printable C.A.L.M. checklist has room to write down names and report numbers. ### Right now (first 15 minutes): Cut contact 1. End the call, chat, or session: Hang up. Close the chat. If someone is controlling your computer, unplug it from the internet or turn off Wi-Fi. 2. Don't send anything else: No more payments, codes, or "fees" to fix the problem. Scammers often ask for one more payment to "release" or "refund" your money. 3. Block them: Block the phone number, email, and profile. Don't reply, even to say you know it's a scam. ### Hour 1: Alert your bank or the payment company This is the single most important call. Money can sometimes be stopped before it settles. 1. Call the fraud line: Use the number on the back of your card or in the official app. Say "I want to report fraud." Ask them to stop or reverse the payment. 2. Call the company you paid through: Gift card company, wire service, payment app, or crypto ATM operator. Our fraud phone numbers page lists verified numbers. 3. Ask for new cards and a new account number if needed: If the scammer has your card or account details, ask the bank to close and reissue them. 4. Write down who you spoke with: Name, date, time, and any case or claim number. See Can you get money back? for what to ask for, based on how you paid. ### Hours 1 to 3: Lock down your accounts 1. Use a safe device: If the scammer had access to your computer or phone, change passwords from a different device. 2. Change email first: Your email can reset every other password. Then do banking, then shopping and social accounts. 3. Turn on two-step verification: This sends a code to your phone when someone signs in. Never read that code to anyone who calls you. 4. Change any reused password: If you gave a password, change it everywhere you used the same one. ### Hours 3 to 6: Protect your identity if you shared personal details - Freeze your credit at Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-888-909-8872). It's free, it doesn't hurt your credit score, and you have to contact each one separately. - Go to IdentityTheft.gov if you shared your Social Security number or think it's being misused. You get a personal recovery plan. - Medicare number shared? Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). - See I gave a scammer my personal information for each type of detail. ### Before the day ends: Make reports 1. FTC: Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. 2. FBI IC3: If money was lost through anything online, file at ic3.gov. Include transaction details. 3. If you are 60 or older: Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern. 4. Scam texts: Forward the text to 7726. Full order and details: Where to report a scam. ### Save everything Don't delete the scam messages until you have reported them. Keep gift cards and receipts even if they are used up. - Screenshots of texts, emails, chats, and pop-ups. - Phone numbers that called you and the times. - Receipts, gift cards, wire forms, crypto ATM receipts, and bank statements. - Names and case numbers from every call you make. ### Over the next few days - Check bank and card accounts every day for a week. - Expect a follow-up "recovery" call. Anyone who wants a fee to get your money back is a scammer. - Get a police report if your bank asks for one. Use the non-emergency number. - Tell a friend or family member. The AARP Fraud Watch Helpline (1-877-908-3360) also has trained volunteers to talk it through. ### Questions Q: What should I do in the first 24 hours after being scammed? A: Cut contact with the scammer, call your bank or the company you paid right away, change your passwords from a safe device, freeze your credit if you shared personal details, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Q: Who do I call first after getting scammed? A: Your bank or card company, using the number on the back of your card. If you paid with a gift card, wire, payment app, or crypto ATM, call that company next. The faster you call, the better the chance of stopping the payment. Q: Should I call the police after a scam? A: Calling local police on the non-emergency line is useful if your bank or another company needs a police report. If you are in danger or someone is coming to collect money, call 911. Q: I sent money to a scammer. Can I get it back? A: Sometimes. Credit card charges have the strongest protections. Bank transfers, gift cards, wires, and crypto are harder, but you should still report them right away and ask for a reversal. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse --- ## I gave a scammer my personal information. What now? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-information Updated: 2026-10-14 What you do depends on what you shared. For a card or bank account, call the bank and get new numbers. For a Social Security number, freeze your credit at all three bureaus and use IdentityTheft.gov. For passwords or codes, change them right away from a safe device. ### First: stop sharing, and don't panic Sharing information is not the same as losing money. Most of the steps below are free and take less than an hour. Hang up or stop replying, then find each item you shared below. Scammers often call back pretending to be your bank, the police, or the FTC to "help." Hang up and call the number you look up yourself. ### Social Security number Your SSN can be used to open credit, file a fake tax return, or claim benefits. Lock things down so it is useless to them. 1. Freeze your credit at all three bureaus: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-888-909-8872). It's free, doesn't affect your score, and you can lift it when you need to apply for credit. You must contact each bureau separately. 2. Go to IdentityTheft.gov: If the number has been used, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a recovery plan. If you're not sure it has been used, the site has steps for exposed information too. 3. Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN: This makes it much harder for someone to file a tax return in your name. Get one at irs.gov/ippin. 4. Create your own my Social Security account: Setting up your account at ssa.gov means a scammer can't open one in your name first. 5. Check your credit reports: Use AnnualCreditReport.com and look for accounts you don't recognize. ### Bank account and routing number 1. Call your bank's fraud line: Use the number on your card or statement. Tell them a scammer has your account details. 2. Ask about closing the account: Ask if they recommend closing it and opening a new one. Ask them to flag the account and to watch for new payees or transfers. 3. Change your online banking login: New password, and turn on two-step verification. 4. Watch for fake checks and deposits: If money shows up that you didn't expect, don't send any of it back. It's often a fake check or stolen money. ### Debit or credit card number 1. Call the card company now: Use the number on the back of the card. Ask them to cancel the card and send a new number. 2. Dispute charges you didn't make: Federal law limits credit card liability for unauthorized charges to $50. For debit cards, reporting within two business days limits your liability to $50. After that it can go up to $500, so call fast. 3. Update automatic payments: Once you have the new card, update any bills that were charged to the old one. ### Medicare number Scammers use Medicare numbers to bill for services or equipment you never got. 1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE: That's 1-800-633-4227. Tell them a scammer has your Medicare number. 2. Check your claims: Look at your Medicare statements or your account at medicare.gov for services you didn't get. 3. Report identity theft: Use IdentityTheft.gov if the number is being misused. 4. Only share it with your doctors and insurers: Medicare will not call you to ask for your number. ### Online passwords or verification codes A verification code is a key to your account. If you read one to a caller, assume they used it. 1. Change the password from a safe device: Use a phone or computer the scammer never touched. Start with your email account, since it can reset everything else. 2. Sign out of other devices: Most email and bank accounts have a setting to sign out everywhere. Use it. 3. Turn on two-step verification: Then never share the codes with anyone, even someone who says they're from the company. 4. Change reused passwords: Anywhere you used the same password, change it. 5. If the code was for your bank: Call the bank's fraud line right away. A bank code often means they tried to move money or add a payee. Links to change passwords for Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo, and AOL are on our fraud phone numbers page. ### Name, address, phone number, or date of birth On their own, these are often already out there from data breaches. The bigger risk is that a scammer uses them to sound believable in the next call or email. - Expect more scam calls, texts, and emails. Be extra careful with anyone who "already knows" your details. - If you also shared your SSN or a bank or card number, follow those steps above. - Consider a free credit freeze anyway. It is free and is the strongest protection against new accounts in your name. - Your phone number: ask your mobile carrier about adding a PIN or port-out protection so no one can move your number to a new phone. Options vary by carrier. ### Driver's license - Contact your state's motor vehicle agency. Ask what they recommend. Some states will issue a new license number. Rules vary by state. - Freeze your credit at all three bureaus, since a license plus your name and birthday can be used to open accounts. - Report misuse at IdentityTheft.gov. - If you sent a photo of the front and back, treat it as fully exposed. ### Then report it Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help you with the next steps. See where to report, in order. ### Questions Q: I gave a scammer my Social Security number. What should I do? A: Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It's free. Then go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan, get an IRS Identity Protection PIN, and check your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Q: What can a scammer do with my bank account number? A: They may try to make withdrawals, set up payments, or send you fake checks. Call your bank's fraud line, ask about closing the account and opening a new one, and change your online banking password. Q: Scammer has my name, address, and phone number. Should I worry? A: Not much on their own, since these are often already public. Expect more scam contacts that use your details to sound real. If you also shared your SSN or financial info, take those steps too. Q: What can a scammer do with my Medicare number? A: They can bill Medicare for services or equipment you never got. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), check your claims, and report misuse at IdentityTheft.gov. Q: I gave a scammer my debit card number. Will I lose my money? A: Call your bank right away. If you report unauthorized charges within two business days, your liability is limited to $50. The longer you wait, the more you could be on the hook. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://www.irs.gov/ippin, https://www.annualcreditreport.com, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/using-credit-cards-and-disputing-charges, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-my-money-back-after-i-discover-an-unauthorized-transaction-or-money-missing-from-my-bank-account-en-1017/, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## A scammer had remote access to the computer. What to do URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/remote-access Updated: 2026-10-26 Disconnect the computer from the internet right away and don't pay anything. Call your bank from a different phone, then change your passwords from a device the scammer never touched. Remove any remote access program they installed, run a security scan, and get trusted help if you're not sure the computer is clean. ### Why this happens to smart people Tech support scams start with a scary pop-up, a fake renewal email, or a call from someone claiming to be Microsoft, Apple, Geek Squad, or your bank. Real companies don't contact you this way, and real security warnings never ask you to call a number. Tech support scams were the second-biggest source of losses for people over 60 reported to the FBI in 2025. ### Do this right now 1. Disconnect from the internet: Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the network cable. If you can't figure it out, shut the computer down. This cuts off the scammer. 2. Don't pay, and don't call them back: If they claim you were "overpaid" a refund and need to send money back, that's the scam. The "refund" is often just your own money moved between your accounts. 3. Call your bank from a different phone: Use the number on your card. Tell them a scammer had access to your computer while you were logged in, or may have seen your banking. Ask them to watch for transfers and new payees. 4. If you paid, call that company too: Gift card, wire service, or payment app. See how to get money back. Don't log in to your bank or email on that computer until it's been checked. ### Change passwords from a different device Assume the scammer saw anything you typed or anything saved in the browser. 1. Change your email password first: Your email can reset every other account. Change your password from a phone or another computer. 2. Then banking and shopping: Bank, credit cards, Amazon, PayPal, and anything with a saved card. 3. Turn on two-step verification: And sign out of all other devices from the account's security settings. 4. Any password saved in the browser: If the browser saved passwords, treat all of them as exposed. ### Remove the scammer's software Scammers usually install a remote access program so they can get back in later. Common ones include AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, LogMeIn, and ConnectWise ScreenConnect. These are real products that scammers misuse. 1. Uninstall any remote program you didn't install yourself: On Windows: Settings, Apps, Installed apps. On a Mac: the Applications folder. If you're not sure what something is, write it down and ask a trusted helper. 2. Update your security software: Make sure it's current, then run a full scan and delete anything it flags. 3. Check for new user accounts: Scammers sometimes add a new login to the computer. 4. If it was a phone: Delete any app they told you to install, especially screen sharing apps. Update the phone's software. ### When to get professional help Take it to a local repair shop you find yourself, not one you got from a pop-up or a call. Ask them to check for remote access software. Some people choose to have the computer reset to factory settings. Back up photos and documents first. - You can't tell what they installed, or the scan keeps finding things. - The computer is acting strangely: new programs, pop-ups, or the mouse moving on its own. - You did banking or tax work on the computer. Never search for a support phone number and call the first ad. Scammers buy search ads for "tech support." Go to the company's official site. ### Protect your identity - If you shared your Social Security number or the scammer could see documents with it, freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. See I gave a scammer my information. - Watch your bank and card statements closely for the next few months. ### Report it - FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov - FBI: ic3.gov, especially if you lost money - Microsoft: microsoft.com/reportascam if they pretended to be Microsoft - 60 or older: National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-372-8311 ### Next time, check before you call Many of these scams start with a fake renewal or invoice email. OwlGuardian quarantines suspicious Gmail messages and alerts a Trusted Contact, and Call My Owl can check a photo of a pop-up in about five seconds. ### Questions Q: What to do if a scammer has remote access to your computer? A: Disconnect from the internet, don't pay anything, and call your bank from a different phone. Change your passwords from another device, uninstall any remote access program you didn't install, run a security scan, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Q: I gave a scammer remote access to my computer. Is my bank account safe? A: Call your bank right away and tell them. If you were logged in or typed your password while they were connected, assume they saw it. The bank can watch for transfers and help you secure the account. Q: Can a scammer still access my computer after I hang up? A: Yes, if they installed a remote access program. Disconnect from the internet, uninstall programs like AnyDesk or TeamViewer that you didn't set up, and run a security scan. Get trusted help if you're unsure. Q: My mom let a scammer remote access her computer. What should she do? A: Help her unplug the computer from the internet, call her bank together, and change her email and bank passwords from your phone or another device. Then have the computer checked for remote access software before she uses it again. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Can you get money back after a scam? It depends how you paid URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/get-money-back Updated: 2026-10-14 Sometimes, and it depends mostly on how you paid. Credit cards give you the strongest protection, while gift cards, wires, payment apps, and crypto are much harder to get back. Whatever you used, contact the bank or company right away and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. ### The honest picture Scammers ask for gift cards, wires, payment apps, and crypto because those are hard to reverse. That doesn't mean you should give up. Payments are sometimes stopped when people call within minutes or hours. Call first, then read on. Anyone who contacts you offering to get your money back for a fee is a scammer. Government agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Credit card: best odds 1. Call the card company now: Use the number on the back of the card. Report fraud and ask them to reverse the charge. 2. Dispute in writing if needed: Under federal law, your written dispute must reach the card company within 60 days after the first bill with the charge was sent. Your liability for unauthorized charges is limited to $50. 3. Ask for a new card: The scammer has the number, so get it replaced. ### Debit card: good odds if you're fast 1. Call your bank right away: If you report unauthorized debit card charges within two business days, you're responsible for no more than $50. After that, it can go up to $500. If you wait more than 60 days after your statement is sent, you could lose more. 2. Know the gray area: These limits are for charges you didn't make or allow. If you were tricked into making the payment yourself, the bank may treat it differently. Ask anyway, and explain you were deceived. ### Zelle or bank transfer: hard, but ask - Call your bank right away, not Zelle. Zelle runs through your bank. Ask them to stop or recall the payment. - If the money went to the scammer's account at another bank, ask your bank to contact that bank. - The FTC warns that if you're tricked into moving money yourself, you may not be protected and probably won't get it back. Still, some banks do refund some scams, especially when the scammer pretended to be the bank. Policies vary, so ask directly and ask for a claim number. - You can also report it to Zelle at zelle.com/support/report-scam. ### Venmo or Cash App: hard - Report it in the app and ask them to reverse the payment. Venmo: 1-855-812-4430. Cash App: 1-800-969-1940, or in the app under your profile, then Support. - If the app was linked to a credit card, also call the card company. You may have more protection there. - Payments to strangers are often treated as authorized. Refunds are not guaranteed. ### Wire transfer: call within minutes - Western Union: 1-800-448-1492. MoneyGram: 1-800-926-9400. Ria: 1-877-443-1399. Tell them a scammer tricked you and ask them to stop and refund the transfer. - For a wire from your bank, call your bank's fraud line right away and ask them to recall it. - If the money hasn't been picked up yet, it may be stopped. Once it's collected, it's very hard to get back. ### Gift cards: call the card company, even if it's been a while - Call the company that issued the card. Tell them a scammer tricked you into giving the number and PIN. Ask for a refund. - Keep the card and the receipt. - Numbers: Amazon 1-888-280-4331, Apple 1-800-275-2273, Best Buy 1-888-237-8289, Target 1-800-544-2943, Walmart 1-888-537-5503. More on our fraud phone numbers page and at ftc.gov/giftcards. - If the money is still on the card, the company may be able to freeze it. If it's been spent, refunds are rare, but report it anyway. ### Crypto or Bitcoin ATM: very hard - Contact the crypto exchange or ATM operator right away. The operator's contact is usually on the machine or the receipt. Tell them it was fraud and ask them to reverse it. - Crypto payments don't have the same legal protections as credit and debit cards. - File a report at ic3.gov with the transaction details, wallet address, and receipts. - Some states have passed laws on crypto ATMs. Check with your state attorney general's office about what applies where you live. - Be very careful of anyone offering to trace or recover your crypto. Read crypto recovery services are scams. ### Cash or check sent by mail or courier - Cash by US mail: Call the US Postal Inspection Service right away at 1-877-876-2455. For a fee, they may be able to intercept a domestic package that hasn't been delivered yet. - FedEx or UPS: Call the carrier as soon as possible and ask them to stop the package. - Check: Call your bank and ask about a stop payment. This only works before the check is cashed, and there's usually a fee. - Cash handed to a courier: Call your local police right away. If the courier is coming back, call 911. ### Whatever you used, also do this - Report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to ic3.gov for online scams. - If you're 60 or older, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 for help with reporting. - Keep every receipt, screenshot, and claim number. - Use the scam help tool for a step-by-step plan. ### Questions Q: I sent money to a scammer. Can I get it back? A: Sometimes. Your best chance is calling the bank or company you paid through right away and asking them to stop or reverse the payment. Credit cards offer the most protection. Gift cards, wires, payment apps, and crypto are much harder. Q: Can I get my money back if I was scammed through Zelle? A: Call your bank right away and ask them to recall the payment. Banks often don't have to refund payments you made yourself, but some refund certain scams, especially when the scammer pretended to be the bank. Ask directly and get a claim number. Q: Can I get my money back from a gift card scam? A: Call the gift card company right away, tell them a scammer got the card number and PIN, and ask for a refund. Keep the card and receipt. If the money hasn't been spent, they may be able to freeze it. Q: Can you get money back from a Bitcoin ATM scam? A: It's very hard. Contact the ATM operator immediately, report to ic3.gov, and ask your state attorney general about any state crypto ATM rules. Avoid anyone offering to recover crypto for a fee. Q: How do I get money back from Cash App or Venmo after a scam? A: Report it in the app right away and ask for a reversal. If the app was funded by a credit card, also dispute the charge with the card company. Refunds for payments you sent yourself are not guaranteed. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/using-credit-cards-and-disputing-charges, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-my-money-back-after-i-discover-an-unauthorized-transaction-or-money-missing-from-my-bank-account-en-1017/, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://www.uspis.gov/report, https://www.ic3.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Crypto "recovery" services are scams. Here's how to tell URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/crypto-recovery-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 If someone offers to recover your lost crypto for an upfront fee, it's a scam. The FBI warns that private recovery companies can't issue seizure orders to get crypto back, and law enforcement never charges victims to investigate. Report your loss to ic3.gov and the FTC instead, for free. ### How recovery scams work After a scam, many victims get targeted again. Scammers buy, sell, and trade lists of people who have already lost money. Then they reach out pretending to be a law firm, a government agency, a "blockchain forensics" company, or a hacker who can trace your coins. They ask for a "retainer" or "processing fee" up front. Sometimes they ask for your bank or wallet details. Then they disappear, or they come back asking for more. ### What the FBI and FTC say - The FBI warned in August 2023 about a rise in companies falsely claiming they can recover funds lost in crypto investment scams. - "Private sector recovery companies cannot issue seizure orders to recover cryptocurrency." (FBI) - "Law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes." (FBI) - "Government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money to help you get a refund." (FTC) - Fraudsters may claim to work with law enforcement or a legal service to look real. (FBI) ### Red flags of a fake recovery service - They contacted you first, especially soon after your loss. - They want a fee before they do anything. - They guarantee they'll get your money back. - They want payment in crypto, gift cards, wire, or a payment app. - They claim to be with the FBI, the FTC, a court, or a "crypto regulator." - They ask for your Social Security number, bank login, or wallet seed phrase. - You found them through a social media ad, a comment, or a glowing forum post. - They have vague claims, few real details, and little real history online. Never share a crypto wallet's seed phrase or private key with anyone. Whoever has it controls the wallet. ### What to do instead 1. Report to the FBI at ic3.gov: Include transaction details, wallet addresses, and any records of people who offered to recover your money. 2. Report to the FTC: At ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It's free. 3. Contact the exchange or ATM operator: Tell them the transaction was fraud. Ask if they can freeze or reverse anything. 4. Call your bank: If you moved money from a bank account to buy crypto, tell your bank's fraud line. 5. If you're 60 or older: Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. A case manager can help you report. 6. Verify any claimed FBI contact: If someone says they're with the FBI, contact your local FBI field office yourself to check. ### Who legitimately helps If a recovery offer reached you by email, text, or letter and you're not sure about it, OwlGuardian's Call My Owl can give a quick scam verdict on a screenshot or photo. - Law enforcement, through ic3.gov or your local police. Free. - Your bank and the exchange or ATM operator. - Your state attorney general's office, which takes consumer complaints. - A licensed attorney you find yourself, for example through your state bar's referral service. Check the license, and be wary of anyone promising results. - The AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360, for free support from trained volunteers. ### Questions Q: Are crypto recovery services legit? A: Almost never. The FBI warns that private companies can't issue seizure orders to recover crypto, and that law enforcement never charges victims a fee. If someone wants an upfront fee to recover your crypto, it's a scam. Q: Can I get my crypto back after a scam? A: It's rare. Report it to ic3.gov and the FTC, and contact the exchange or ATM operator right away. Law enforcement sometimes recovers funds, but no one can promise it, and they never charge you. Q: Someone says they can trace my stolen Bitcoin. Should I pay them? A: No. Paying a stranger to trace or recover crypto is a common second scam. Don't send money or share personal or wallet details. Report the offer to ic3.gov along with your original loss. Q: Does the FBI charge to recover stolen money? A: No. The FBI says law enforcement does not charge victims a fee for investigating crimes. Anyone claiming to be the FBI and asking for money is a scammer. Sources: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2023/PSA230811, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.ic3.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/ --- ## Where to report a scam, and in what order URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/where-to-report Updated: 2026-10-14 Call your bank or the company you paid first, because that's where money can still be stopped. Then report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and, for online losses, the FBI at ic3.gov. Add local police, your state attorney general, and Adult Protective Services if an older adult was exploited. ### Why order matters Reports help investigators, but they rarely bring money back on their own. Your bank or payment company is the only place that can stop a payment in progress. So call them first, then file the reports. Before you start, gather screenshots, phone numbers, receipts, and dates. Use the same details in every report. ### The order 1. Your bank, card company, or payment service: Call the number on your card or in the official app and report fraud. If you paid by gift card, wire, payment app, or crypto ATM, call that company too. See our fraud phone numbers. 2. The FTC: Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. Your report goes into a database used by law enforcement across the country. If your identity was misused, use IdentityTheft.gov instead for a recovery plan. 3. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center: File at ic3.gov if the scam happened online or you lost money through email, websites, apps, or crypto. Include transaction details. 4. Local police: Call the non-emergency number and ask for a report. A report number can help with your bank or other companies. Call 911 if you're in danger or someone is coming to pick up money. 5. Your state attorney general: Most state attorney general offices take consumer fraud complaints online. Search for your state's attorney general consumer protection office. 6. Adult Protective Services, if an older adult was exploited: Report to APS if someone the person knows is taking money, or if the person keeps sending money to a scammer. Find your local office at napsa-now.org or through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. 7. The company that was impersonated: Amazon: amazon.com/reportascam. Microsoft: microsoft.com/reportascam. PayPal: phishing@paypal.com. Apple: reportphishing@apple.com. Social Security: oig.ssa.gov/report. IRS: phishing@irs.gov. Medicare: 1-800-633-4227. 8. Scam texts: forward to 7726: Forward the text to 7726 (it spells SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier. Fake USPS texts can also go to spam@uspis.gov. ### If the victim is 60 or older Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern). It's run by the Justice Department. A case manager helps with reporting and connects you with other resources. You can call for a parent or someone you know. The FBI also has a page on elder fraud. ### Other places, depending on the scam - Something came through the mail: US Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report or 1-877-876-2455. - Dating site or social media: Report the profile on the platform. - Bank complaint not resolved: You can submit a complaint at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. - Investment or brokerage fraud: Report to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr or FINRA. ### Keep a record Write down every report number, the date, and who you spoke with. The C.A.L.M. checklist has space for this. If you're not sure which of these apply, the scam help tool will sort it out for you. After you report, real agencies won't call asking for a fee to get your money back. Anyone who does is a recovery scammer. ### Questions Q: Where do I report a scam? A: Start with your bank or the company you paid. Then report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at ic3.gov. Add local police, your state attorney general, and Adult Protective Services when an older adult was exploited. Q: How do I report a scam to the FTC? A: Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and answer the questions, or call 1-877-382-4357. If your identity was misused, use IdentityTheft.gov instead. Q: Should I report to the FTC or IC3? A: Both, if money was lost online. The FTC collects all kinds of fraud reports. The FBI's IC3 focuses on internet-enabled crime. Filing both is fine and helps investigators. Q: How do I report elder financial abuse? A: Report to Adult Protective Services in the person's state. Find it at napsa-now.org or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. For scams against people 60 and over, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 also helps. Call 911 if there's immediate danger. Q: How do I report a scam text? A: Forward it to 7726 to report it to your mobile carrier, then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Delete it after you report it. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://www.ic3.gov/crimeinfo/elderfraud, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/resources-for-older-adults/reporting-elder-financial-abuse-guide/, https://www.napsa-now.org, https://eldercare.acl.gov, https://www.uspis.gov/report, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam --- ## How to protect elderly parents from scams: 12 practical steps URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/protect-elderly-parents-from-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 The best protection is a mix of habits and settings: a calm talk, a family code word, a "hang up and call back" rule, free call and text filters, bank alerts, a credit freeze, and a trusted person who sees warning signs early. None of it requires taking away your parent's independence. Start with the steps that fit their life today and add more over time. 1. Have one calm talk, then keep it going: Talk early, before anything goes wrong. Frame it as teamwork, not a test. AARP quotes one expert: "it has to feel like help and not control." Share a scam you nearly fell for yourself. Then bring it up again every few weeks, the way you would mention the weather. 2. Agree on a family code word: Scammers can clone a voice from a short clip online, according to the FTC. A private code word lets your parent check that a panicked caller is really family. The Alzheimer's Association suggests the same thing. Pick a word that is not on social media. 3. Teach the four signs of a scam: The FTC boils almost every scam down to four signs. If two of them show up together, it is time to stop. 4. Make "hang up and call back" the family rule: Caller ID can be faked, so a call that shows a bank's name proves nothing. The rule is simple: hang up, then call the number on the back of the card or on a statement. Never use a number the caller gives. The FTC says that number "will take you to the scammer." 5. Turn on free call and text filters: The FTC calls call blocking "your best defense against unwanted calls." Most of it is already free. 6. Protect their email inbox: Email is where fake invoices, renewal notices and "your account is locked" messages land. Learn Gmail's built-in tools together: Report phishing, Block, and the scam warnings. Then decide if you want a second layer that screens mail before your parent sees it. Our guide on stopping scam emails in Gmail walks through it. 7. Lock down their main accounts: Run Google's free Security Checkup together, add a recovery phone and email, and turn on 2-Step Verification or a passkey. Google says passkeys "can't be shared, copied, written down, or accidentally given to someone else." See how to set up Gmail safely for a parent. 8. Set up bank alerts and name a trusted contact: Ask the bank to text your parent about large withdrawals and unusual activity. Many banks, credit unions and brokerages also let your parent name a trusted contact the bank can call if it suspects fraud. The CFPB notes this person cannot see account information without your parent's consent, and FINRA says it gives no power to make trades. 9. Freeze their credit: A credit freeze stops new accounts from being opened in your parent's name. The FTC says there is no cost to place or lift a freeze, and it does not affect the credit score. You have to contact all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. 10. Flag the payment methods only scammers ask for: Put a note by the phone: No one real asks for gift cards, wires, crypto or a payment app in a hurry. The FTC says, "Anyone who insists that you can only pay that way is a scammer." If your parent is ever on the way to a store or a Bitcoin ATM because of a phone call, that is the moment to call you. 11. Plan ahead legally while you can: A durable financial power of attorney lets your parent choose who will help with money if they can no longer manage it. It only works if it is signed while they can still make that choice. Laws vary by state, so talk to an elder law attorney. 12. Know who to call before you need them: Save these in your phone and theirs. Speed matters if money has moved. ### Why this matters now In 2025, people 60 and older filed 201,266 complaints with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and reported $7.748 billion in losses. The average loss was $38,500. The biggest losses for older adults in 2025 came from investment scams ($3.52 billion) and tech or customer support scams ($1.04 billion), according to the same FBI report. These are not obvious cons. They are polished, patient and often personal. Falling for a scam is not a sign of being foolish. Scams are built by professionals to work on smart, careful people. Keeping shame out of the conversation is one of the most protective things you can do. ### How to protect elderly parents from phone scams - Turn on your carrier's free scam call protection and the phone's own unknown-caller screening (step 5 above). - Practice the family code word and the "hang up and call back" rule out loud once. It sticks better. - Remind them that Medicare, Social Security and the IRS do not call out of the blue demanding payment. - If a caller says "don't tell your family," that alone means it is a scam. ### How to protect elderly parents from financial scams - Bank alerts for large withdrawals, plus a trusted contact on each account. - A credit freeze at all three bureaus. - A shared rule: any request to move money "to keep it safe" gets a call to you first. The FTC says your money "is fine where it is." - A look at statements together once a month, if your parent is comfortable with that. ### Where OwlGuardian fits OwlGuardian covers one specific gap: scam emails. It scans your parent's incoming Gmail and moves suspicious messages to quarantine before they see them. You, as their Trusted Contact, get an alert and decide to release or keep each one. You only see flagged emails, never their normal mail. For a suspicious text, pop-up or letter, your parent can say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to check a screenshot or photo and get a verdict in about five seconds. OwlGuardian does not block calls or texts, so keep the carrier and phone filters above turned on too. ### Questions Q: How do I protect my elderly parent from scams without taking away their independence? A: Focus on settings and habits that work in the background: call filters, bank alerts, a credit freeze and email screening. Your parent keeps full control of their money and phone. You become a backup, not a boss. Q: How can I protect my elderly parents' money? A: Start with bank alerts for large or unusual transactions, ask each bank to add you as a trusted contact, and freeze their credit at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. For the longer term, talk to an elder law attorney about a durable financial power of attorney. Q: What is the most common scam targeting seniors? A: By dollars lost, the FBI's 2025 report lists investment scams first for people 60 and older, at $3.52 billion, followed by tech and customer support scams at $1.04 billion. Q: Can I monitor my elderly parent's email for scams? A: Yes, with their permission. OwlGuardian screens a parent's Gmail and alerts you, as their Trusted Contact, only about emails it flags. You never see their normal mail. Sources: https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-consumers_2021-11.pdf, https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/trusted-contact, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/protect-older-parents-from-scams/, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/technology-safety-older-adults, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/legal-documents, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/46526?hl=en, https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106, https://support.google.com/android/answer/18633392, https://www.verizon.com/support/call-filter-faqs/, https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/scam-shield, https://www.att.com/security/active-armor/, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/ --- ## 10 signs your parent is being scammed URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/signs-parent-is-being-scammed Updated: 2026-10-14 The clearest signs are new secrecy, sudden urgency about money, and unusual payments like gift cards, wires or crypto. Other clues include unpaid bills, piles of prize mail, and a new online friend who wants to talk about money. One sign alone is not proof, but two or more together are worth a gentle conversation today. 1. They are suddenly secretive about calls, emails or money: The CFPB lists a loved one becoming "more private or secretive" as a warning sign. Scammers often tell people to keep things quiet. The FTC says no one legitimate will tell you to keep it a secret. 2. They are buying gift cards, or asking how: Only scammers tell people to pay with gift cards, according to the FTC. Watch for receipts, card packaging, or questions like "How do I read the numbers off the back?" 3. Money is moving in new ways: Look for wire transfers, payment app activity, cash withdrawals, or trips to a Bitcoin ATM that do not fit their normal habits. The CFPB also flags checks made out to "cash" or written out of order. 4. They seem anxious, rushed or scared about a "problem": Scammers say there is a problem: a frozen account, a missed jury summons, a grandchild in jail, a virus on the computer. Then they pressure your parent to act fast. A normally calm parent who is suddenly panicked about an account deserves a closer look. 5. They mention a prize, lottery or sweepstakes: If they have to pay fees or taxes to get a prize, it is a scam. The FTC is clear: "Real prizes are free." A lot of sweepstakes or prize mail and email is another sign the CFPB lists. 6. A new online friend or romance has entered the picture: Be gentle here. The warning signs are a person they have never met in person, strong feelings very quickly, reasons why they can never meet, and any request for money or gifts. The CFPB also flags a new friend who seems possessive and pulls your parent away from family. 7. They are excited about a new investment or crypto: The FBI warns that when a new online contact suggests an investment, it is "likely cryptocurrency investment fraud." These scams often show fake profits on a real-looking website and let people withdraw a little at first. 8. Someone "fixed" their computer or has remote access: Check for remote-control apps they do not remember installing, or a story about a pop-up that told them to call a number. The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number. 9. Bills are going unpaid, or strange charges show up: The CFPB lists unpaid bills, when there should be enough money, as a warning sign. So are card charges for things your parent did not buy, and bills for services they do not need. 10. They talk about moving money "to keep it safe": This is one of the most damaging scams. A fake bank, Amazon or government agent says your parent's money is at risk and must be moved. The FTC says your money "is fine where it is." Treat this sign as urgent. ### What to do if you see these signs 1. Stay calm and curious: Ask open-ended questions like "Who have you been talking to lately?" AARP warns that blame can make a parent "clam up" instead of telling you the story. 2. If money is moving, call the bank now: Use the number on the back of the card. Ask the bank to stop or reverse any payment that has not gone through. Speed matters. 3. Check the message together: If there is a suspicious email, text or letter, look at it side by side. Use our scam checker or compare it with our scam library. 4. Write things down: Dates, names, phone numbers, amounts and how they paid. The CFPB recommends keeping a record of every call, letter and email. 5. Get help: Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern. If your parent is in danger right now, call 911. ### When it might be more than a scam Sometimes these signs overlap with memory changes. The Alzheimer's Association lists trouble keeping track of monthly bills and poor judgment with money among the early signs of dementia. If you are seeing both, read dementia and scams and talk with your parent's doctor. One sign on its own does not prove anything. Two or more together, especially secrecy plus unusual payments, deserve a conversation today. ### Questions Q: How can I tell if my elderly parent is being scammed? A: Watch for new secrecy, sudden urgency about money, gift card purchases, wire or crypto payments, unpaid bills, lots of prize mail, and a new online friend who brings up money. Two or more signs together are worth a calm talk right away. Q: What do I do if my elderly parent is being scammed right now? A: Help them stop all contact with the scammer, then call their bank using the number on the card to stop any payments. After that, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Q: Is falling for scams a sign of dementia? A: Not by itself. Anyone can be fooled by a good scam. But the Alzheimer's Association lists poor judgment with money and trouble tracking bills as possible early signs, so if you notice those too, mention it to their doctor. Q: My parent says they are fine. Should I still worry? A: Scammers often coach people to hide what is happening. Stay close, keep asking kindly, and look at what you can see, like mail, bank alerts and new apps on their phone. Sources: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_preventing-elder-financial-abuse_friends-family-guide.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fake-prize-sweepstakes-and-lottery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/operation-level-up-how-the-fbi-is-saving-victims-from-cryptocurrency-investment-fraud, https://aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/supporting-loved-ones.html, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Why your parent keeps falling for scams (and what actually helps) URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/parent-keeps-falling-for-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 People who have been scammed once are often targeted again, because scammers buy and trade lists of past victims. The second wave is often a fake "recovery" offer to get the lost money back for a fee. What helps is not lectures but guardrails: bank alerts, a trusted contact, a credit freeze, screened email, and a parent who feels safe telling you anything. ### It is not about being smart If your parent has been scammed more than once, it is natural to feel frustrated. But repeat scams are common, and they are not a sign that your parent is foolish. Scammers are professionals. They test scripts, use real company logos, fake caller ID, and now use AI to write flawless emails and copy voices. There is also a simpler reason it keeps happening: your parent is on a list. ### The "sucker list" problem The FTC says scammers buy, sell and trade lists of people who have paid scammers before. These lists can include a name, address, phone number, the type of scam, and how much the person paid. To a scammer, a past victim is a warm lead. That means the calls, emails and letters may get more frequent after a loss, not less. ### Recovery scams: the second hit The FTC calls recovery scammers "the worst of the absolute worst." They contact past victims and promise to get the lost money back. They may pretend to be a government agency, even the FTC, a law firm or a consumer group. - They ask for an upfront "retainer fee," "processing fee" or "tax." - They ask for bank or card numbers to "deposit your refund." - They want payment by gift card, wire, crypto or payment app. The FTC says government agencies and real organizations will never ask for money to help you get a refund, and will not guarantee you get your money back. Anyone who does is a scammer. ### Why shame makes it worse AARP notes that many victims carry shame and do not tell anyone. Blame can make a parent "clam up" instead of letting you help. Then the next scammer has them alone. Try to focus on what your parent was trying to do. Often they were trying to help a grandchild, protect their savings, or fix a problem. Say that out loud. It keeps the door open for the next time something feels off. ### Guardrails that actually help Rules alone tend to fail under pressure. Guardrails work even when your parent is scared and rushed. 1. Bank alerts and a trusted contact: Ask each bank to send alerts for large or unusual transactions, and ask your parent to name you as a trusted contact. The CFPB says this lets the bank reach you if it suspects fraud, without giving you access to their money. 2. A credit freeze: Free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and it lasts until it is lifted. It stops new accounts in their name. 3. Screened email: Many repeat scams arrive by email: fake renewals, invoices and refund offers. OwlGuardian moves suspicious Gmail messages to quarantine before your parent sees them, and alerts you to decide. 4. Free call and text filters: Turn on the carrier's scam call protection and the phone's unknown-caller screening. See step 5 in our 12-step guide. 5. A "call me first" rule for money: Any request to pay, move money, or share a code gets a call to you first. Make it about the request, not about your parent. 6. A regular check-in: The CFPB says keeping in touch is one of the best things you can do. A weekly call where you ask "Anything weird in the mail or email?" catches a lot. ### When to consider more help If the losses keep coming, or your parent is having trouble following money at all, it may be time to look at memory changes and legal planning. Read dementia and scams, and talk to an elder law attorney about a durable power of attorney while your parent can still choose who helps. ### Questions Q: What do I do if my elderly parent keeps falling for scams? A: Add guardrails that work under pressure: bank alerts, a trusted contact at each bank, a credit freeze, screened email and call filters. Then keep talking without blame so they tell you early next time. Q: Why does my parent keep getting scammed? A: The FTC says scammers buy and trade lists of people who have paid scammers before. Once someone has lost money, they are more likely to be contacted again, often with a fake offer to recover the lost money. Q: Can I limit my parent's access to money if they keep getting scammed? A: Not without their agreement or legal authority. Start with options your parent controls, like bank alerts and naming you as a trusted contact. For more, talk to an elder law attorney about a power of attorney, and ask their bank what other protections it offers. Q: Is a company offering to recover my parent's lost money real? A: If they charge an upfront fee or ask for bank details, it is a scam. The FTC says real agencies and organizations never charge to help you get a refund. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/08/have-you-lost-money-scam-watch-scammers-who-say-they-can-help, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-consumers_2021-11.pdf, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_preventing-elder-financial-abuse_friends-family-guide.pdf, https://aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/supporting-loved-ones.html, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/protect-older-parents-from-scams/ --- ## How to talk to your parent about scams without a fight URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/talk-to-parent-about-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 Treat it as teamwork, not a test: share a scam that almost fooled you, ask what they have seen, and agree on two or three simple rules together. Keep it short, keep blame out, and come back to it often. The goal is a parent who calls you the moment something feels off. ### Before you start - Pick a calm moment. Not right after a scare, and not in front of others. - Lead with respect. Your parent has handled money and life for decades. You are adding backup, not taking over. - Make it mutual. Scams target everyone. Offer to use the same rules yourself. - Keep it short. Ten minutes is plenty. You can come back to it. AARP quotes one expert who says protection "has to feel like help and not control." If it starts to feel like control, stop and try again another day. ### How to have the conversation 1. Open with a story, not a warning: Share a scam text or email you got recently. It shows that anyone is a target, including you. 2. Ask, then listen: "Have you been getting any strange calls or emails?" AARP recommends open-ended questions and listening. You may learn something important. 3. Share the four signs: The FTC's four signs: they pretend to be someone you know, they say there is a problem or prize, they pressure you, and they want a specific payment. 4. Agree on a few simple rules: Hang up and call back on a number you know. Never pay with gift cards, wires or crypto. Call each other before moving money. 5. Pick a family code word: For calls that sound like a grandchild or relative in trouble. The FTC warns voices can be cloned with AI. 6. Offer help with settings: Ask if you can turn on call filters and bank alerts together. If they use Gmail, mention email screening. Let them say no. ### A script you can use You: "I got the strangest text yesterday. It said I owed money for a toll. I almost tapped the link. Have you been getting stuff like that?" Parent: "All the time. I just ignore them." You: "Good. Honestly, some of them are really convincing now. They can even fake a voice. Can we agree on something, just between us?" You: "If anyone ever calls about money, even if they sound like me or the bank, hang up and call me or the number on your card. I'll do the same with you." You: "And let's pick a family code word. If someone calls saying they're me and in trouble, ask for it." Parent: "That seems like a lot of fuss." You: "Maybe. But it costs nothing, and these people are professionals. I'd rather we have a plan. You'd do the same for me." ### If they have already lost money For the full checklist, see my parent got scammed: what to do now. You: "Thank you for telling me. I know that wasn't easy." You: "These people do this all day. They fool doctors, lawyers, bank managers. This isn't on you." You: "Let's call the bank together right now and see what we can stop." You: "And if anyone calls offering to get the money back for a fee, that's a scam too. Let's handle that one together." ### What not to say - "How could you fall for that?" Blame makes people hide the next one. - "This is obviously a scam." AARP warns against opening with accusations like this. - "I'm taking your phone." It removes their independence and their link to family. - "You can't be trusted with money anymore." If you have real concerns about memory, talk to their doctor and an elder law attorney instead. ### Keep it going One talk is not enough. Mention a new scam you heard about every few weeks. The FTC's free Pass It On materials are made for exactly this: short, respectful notes about common scams that older adults can share with friends. If your parent uses Gmail, setting up OwlGuardian together can be a natural next step. You become their Trusted Contact, and suspicious emails come to you before they reach them. ### Questions Q: How do I talk to my parents about scams without sounding condescending? A: Start with a scam that almost fooled you, ask what they have seen, and agree on rules you will both follow. Keep it short and come back to it later rather than pushing in one sitting. Q: What if my parent gets defensive when I bring up scams? A: Back off for now and try again another day. Make it about the scammers, not your parent. Offering to use the same rules yourself helps it feel fair. Q: What is a family code word for scams? A: It is a private word your family agrees on. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in trouble, your parent asks for the word. The Alzheimer's Association recommends it to protect against voice scams. Q: How often should I talk to my parent about scams? A: Briefly and often. A quick mention every few weeks, like a new scam in the news, keeps it normal without feeling like a lecture. Sources: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/protect-older-parents-from-scams/, https://aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/supporting-loved-ones.html, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/lets-talk-about-scams-older-americans-month, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/technology-safety-older-adults --- ## How to stop scam emails in a parent's Gmail URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/stop-scam-emails-gmail Updated: 2026-10-14 Start with Gmail's free tools: report phishing and spam, block repeat senders, check for strange filters or forwarding, and turn on 2-Step Verification through Security Checkup. These cut a lot of junk, but no filter catches every scam. For a parent, a second layer that quarantines suspicious mail and alerts a family member closes the gap. ### Step 1: Report phishing and spam Reporting does two things: it moves the message out of the inbox, and it helps Google catch similar emails. 1. Report phishing (computer): Open the email. Next to Reply, click More, then Report phishing. 2. Report spam (computer): Select one or more emails and click Report spam at the top. They move to the Spam folder. 3. Report spam (iPhone Gmail app): Open the email. At the top right, tap More, then Report spam. Google's help page for the iPhone app does not show a Report phishing option. On a phone, Report spam is the quickest move. You can report it as phishing later from a computer. ### Step 2: Block senders who keep coming back 1. Block a sender: On a computer, open the email. Next to Reply, click More, then Block followed by the sender's name. Future emails from them go to Spam. 2. Unsubscribe from real newsletters: In the iPhone Gmail app, tap the Menu icon, then Manage subscriptions, then Unsubscribe next to a sender. Google notes this feature is still rolling out. Only unsubscribe from companies your parent really signed up with. Never click unsubscribe links inside a suspicious email. Report it instead. ### Step 3: Check for filters and forwarding a scammer may have added If someone has ever gotten into your parent's account, they may have set it up to forward mail or delete warnings. Google's own security tips say to check both. 1. Open settings: On a computer, open Gmail, click the Settings gear, then See all settings. 2. Check forwarding: On the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, make sure mail is not forwarded to an address you do not recognize. 3. Check filters: On the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab, look for any "Forward to" filter to an unknown address, and any "Delete it" filter your parent did not create. 4. Check who has access: On the Accounts and Import tab, check "Grant access to your account" and "Send mail as" for anything unfamiliar. ### Step 4: Use filters to keep important mail visible Filters can also help. For example, you can make sure emails from their real bank are starred so they stand out. In Gmail on a computer, click the search options icon in the search box, enter the sender, click Create filter, choose an action like Star it, and click Create filter again. Filters are built on a computer. Google's help page does not cover creating them in the phone app. ### Step 5: Turn on 2-Step Verification and run Security Checkup For the full setup, including recovery options and passkeys, see how to set up Gmail safely for an elderly parent. 1. Run Security Checkup: Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup and follow the recommendations. Google suggests doing it regularly. 2. Turn on 2-Step Verification: At myaccount.google.com, choose Security & sign-in, then under "How you sign in to Google" choose Turn on 2-Step Verification. 3. Pick a strong second step: Google prompts on their phone or a passkey are easier and safer than text message codes. Google says text codes are the least resistant to phone-number hacks. ### Step 6: Teach the Gmail warnings - If Gmail shows a warning, do not click links or open attachments. Google says to be careful with unknown senders even without a warning. - If a friend's email shows This message could be a scam, their account may be hacked. Click Report this suspicious message and tell the friend by phone, not email. - Google emails will never ask for your password. Neither will Google in a call or message. ### What Gmail can't do on its own Gmail's filters stop a huge amount of junk. But the most dangerous scam emails are often written one at a time, look real, and land in the inbox. When one gets through, your parent is the only one who sees it, often while feeling rushed or scared. That is the gap OwlGuardian fills. It uses AI to scan your parent's incoming Gmail and moves suspicious messages to quarantine before they see them. You, as their Trusted Contact, get an alert and choose to release or keep each email. You only see flagged emails, never normal mail. Your parent sees nothing different in Gmail, and can open the app any time to see what was held. OwlGuardian works with Gmail today, on iOS. It is $4.99 a month per protected person after a 30-day free trial, and it passed Google's CASA security assessment. ### Questions Q: How do I stop scam emails in Gmail for an elderly parent? A: Report phishing and spam, block repeat senders, check for strange filters or forwarding, and turn on 2-Step Verification. For extra protection, use a service that quarantines suspicious emails and alerts a family member before your parent sees them. Q: Does blocking a sender in Gmail stop scam emails? A: It stops that one address. Future emails from it go to Spam. Scammers switch addresses often, so blocking works best on repeat senders, not on new scams. Q: Can you get scammed just by opening an email? A: The main risk comes from clicking links, opening attachments, replying, or calling a number in the email. Google advises avoiding links and attachments when Gmail warns you, and being careful with unknown senders even without a warning. Q: What is the difference between Report spam and Report phishing in Gmail? A: Spam is unwanted junk. Phishing tries to steal passwords, money or personal details. On a computer, Report phishing is under the More menu next to Reply. Both move the message out of the inbox. Sources: https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1366858?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1366858?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8151?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/15621070?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6579?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7036019?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1074268?hl=en, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/12629482?hl=en, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/46526?hl=en --- ## How to set up Gmail safely for an elderly parent URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/set-up-gmail-for-elderly-parent Updated: 2026-10-14 Sit down together and do five things: add a recovery phone and email, turn on 2-Step Verification or a passkey, run Google's Security Checkup, simplify the inbox, and make the text bigger. Add Inactive Account Manager if you want a plan for the future. It takes about an hour and makes the account much harder to break into. ### Before you start - Do it together, on your parent's own phone or computer. It is their account. - Have their phone nearby. Google may send codes to it. - Write down any backup codes and store them somewhere safe at home. - These steps are for a personal Gmail account. Work or school accounts may be managed by an administrator. ### Step 1: Add a recovery phone and recovery email Google uses these to send a code if your parent is ever locked out, and to alert them about suspicious activity. 1. Open the account: Go to myaccount.google.com and tap Security & sign-in. 2. Add the phone: Under "How you sign in to Google," tap Recovery phone and add your parent's mobile number. 3. Add the email: Tap Recovery email. Google suggests an address that is different from the one they sign in with. Many families use the adult child's email here. Google says not to use a Google Voice number as a recovery phone, and that changes to a recovery phone can take up to 7 days to take effect. ### Step 2: Turn on 2-Step Verification, or use a passkey A password alone is easy to steal with a fake login page. A second step stops most of those attacks. 1. Turn it on: In Security & sign-in, under "How you sign in to Google," choose Turn on 2-Step Verification and follow the steps. 2. Choose Google prompts: With Google prompts, a sign-in request pops up on their phone and they tap Yes or No. This is simpler for many older adults than typing codes. 3. Or create a passkey: A passkey lets them sign in with a fingerprint, face or phone screen lock instead of a password. Google says passkeys can't be shared, copied or written down, which makes them more secure against phishing. They work on iPhones with iOS 16 or later. Google says to create passkeys only on devices your parent personally owns and uses. Do not create one for their account on your own phone. ### Step 3: Run Security Checkup Go to myaccount.google.com/security-checkup. It gives personal recommendations, like removing old devices or apps they no longer use. Google suggests doing it regularly. A good habit is to run it together a few times a year. While you are there, check Gmail for strange forwarding or filters. Our guide to stopping scam emails in Gmail shows where to look. ### Step 4: Set up Inactive Account Manager (optional) This is planning, not scam protection, but families often ask about it. Inactive Account Manager lets your parent choose what happens to their account if it goes unused for a set time. They can pick up to 10 people to be notified or to receive parts of their data. Contacts are not told anything until the waiting period ends. Your parent sets it up themselves on the Inactive Account Manager page in their Google Account, and can change it any time. ### Step 5: Simplify the inbox 1. Use inbox categories: On a computer, click the Settings gear. Under "Inbox type," choose Default, then Customize. Keep Primary and turn off tabs they do not need, like Social or Promotions, so the inbox feels less crowded. Mail in a turned-off tab shows in Primary instead, so try it and adjust. 2. Unsubscribe from clutter: In the iPhone Gmail app, tap Menu, then Manage subscriptions, and unsubscribe from real newsletters they no longer read. 3. Star the senders that matter: Create a filter that stars mail from their real bank, pharmacy and family. Real messages are easier to spot when they stand out. ### Step 6: Make the text bigger Small text makes it harder to read a sender's address carefully. On iPhone, go to Settings, Display & Brightness, Text Size and drag the slider. For even larger text, go to Settings, Accessibility, Display & Text Size, Larger Text. Apple says this applies in apps that support Dynamic Type. ### Step 7: Add a safety net for scam emails A well-secured account can still receive scam emails. If your parent has an iPhone, OwlGuardian can screen their Gmail and quarantine suspicious messages before they see them. You get an alert as their Trusted Contact and decide what to release. You see only flagged emails, never their normal mail. It is $4.99 a month per protected person after a 30-day free trial. It works with Gmail today, with Outlook and Hotmail in beta, and it does not block calls or texts. ### Questions Q: How do I set up a Gmail account for an elderly parent? A: Create the account on their device, then add a recovery phone and email, turn on 2-Step Verification or a passkey, and run Security Checkup. Finish by simplifying the inbox and making the text larger. Q: Should I use my email as my parent's recovery email? A: Many families do, and Google suggests a recovery email different from the sign-in address. Make sure your parent agrees, since it lets account recovery messages reach you. Q: Is a passkey safer than a password for seniors? A: Google says passkeys are more secure against phishing because they can't be shared, copied or written down. Your parent signs in with a fingerprint, face or screen lock, so there is no password to type into a fake page. Q: What happens to my parent's Gmail if they stop using it? A: Google's Inactive Account Manager lets them choose a waiting period and up to 10 people to notify or share data with if the account goes unused. They set it up themselves and can change it any time. Sources: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/183723?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/13548313?hl=en, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/12629482?hl=en, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/46526?hl=en, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/3094499?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/15621070?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6579?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/7036019?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop, https://support.apple.com/en-us/102453 --- ## Dementia and scams: how to protect a parent with memory loss URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/dementia-and-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 Memory loss can make it harder to spot a scam, remember what was already paid, or recognize that something went wrong. Money problems can show up years before a diagnosis. The safest approach combines practical controls, like bank alerts, a trusted contact, a credit freeze and screened email, with early legal planning while your parent can still choose who helps. ### Why the risk goes up The Alzheimer's Association says dementia can make it hard to recognize or report mistreatment, and that strangers may target people whose memory problems make them easier to take advantage of. Research points the same way. AARP describes a Johns Hopkins study of more than 81,000 Medicare beneficiaries, published in 2020 in JAMA Internal Medicine. People later diagnosed with dementia were more likely to miss bill payments and see credit score drops, starting as early as six years before diagnosis. AARP also cites a 2016 study that found older adults with mild cognitive impairment were more susceptible to scams. ### Early money signs to watch for - Trouble keeping track of monthly bills. The Alzheimer's Association lists this among early signs. - Poor judgment with money, not just an occasional bad decision. - Bills going unpaid when there is enough money to cover them. - Lots of sweepstakes, contest or health product mail and email. - A sudden change in their financial situation, which the Alzheimer's Association says may be the result of exploitation. - A careful person suddenly becoming less careful with paperwork. These signs do not mean your parent has dementia. Only a doctor can say. If you notice several, mention them at their next appointment. ### Practical controls that help 1. Bank alerts and duplicate statements: Ask the bank to send alerts for large withdrawals and unusual activity. AARP describes families arranging a second set of statements to watch for patterns. 2. A trusted contact on every account: The CFPB says a bank can reach out to a trusted contact if it suspects exploitation. It does not give that person control of the money. 3. A credit freeze: Free at all three bureaus, and it lasts until lifted. It blocks new credit in your parent's name. 4. Secure important papers: Keep checkbooks, tax returns and statements out of easy reach, as AARP suggests. 5. Fewer scam calls: Turn on the carrier's free scam call protection and the phone's unknown-caller screening. 6. Screened email: With dementia, the risk is not just one bad click. It is forgetting a warning a day later. OwlGuardian quarantines suspicious Gmail before your parent sees it and asks you, the Trusted Contact, to decide. Your parent sees nothing different. 7. A family code word: The Alzheimer's Association recommends a private code word to confirm identity in urgent calls. Write it somewhere only family knows. ### Legal tools to plan for Legal planning works best early, while your parent can still make their own choices. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a person with dementia keeps the right to make decisions as long as they have legal capacity. - Durable financial power of attorney: Your parent names someone to handle money if they can no longer do it. "Durable" means it stays valid after incapacity. - Health care power of attorney: Names someone to make medical decisions. - Living trust: Another way to give instructions about money and property. - Guardianship or conservatorship: A court-appointed role, usually a last resort when no plan is in place. Laws differ by state. Talk to an elder law attorney before signing anything. A power of attorney should come from your parent's own choice, never from pressure. ### Free help for caregivers The Alzheimer's Association says you do not need proof to report suspected abuse. Investigating is the professionals' job. - Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900. Free and confidential, around the clock, with interpreters in over 200 languages. - Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. Finds local help, including Adult Protective Services. - National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern, if your parent has lost money to fraud. - If your parent is in danger right now: Call 911. ### Questions Q: What do I do if my parent with dementia was scammed? A: Call their bank right away using the number on the card to stop any payments. Then report it to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 or Adult Protective Services through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. The Alzheimer's Association Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, can also help. Q: Is falling for scams an early sign of dementia? A: It can be one of several clues, but not on its own. The Alzheimer's Association lists poor judgment with money and trouble tracking bills as early signs. A Johns Hopkins study found missed payments could appear years before diagnosis. Talk to their doctor if you are worried. Q: How do I protect a parent with dementia from phone scams? A: Turn on free scam call protection from the carrier, set the phone to screen or silence unknown callers, and agree on a family code word. Keep important numbers on a card by the phone. Q: When should we get a power of attorney? A: Early, while your parent can still choose who helps. A power of attorney must be signed while they have legal capacity. An elder law attorney can explain the rules in your state. Sources: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/abuse, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/technology-safety-older-adults, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/legal-documents, https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/protect-older-parents-from-scams/, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-consumers_2021-11.pdf, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_preventing-elder-financial-abuse_friends-family-guide.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://eldercare.acl.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Best scam protection for seniors in 2026: an honest guide URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/best-scam-protection-for-seniors Updated: 2026-10-23 There is no single best tool, because scams arrive by phone, text, email, mail and bank account. Start with the free layers: carrier call filters, your phone's own screening, Gmail's tools, bank alerts and a credit freeze. Then add a paid service for the gap that worries you most, whether that is identity theft, bank accounts, or scam emails. 1. Free: carrier call and text protection: Best for: scam and spam calls. Every major US carrier has a free layer. 2. Free: your phone's built-in screening: Best for: calls and texts from unknown numbers. 3. Free: Gmail's own protections: Best for: obvious spam and phishing. Gmail lets you report phishing and spam, block senders, and shows warnings on suspicious messages. Pair it with 2-Step Verification and Security Checkup. See our Gmail guide. 4. Free: bank alerts, trusted contacts and a credit freeze: Best for: catching money problems early. Bank alerts flag large or unusual transactions. A trusted contact lets the bank or brokerage call a family member if it suspects fraud, without giving them control of the money, according to the CFPB and FINRA. A credit freeze is free at all three bureaus, according to the FTC. 5. Identity monitoring: Aura: Best for: families worried about identity theft. On September 17, 2026, Aura launched Trusted Family Access. With the member's permission, caregivers can see alerts about credit changes, suspicious transactions, compromised passwords, public records and dark web activity. Access comes in View Only or View & Act levels, and the member can change or revoke it. Aura says caregivers cannot freeze or lock credit. Aura's Trusted Family Access announcement doesn't mention email, but Aura separately sells an Email Protection add-on that scans email in real time and moves flagged messages to a separate folder, across several providers including Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo and AOL. Source, Email Protection 6. Financial monitoring: Carefull and EverSafe: Best for: watching bank and investment accounts for signs of fraud or exploitation. 7. Scam-check apps: SeniorShield and Norton Genie: Best for: checking one suspicious message at a time. 8. Email screening with a family alert: OwlGuardian: Best for: a parent with Gmail and an adult child who wants to catch scam emails before they are opened. OwlGuardian scans incoming Gmail with AI and moves suspicious messages to quarantine before your parent sees them. You, the Trusted Contact, get an alert and release or keep each one. You see only flagged emails, never normal mail. Your parent can also say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to check a screenshot of a text, pop-up or web page, or a photo of a letter, and get a verdict in about five seconds. It is an iOS app, $4.99 a month per protected person after a 30-day free trial. ### A note on fairness We only list facts we could confirm on each company's own website or official App Store page on October 13, 2026. Features and prices change, so check the source link before you buy. We do not rank tools against each other. They solve different problems. OwlGuardian publishes this guide; we've tried to be fair about where other tools are the better fit. ### Which kind of protection does your parent need? - Lots of scam calls: Start with your carrier's free tool and the phone's unknown-caller screening. OwlGuardian does not cover calls. - Worried about identity theft or new accounts: Freeze their credit (free), then consider identity monitoring like Aura. - Worried about bank or investment accounts: Turn on bank alerts and trusted contacts (free), then consider Carefull or EverSafe. - Gets suspicious texts or letters now and then: A scam-check tool like Norton Genie, SeniorShield, Carefull ScamCheck, or OwlGuardian's Call My Owl. - Scam emails in Gmail: Gmail's own tools first, then OwlGuardian if you want suspicious mail held back and sent to you to review. ### Why layers matter In 2025, people 60 and older filed 201,266 complaints with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and reported $7.748 billion in losses. The average loss was $38,500. No single tool sees every channel. A call filter does not read email. Bank monitoring sees money after it moves. Email screening does not stop a phone call. Most families get the best result from two or three layers that cover their parent's real habits. ### Questions to ask before you pay for anything - Which channels does it cover: calls, texts, email, mail, bank accounts, credit? - Does it act before the scam reaches my parent, or alert after? - Does a family member get alerts, and can my parent control what they see? - What does it need access to, and has it passed an independent security review? - Is there a free trial, and how do we cancel? ### Questions Q: What is the best scam protection for seniors? A: It depends on how scams reach your parent. Most families start with free tools: carrier call filters, phone screening, Gmail's built-in protections, bank alerts and a credit freeze. Then they add one paid service for their biggest gap, such as identity, bank accounts or email. Q: Is there an app to protect elderly parents from scams? A: Yes, several, and they do different things. Aura focuses on identity alerts, Carefull and EverSafe on financial accounts, SeniorShield and Norton Genie on checking messages, and OwlGuardian on screening Gmail and alerting a family member. Q: Is there free scam protection for seniors? A: Yes. Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T include free scam or spam call protection. iPhone and Android have built-in screening. Gmail has phishing reporting and blocking. A credit freeze is free, and Norton's Genie scam checker works at no extra charge inside ChatGPT and Claude. Q: Does OwlGuardian block scam calls? A: No. OwlGuardian screens Gmail and offers Call My Owl for checking screenshots and photos. For calls, use your carrier's free tool and your phone's unknown-caller screening. Sources: https://www.verizon.com/support/call-filter-faqs/, https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/scam-shield, https://www.att.com/security/active-armor/, https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106, https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/screen-filter-report-and-block-texts-iph203ab0be4/ios, https://support.google.com/android/answer/18633392, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-consumers_2021-11.pdf, https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/trusted-contact, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://www.aura.com/press/release/new-feature-to-help-protect-senior-adults-from-online-crime, https://getcarefull.com/ai-fraud-prevention, https://getcarefull.com/next-gen-caregiving, https://getcarefull.com/articles/carefull-introduces-scamcheck-technology-to-help-older-adults-amid-growing-scam-threats, https://www.eversafe.com/what-we-do/, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/seniorshield-ai-scam-blocker/id6738144273, https://newsroom.gendigital.com/2026-03-04-The-Worlds-First-AI-Powered-Scam-Detector,-Norton-Genie,-Now-in-ChatGPT, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf --- ## I gave a scammer my Social Security number. What now? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-social-security-number Updated: 2026-10-14 Freeze your credit at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion today. It's free and stops most new accounts in your name. Then get an IRS Identity Protection PIN, set up your own my Social Security account, and report it at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. Your number can't be changed easily, so the goal is to make it useless to the thief. 1. Stop all contact: Hang up and block the number or email. If the scammer calls back as the police, the FTC, or Social Security to "fix" it, hang up again. Real agencies won't call out of the blue asking for your number. 2. Freeze your credit at all three bureaus: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion (1-888-909-8872). A freeze means nobody can open a new credit account in your name. It's free to place and lift, and you must contact each bureau separately. 3. Add a fraud alert, too: Contact one bureau and it must tell the other two. An initial alert lasts up to one year. Businesses should check with you before opening an account. The FTC suggests a fraud alert even if you already have a freeze. 4. Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN: Sign in to your IRS online account at irs.gov/ippin. The PIN has to be on any tax return filed with your number, which makes it much harder for a thief to file first. 5. Create your my Social Security account: Go to ssa.gov/myaccount. Claiming your own account lets you review your earnings history and spot misuse, and it means a thief can't set one up in your name. 6. Report it at IdentityTheft.gov: The FTC's IdentityTheft.gov gives you a personal recovery plan and pre-filled letters. You can also call 1-877-438-4338. 7. Pull your free credit reports: Use AnnualCreditReport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. Look for accounts, addresses, or inquiries you don't recognize. 8. Tell your bank to watch your accounts: Call the number on your card. Ask them to note that your Social Security number was exposed and to add extra checks before changes, new payees, or large withdrawals. Options vary by bank. 9. Watch your mail and your earnings record: Missing bills, surprise bills, or a letter about income you didn't earn are warning signs. The SSA says someone using your number for a job can make it look like you underreported income to the IRS. 10. Report the scam itself: File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help you report and plan next steps. ### What a scammer can and can't do with your Social Security number Your Social Security number is a key that opens other doors. It works best for a thief when it's paired with your name, date of birth, and address, which scammers often already have. Here is a plain look at the risk. - Can: Apply for new credit cards or loans in your name. A credit freeze blocks most of this. - Can: File a fake tax return to steal your refund. An IRS IP PIN blocks this. - Can: Use your number to get a job, which can show up as income you didn't report. - Can: Try to get medical care or benefits in your name. - Can't: Take money out of your existing bank accounts with the number alone. They usually need your login, card, or a bank employee they can fool. That's why the bank call matters. - Can't: "suspend" your Social Security number or cut off your benefits. That threat is a common government impersonation script. ### More about the IRS Identity Protection PIN Anyone with a Social Security number or ITIN who can verify their identity can get one. The IRS says the fastest way is through your IRS online account. A new PIN is issued every calendar year, and if you enrolled online, the IRS won't mail it to you. You have to look it up each year before you file. If you can't verify online, you can file Form 15227 if your income is under the IRS limit ($84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing jointly, based on your last return). The IRS calls to verify you and mails the PIN in four to six weeks. You can also book an in-person appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center with photo ID plus one more ID. Helping a parent with this? The IRS also lets parents and legal guardians request an IP PIN for dependents. For an adult parent, sit with them while they sign in. Don't create an account for them as if you were them. ### Freeze or fraud alert? Do both - Credit freeze: Blocks new credit accounts until you lift it. Free. You contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion one by one. - Lifting a freeze: When you request it by phone or online, the bureau must lift it within one hour. By mail, within three business days. So a freeze won't stop you from getting a loan later. - Fraud alert: Asks businesses to check with you before opening an account. Contact one bureau and it notifies the others. It lasts up to a year. ### Can I get a new Social Security number? Only in rare cases. The SSA will consider it after you've reported the theft, tried to fix the problems, and someone is still using your number in a way that keeps hurting you. You'll need to meet with a representative and bring proof. A lost or stolen card alone isn't enough. The SSA also warns that a new number "won't guarantee you a fresh start." Your old records still exist, and a brand-new number can leave you with no credit history. For most people, the freeze, IP PIN, and monitoring above are the better path. ### What to say if they call back For the bigger picture on other details you may have shared, see I gave a scammer my personal information. "I don't discuss my account on calls I didn't make. Goodbye." Then hang up. If you're worried it was real, call the agency using a number from its official website. ### Questions Q: What can someone do with my Social Security number? A: They can try to open credit in your name, file a fake tax return for your refund, use your number for a job, or get medical care in your name. A credit freeze, an IRS IP PIN, and watching your credit reports block or catch most of this. Q: I gave a scammer my Social Security number over the phone. Should I freeze my credit? A: Yes. It's the single most useful step. Freeze it at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. It's free, it doesn't hurt your score, and you can lift it within an hour when you need credit. Q: Can I change my Social Security number after a scam? A: Rarely. The SSA considers a new number only if someone keeps misusing yours after you've reported it and tried to fix the problems. Even then, it won't erase the old records. Q: Will the IRS send my IP PIN every year? A: If you got it through your IRS online account, no. A new PIN is generated each year and you need to look it up online. People who are confirmed victims of tax identity theft get it by mail. Q: My mom gave her Social Security number to a scammer. What do I do? A: Sit with her and freeze her credit at all three bureaus, then help her get an IRS IP PIN and set up her my Social Security account. Report it at IdentityTheft.gov. Remind her this happens to careful people and that she did the right thing by telling you. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://www.irs.gov/ippin, https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/, https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf, https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/requesting-new-number, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/, https://www.annualcreditreport.com, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## I gave a scammer my bank account information. What now? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-bank-account-information Updated: 2026-10-14 Call your bank's fraud line now, using the number on your card, and tell them a scammer has your account details. Ask whether to close the account and open a new one, and change your online banking password if you shared it. Then watch for withdrawals you didn't make and report them quickly, because federal protections depend on timing. ### First, what exactly did you share? "Bank information" can mean very different things. The steps below get more urgent as you go down this list. - Account and routing number (from a check or a form): a real risk, but usually slower-moving. The scammer may try to pull money out electronically or by a fake check. - Online banking username and password: Urgent. They may log in, add themselves as a payee, or send money. - A one-time code from your bank: Most urgent. A code read out on a call usually means they were logging in or approving a payment at that moment. - You moved money yourself because a "bank" or "fraud department" told you to: see Scammed out of money? The first hour. ### What a scammer can do with your account and routing number - Make a check that pulls from your account. The FTC has warned that someone with your account number can create a check that takes money out without you signing anything. - Set up electronic withdrawals that look like bill payments or memberships. - Send you a fake check or deposit and then ask you to send part of it back. By law banks must make deposits available quickly, but a fake check can take weeks to bounce. Then you owe the bank. - Use your details to sound like your bank on the next call. A caller who reads your account number back to you is not proof they're real. ### Do this now 1. Call the fraud line on the back of your card: Not a number from a text, email, or caller. Tell them what you shared and when. Ask for a fraud note on the account. 2. Ask about a new account number: Many banks will close the exposed account and open a new one. Ask what they recommend. Ask how they'll move your direct deposits and automatic bills. 3. Change your online banking password and turn on two-step verification: Do it from a phone or computer the scammer never touched. Check that the email and phone number on the account are still yours. 4. Check for new payees, transfers, and linked apps: Look in online banking for Zelle recipients, bill-pay payees, or external accounts you didn't add. Ask the bank to remove them. 5. Write down the call: Name, date, time, and any case number. Then follow up in writing if the bank asks you to. Your bank will never ask you to move money to a "safe account" to protect it. The FTC says that request is always a scam. ### What to say to your bank "I'm calling to report fraud. Earlier today I gave my account and routing number to someone I now know is a scammer." "Can you put a fraud note on the account and watch for withdrawals, checks, and new payees?" "Do you recommend closing this account and opening a new one? How do I keep my Social Security deposit and bills from bouncing?" "Can you give me a case number, and what's the best way to dispute anything that comes through?" ### If money comes out that you didn't approve Federal rules protect you against electronic transfers you didn't authorize, but the clock matters. If only your account number was stolen, you aren't responsible for unauthorized transfers you report within 60 days after the statement showing them is sent. Wait longer and you could lose more. If a company you once agreed to pay keeps pulling money, the CFPB says to tell both the company and your bank that you've withdrawn permission, in writing. After that, new payments from that company are errors you can ask the bank to refund. Your bank may also suggest a stop payment order, which usually costs a fee. These protections cover payments you didn't make. If you were tricked into sending money yourself, the bank may treat it differently. Ask anyway, explain you were deceived, and get a claim number. See can you get money back? ### The next 60 days - Check your account every few days, not just when the statement comes. - Turn on text or app alerts for every withdrawal, if your bank offers them. - Don't deposit any check or accept any transfer from a stranger, and don't send "extra" money back. - If you also shared your Social Security number, freeze your credit. See I gave a scammer my Social Security number. - Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if it happened online. ### Questions Q: What can a scammer do with my bank account and routing number? A: They can try to make a check or electronic withdrawal that pulls from your account, or send you a fake deposit and ask for money back. Call your bank's fraud line, ask about a new account number, and watch for withdrawals you didn't make. Q: Should I close my bank account if a scammer has my information? A: Ask your bank. Many recommend closing the exposed account and opening a new one, especially if you shared your login or a code. The bank can help move direct deposits and automatic payments. Q: Can a scammer take money from my account with just my account number? A: They can try, using a check or electronic withdrawal made with your number. If you report unauthorized transfers within 60 days after your statement is sent, federal rules say you aren't responsible for them. Q: I gave a scammer my online banking password. What should I do? A: Call your bank's fraud line right away. Then change your password and turn on two-step verification from a device the scammer never touched, and check for new payees or transfers. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2017/08/payments-you-didnt-authorize-could-be-scam, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/lost-or-stolen-credit-atm-and-debit-cards, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-my-money-back-after-i-discover-an-unauthorized-transaction-or-money-missing-from-my-bank-account-en-1017/, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-stop-automatic-payments-from-my-bank-account-en-2023/, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov --- ## I gave a scammer my debit or credit card number. What now? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-debit-card-number Updated: 2026-10-14 Call the number on the back of the card right now and ask them to cancel it and send a new one. With a credit card, you usually owe nothing for charges you didn't make. With a debit card, how much you could lose depends on how fast you report it, so call today. ### Do this in the next 10 minutes 1. Call the card company: Use the number on the back of the card or the bank's official app. Say: "I gave my card number to a scammer. Please cancel this card and issue a new number." 2. Lock the card in the app while you wait: Many banks let you freeze a card with one tap. It's a good stopgap, but still call. 3. Ask about charges already pending: Read through recent charges with the agent. Small charges you don't recognize count too. 4. Get a case number: Write down the name, time, and number. You'll need them if you have to dispute later. ### Credit card vs. debit card: how much could you owe? These limits come from federal law, as explained by the FTC. They apply to charges you didn't make or approve. - Credit card, only the number was stolen (you still have the card): You aren't responsible for unauthorized charges. - Credit card, card lost or stolen: At most $50, and $0 if you report it before it's used. - Debit card, only the number was stolen: You aren't responsible for unauthorized charges if you report them within 60 days after your statement is sent. - Debit card lost or stolen, reported within 2 business days: At most $50. - Debit card lost or stolen, reported after 2 business days but within 60 days of the statement: Up to $500. - Debit, reported more than 60 days after the statement: You could lose all the money taken. Debit card charges come straight out of your checking account. Even when you're protected, you may be short on cash while the bank investigates. That's why speed matters most with debit. ### Follow up in writing The FTC recommends a letter after your call. Include your account number, when you noticed the problem, and when you first reported it. Keep a copy and your call notes. Send credit card disputes to the billing-dispute address on your statement. Send debit disputes to the bank's address for errors. Both are usually on the back of the statement or on the bank's website. "I am writing to dispute unauthorized charges on account ending in [last 4 digits]." "On [date] I gave my card number to a person I now know was a scammer. I reported this by phone on [date and time] and was given case number [number]." "I did not authorize these charges: [date, merchant, amount]. Please remove them and confirm in writing." ### If you were tricked into making the payment yourself The protections above cover charges you didn't make. If a scammer talked you into paying them, the card company may see it as a payment you approved. That doesn't mean give up. Call, explain you were deceived, and ask for a dispute. Ask about both card types. See can you get money back? for each payment type. ### After the new card arrives - Update automatic bills and subscriptions that used the old number. - Check your statements every week for the next two months. - Turn on purchase alerts in your bank's app, if offered. - Be wary of anyone who calls offering "credit card loss protection" or asks you to "confirm" your number. The FTC warns this is a scam, since federal law already protects you. - If you also typed in your Social Security number or date of birth, freeze your credit. See I gave a scammer my Social Security number. - Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### How card numbers usually get stolen Most often it's a fake text or email about a package, a toll, or a renewal. The FTC says fake package delivery texts were the most reported text scam of 2024, and toll-text scammers are after card and even Social Security numbers. If you're not sure about a message next time, a screenshot to Call My Owl gives a verdict in about five seconds. ### Questions Q: I gave a scammer my debit card number. Will I lose my money? A: Probably not, if you act fast. If only the number was stolen, you aren't responsible for unauthorized charges you report within 60 days after your statement is sent. Call the bank today, cancel the card, and dispute anything you didn't make. Q: What can a scammer do with my credit card number? A: Make online or phone purchases with it. Call the card company, cancel the card, and dispute charges. If you still have the card and only the number was stolen, you're not responsible for unauthorized charges. Q: Should I cancel my card if a scammer has the number? A: Yes. Ask the card company to cancel it and issue a new number. Locking the card in the app is a good quick step, but a new number is the real fix. Q: Can a scammer use my card number without the CVV? A: Assume they can. If you typed the number into a fake site, the scammer likely has the security code and expiration date too. Treat the card as exposed and replace it. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/lost-or-stolen-credit-atm-and-debit-cards, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-my-money-back-after-i-discover-an-unauthorized-transaction-or-money-missing-from-my-bank-account-en-1017/, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed --- ## I gave a scammer my Medicare number. What now? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-medicare-number Updated: 2026-10-14 Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), tell them a scammer has your number, and ask to change it. Medicare allows a new number if you think yours was compromised. Then check your claims for services or equipment you never got, and report misuse at IdentityTheft.gov. ### Why scammers want a Medicare number A Medicare number is like an account number for your health coverage. With it, a dishonest company can bill Medicare for care, tests, or equipment you never received. The FTC has warned about schemes that billed Medicare for back braces people never asked for. This kind of medical identity theft can also put wrong information in your health records, or make it look like you've used up a benefit. It's worth fixing, but it's very fixable. Medicare doesn't call, text, or email out of the blue for your number, and cards are free and mailed automatically. Scammers get busier during Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7. ### Do this today 1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227): Tell them you gave your number to someone you now think was a scammer. Ask them to note your record. 2. Ask for a new Medicare number: Medicare's rules say that if you suspect your number is compromised, you can request a new one. Medicare will mail a new card. Once it arrives, give the new number to your doctors, pharmacy, and any plan you have. 3. If you have a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, call the plan too: Use the number on your plan card. Ask them to watch for claims you didn't get. 4. If you also gave your Social Security number or bank details: Those need their own steps. See I gave a scammer my Social Security number and I gave a scammer my bank account information. ### Check your claims for care you never got This is how you catch misuse. With Original Medicare, you get a Medicare Summary Notice in the mail every six months if you had any services in that period. You can also sign up for electronic notices at medicare.gov/go-digital, or create a secure Medicare.gov account to see claims as soon as they're processed. - Compare dates and services with your calendar and receipts. - Look for doctors you've never seen, equipment you never got (braces, diabetic supplies, tests), and visits on days you were home. - If you're in a Medicare Advantage or drug plan, read its Explanation of Benefits the same way. - If something looks wrong, ask the provider or plan to explain. If it still looks wrong, report it. ### Where to report - Medicare fraud or billing for care you didn't get: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or online through the HHS Office of Inspector General, linked from Medicare.gov. - Help from a local volunteer: Your state's Senior Medicare Patrol. Find yours at smpresource.org. They help people spot and report Medicare errors and fraud. - Medical identity theft: Tell your provider or plan, then report it at IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan. - The scam call, text, or letter itself: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If wrong information got into your medical records The FTC lays out these steps for medical identity theft: 1. Ask for copies of your records: From each doctor, hospital, pharmacy, lab, and plan involved. There may be a form and a fee. 2. Mark the errors: Visits, diagnoses, or prescriptions that aren't yours. 3. Write to the provider: Send the incorrect record and an explanation by a tracked method like certified mail. The provider must respond within 30 days and tell other providers who have the same mistake. 4. Check your credit reports: Medical debts you don't owe can show up there. Use AnnualCreditReport.com. ### Helping a parent with this Medicare scams are aimed squarely at older adults, so this is often a family job. Offer to make the 1-800-MEDICARE call together on speaker. Medicare will usually need your parent on the line to make changes. Then put a reminder on the calendar to read the next Medicare Summary Notice together. "I don't give my Medicare number to callers. I'll call Medicare myself." Then hang up and call 1-800-633-4227. ### Questions Q: What can a scammer do with my Medicare number? A: They can bill Medicare for services, tests, or equipment you never got, and that can put false information in your records. Call 1-800-MEDICARE, ask for a new number, and check your Medicare Summary Notices for care you didn't receive. Q: Can I get a new Medicare number if mine was stolen? A: Yes. Medicare lets you request a new number if you suspect yours was compromised. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask. Q: Does Medicare call you to ask for your Medicare number? A: No. Medicare won't call out of the blue for your number or a payment. Medicare staff only ask for information when you called them first. Q: How do I check if someone is using my Medicare number? A: Read your Medicare Summary Notice, or sign in to a Medicare.gov account to see claims as they're processed. Look for providers, dates, or equipment you don't recognize. Q: Who do I report Medicare fraud to? A: Call 1-800-MEDICARE or report through the HHS Office of Inspector General. Your state's Senior Medicare Patrol, found at smpresource.org, can also help you report. Sources: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/reporting-medicare-fraud-and-abuse, https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0600901040, https://www.medicare.gov/basics/forms-publications-mailings/mailings/costs-and-coverage/medicare-summary-notice, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-medical-identity-theft, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/medicare-fraud-affects-everyone-so-heres-what-know-and-do, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/medicare-open-enrollment-season-learn-how-protect-yourself-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2019/10/back-brace-scams-target-people-medicare, https://smpresource.org, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## A scammer has my name, address and phone number. Should I worry? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/scammer-has-my-name-address-phone-number Updated: 2026-10-14 A little, but less than you might fear. Your name, address, and phone number are often already out there from data breaches and public records, and on their own they can't empty a bank account. The real risk is that a scammer uses them to sound believable in the next call, text, or letter, so the fix is mostly about being ready for that. 1. They can make the next scam sound real: A caller who knows your name and street sounds official. That's the main thing these details buy a scammer. 2. They can send more scam texts and calls: Your number may get passed around. Expect a bump in fake package, toll, and bank texts. 3. They can send scam letters: Fake invoices, sweepstakes "winnings," and official-looking notices arrive by mail too. 4. They can try to take over your phone number: With your name and number, a scammer may try to move your number to their phone. The FCC calls this port-out fraud. If it works, they can receive your bank's text codes. 5. They can pair it with other leaked details: Combined with a birthday or Social Security number from somewhere else, your name and address become far more useful to a thief. 6. They can show up in person, rarely: Some grandparent and courier scams send someone to the door to collect cash. This is uncommon but serious. ### What they can't do with just these three things - They can't log in to your bank or email without a password or code. - They can't withdraw your money with only your name and address. - They can't "suspend" your Social Security number or have you arrested. Those are scam scripts. - They can't make you answer. Not picking up unknown numbers is a perfectly good strategy. ### How worried should you be? A quick check - Low concern: They only have your name, address, and phone number. Follow the fixes above and carry on. - Medium concern: They also have your email or date of birth. Add a credit freeze and turn on two-step verification for email and banking. - Act today: They also have your Social Security number, bank details, card number, or a password. Go to I gave a scammer my personal information and follow the steps for each one. ### Why your details are already out there Company data breaches expose millions of names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails each year. If a company tells you your password was part of a breach, the FTC says to change that password right away, plus anywhere you reused it, and to turn on two-step verification. IdentityTheft.gov has steps based on what was exposed. None of this is your fault. It's the price of living in a world where companies hold our data. What you control is how you respond to the next contact. ### A household rule that beats most scams Agree on this with your family: any call, text, email, or letter that asks for money, codes, or personal details gets checked first. Hang up, look up the number yourself, or ask someone you trust. For texts, emails, and letters, Call My Owl can check a screenshot or photo in about five seconds. "I don't confirm information on calls I didn't make." "I'll call the company back on the number on my card or statement." Then hang up. A real company will be fine with that. ### Questions Q: What can someone do with your name and address? A: Mostly make scams more convincing: targeted calls, texts, and letters that sound official. On their own, a name and address can't get into your bank. Pair them with an SSN or birthday and the risk goes up, which is why a credit freeze helps. Q: Scammer has my phone number. What can they do? A: Send more scam calls and texts, and possibly try to move your number to their phone. Ask your carrier for a PIN or port-out protection, don't reply to unknown texts, and forward scam texts to 7726. Q: I accidentally gave a scammer my phone number. Should I change it? A: Usually not. Changing your number is a big hassle and rarely needed. Add carrier account protection, ignore unknown callers, and never read a verification code to anyone who calls you. Q: Scammer has my email and phone number. Should I worry? A: Expect more phishing. Turn on two-step verification for your email, use a unique password, and don't click links in unexpected messages. If you use Gmail, report phishing emails with the Report phishing option. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/have-you-been-affected-data-breach-read, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/scam-alert/port-out-fraud-targets-your-private-accounts, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-credit-freeze-or-security-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://www.uspis.gov/report, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253 --- ## I clicked on a phishing link. What do I do? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/clicked-on-a-phishing-link Updated: 2026-10-26 If you only clicked and closed the page, the risk is usually low: close it, run a security scan, and don't go back. If you typed a password, change it right away from a safe device. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now. ### Find your situation Clicking is not the same as being hacked. What matters is what happened after the click. - A) I clicked, saw a page, and closed it. Low risk. Go to step A below. - B) I typed a password or username. Medium to high risk. Go to step B. - C) I entered a card number, bank login, or Social Security number. High risk. Go to step C. - D) Something downloaded, or I installed something. High risk. Go to step D. ### A) You clicked but didn't type anything 1. Close the page: Don't enter anything, and don't click "allow" on any pop-up asking for notifications or permissions. 2. Update and run your security software: The FTC says to update your security software, run a scan, and remove anything it flags. On Windows, Microsoft Defender is built in: open Windows Security, then Virus & threat protection, then Quick scan. A Mac has built-in malware protection that updates on its own, so keep macOS up to date. For a free second opinion on Windows or Mac, Malwarebytes has a free scanner that finds and removes malware already on the computer. 3. Report the message, then delete it: In Gmail on a computer, open the message, click More next to Reply, and choose Report phishing. Forward scam texts to 7726. ### B) You typed a password 1. Change that password now: Do it from a phone or computer you trust, by going straight to the real site or app. Not through the link. 2. Change it anywhere you reused it: Scammers try stolen passwords on other sites. Start with email, then banking. 3. Sign out of other devices and turn on two-step verification: Most email and bank accounts have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings. 4. If it was your email password: Check for forwarding rules or filters you didn't set up. See my parent's email was hacked for the full Gmail checklist. ### C) You entered a card, bank login, or Social Security number 1. Card number: Call the number on the back of the card, cancel it, and get a new one. See I gave a scammer my card number. 2. Bank login: Call your bank's fraud line now, then change your password. See I gave a scammer my bank account information. 3. Social Security number: Freeze your credit at all three bureaus today. See I gave a scammer my Social Security number. ### D) Something downloaded or installed The FTC's advice for possible malware: stop logging in to banking and shopping accounts on that device until it's cleaned, update your security software, run a full scan, and then change your passwords from a clean device. - Warning signs include a slow or crashing device, a changed home page, new toolbars, lots of pop-ups, or emails you didn't write. - On a phone, delete any app you installed from the link. On Android, run a Play Protect scan from the Play Store. - If anyone asked you to install a screen-sharing or remote-control app, see a scammer had remote access to my phone or the computer remote access playbook. - If the scan keeps finding things, get help from a repair shop you find yourself, not one from a pop-up. ### If it was your mom or dad who clicked Adult children often hear about this after the fact, sometimes days later. Start by finding out which of A, B, C, or D happened. Ask calmly. People who feel judged tend to say "I didn't type anything" even when they did. "Thanks for telling me. These links fool everyone, me included." "After you clicked, did it ask you to sign in, or type anything? It's fine either way, it just changes what we do." "Did anything download or ask to install?" "Let's change the password together on my phone, right now. Five minutes." Most phishing links reach parents through email. OwlGuardian moves suspicious Gmail messages to quarantine before your parent sees them and sends you, the Trusted Contact, a plain-English alert. ### Report it - Phishing email: forward to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org, or use Report phishing in Gmail. - Phishing text: forward to 7726. - Then report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If anything was stolen, IdentityTheft.gov gives you a recovery plan. ### Questions Q: What happens if you click on a phishing link but don't enter any information? A: Usually not much. Close the page, update your security software and run a scan, and don't go back. The real danger comes from typing passwords or details, or installing something the page offered. Q: I clicked a phishing link on my iPhone. What should I do? A: Close the tab, and delete any app or profile it had you install. If you typed a password, change it from the real app or site. If you entered card details, call your bank. Q: Can clicking a link hack your phone? A: It's uncommon for a click alone to do serious damage on an up-to-date phone. Most harm comes from what you type or install afterward. Keep your phone updated and don't install apps from links. Q: I entered my password on a phishing site. What now? A: Change that password right away from a trusted device, plus anywhere you reused it. Sign out of other devices, turn on two-step verification, and check your email for forwarding rules you didn't set up. Q: My mom clicked on a scam link. What do I do? A: Ask calmly what happened after the click. If she typed nothing, run a security scan and report the message. If she typed a password or card number, change the password or call the card company together today. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/malware-how-protect-against-detect-and-remove-it, https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/how-to-start-a-scan-for-viruses-or-malware-in-microsoft-defender, https://support.apple.com/guide/security/protecting-against-malware-sec469d47bd8/web, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253, https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2812853?hl=en, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recover-your-hacked-email-or-social-media-account --- ## I replied to a scam email. Now what? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/replied-to-a-scam-email Updated: 2026-10-14 If you only replied and didn't send money, codes, or personal details, you're probably fine. Your reply mostly told the scammer that your address is real and that you read their messages, so expect more. Stop replying, block and report the sender, and follow the steps below if you shared anything more. ### What your reply told the scammer - Your email address works, and a real person reads it. - You were willing to engage, which can move you onto a list for follow-up scams. - Possibly your name, phone number, or location, if your email signature includes them. - Not your password or your money. A reply alone doesn't give them access to your account. ### Do this now 1. Stop replying: Don't send a follow-up to say you know it's a scam, and don't ask to be removed. Any reply keeps the conversation going. 2. Report it: In Gmail on a computer, open the message, click More next to Reply, and choose Report phishing. You can also forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org. 3. Block the sender: Then delete the thread after you've reported it, unless you need it as evidence. 4. Check what you sent: Scroll through your sent message. Did it include anything from the list below? ### If your reply included more than "yes" or "who is this?" - Your phone number: Expect calls. Don't trust anyone who "follows up" on the email. See scammer has my name, address and phone number. - A photo of an ID, a check, or a card: Treat everything on it as exposed. - Card or bank details: Call your bank now. See I gave a scammer my card number or bank account information. - Social Security or Medicare number: See I gave a scammer my Social Security number or Medicare number. - A password or a code they asked for: Change the password now from a trusted device. A code is a key; assume they used it. - You clicked a link or opened an attachment in their reply: See I clicked on a phishing link. - You paid something: See scammed out of money? The first hour. ### What to expect next Scammers often switch tactics once they know someone is reading. Watch for these over the next few weeks: - A friendlier follow-up: "Sorry for the confusion, here is the correct invoice." - A threat: "Your account will be closed" or "Legal action will be taken." Real companies don't work this way. - A phone call from someone claiming to be the company, your bank, or a "fraud department." - A "recovery" offer if money was mentioned. Anyone who wants a fee to get money back is a scammer. If a follow-up email includes a phone number to call, don't call it. Fake invoice and renewal emails exist to get you on the phone, where the real scam starts. ### Common emails people reply to - Fake renewal or invoice from a known brand. See the Geek Squad email scam, Norton renewal scam, and PayPal invoice scam. - A message from a "friend" or "pastor" asking for a favor, often gift cards. The account may be hacked or spoofed. Check by calling them on a number you already have. - A prize or sweepstakes notice. See the sweepstakes and lottery scam. - A "romance" or new-friend message that started as a wrong number or a kind note. ### If your mom or dad replied Replying is the most natural thing in the world, especially to an email that looks like it's from a company or a friend. Ask what they wrote, not why they wrote it. If it was just a reply, help them report and block the sender, and agree that next time, they'll forward odd emails to you first. If your parent uses Gmail, OwlGuardian can do that checking automatically. Suspicious emails go to quarantine before they're read, and you get a summary and decide in two taps. ### Questions Q: What happens if you reply to a scam email? A: Usually the scammer learns your address is active and sends more scams. A reply alone doesn't give them your password or money. Stop replying, report and block the sender, and watch for follow-ups. Q: I replied to a scam email with my phone number. What should I do? A: Expect scam calls. Don't trust anyone who calls about the email, even if they know your details. Ask your carrier about a PIN on your account and never read a verification code to a caller. Q: Should I reply to a scammer to tell them I know? A: No. Any reply confirms your address is active and invites more contact. Report the message and block the sender instead. Q: Can a scammer hack you if you reply to their email? A: Not from the reply alone. Risk comes from clicking their links, opening attachments, sharing codes or passwords, or calling the number they give you. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## I gave a scammer remote access to my phone or iPhone URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/scammer-remote-access-phone Updated: 2026-10-14 End the call or screen-sharing session right away, then delete any app or profile the scammer had you install. Call your bank from another phone and change your email, bank, and Apple or Google passwords. A scammer who saw your screen may have seen codes and passwords, so treat those as exposed. ### How scammers get into a phone Phones are harder to take over than computers, so scammers usually need you to help. They pose as your bank, Apple, Amazon, or tech support and ask you to share your screen "so we can fix it." Some ask you to install a screen-sharing app. Others use the phone's own features. - Screen sharing: They watch everything you see, including texts with codes and banking apps you open. - Remote control: On newer iPhones, the other person on a FaceTime or Phone call can request to control your screen. If you accept, they can open apps, change settings, send messages, and delete things. - A configuration profile: A file that can change settings and manage the device. Scammers sometimes trick people into installing one. ### Do this first, on any phone 1. End the call and the sharing: Hang up. Ending a FaceTime call also ends screen sharing and remote control. On iPhone you can also tap Stop at the bottom of the screen sharing window. 2. Call your bank from a different phone: Use the number on your card. Say a scammer could see or control your phone while banking apps or texts were open. Ask them to watch for transfers and new payees. 3. Don't use banking apps on the phone yet: Wait until you've removed anything the scammer installed. ### iPhone: clean up 1. Delete apps you installed for them: Any screen-sharing or remote support app they asked for. Press and hold the app icon, then remove it. 2. Check for configuration profiles: Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management. If you see a profile you didn't knowingly add (and the phone isn't from work or school), tap it and remove it. Apple notes that removing a profile also removes its settings, apps, and data. 3. Run Safety Check: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. Use Manage Sharing & Access to review which people and apps have access, remove devices connected to your Apple Account, check your trusted phone numbers, and update your passcode. Emergency Reset stops all sharing at once. 4. Change your Apple Account password: Settings > [your name] > Sign-In & Security > Change Password. When asked, sign out other devices you don't recognize. Apple says you may have to wait an hour before changing it. 5. Change your passcode: If they watched you type it, change it in Settings under Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode). Apple says that during FaceTime remote control, the other person can't change your Apple Account or Face ID settings, use Apple Pay, or erase your device. They can still open apps and see what's on screen, so the password changes still matter. ### Android: clean up Menu names vary by phone maker. These are Google's general steps. 1. Uninstall apps you installed for them: Open Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications), then See all apps. Tap the app and choose Uninstall. 2. Run a Play Protect scan: Open the Play Store, tap your profile picture, then Play Protect. Make sure "Scan apps with Play Protect" is on, and run a scan. 3. Update the phone: In Settings, look under System for Software updates, or under Security & privacy. 4. Change your Google Account password: From another device if you can. See my parent's email was hacked for Google's security checklist. 5. If problems continue: Google says a reset may be needed, or contact your phone maker. Back up photos first. ### Then change these passwords, from a different device if you can - Email first, since it can reset everything else. - Banking and payment apps (Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal). - Apple Account or Google Account. - Amazon and any shopping account with a saved card. - Turn on two-step verification, and never read a code to anyone who calls you. ### If they saw a code, an ID, or your Social Security number Was it a computer instead? Use the computer remote access playbook. - A one-time code on screen: assume it was used. Call that company. - Photos of your ID, card, or Social Security card in your camera roll: treat them as exposed. See I gave a scammer my personal information. - Then report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If money was lost, also at ic3.gov. If you're 60 or older, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. ### Questions Q: I gave a scammer remote access to my phone. What should I do? A: End the call, delete any app or profile they had you install, and call your bank from another phone. Change your email, bank, and Apple or Google passwords and turn on two-step verification. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Q: Can a scammer control my iPhone? A: On newer iPhones, someone on a FaceTime or Phone call can request remote control, and if you accept, they can open apps and change settings. Apple says they can't change your Apple Account or Face ID, use Apple Pay, or erase the phone. Hanging up ends it. Q: How do I check if someone has remote access to my iPhone? A: Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for profiles you didn't add, and run Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check to review people, apps, and devices with access. Q: Can a scammer still access my phone after I hang up? A: Screen sharing and remote control through a call end when the call ends. An installed app or profile could keep some access, so remove those and change your passwords. Q: My mom let a scammer share her iPhone screen. What now? A: Help her hang up, remove any app or profile they had her install, and run Safety Check. Call her bank together from your phone, then change her Apple Account and email passwords. Sources: https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/manage-screen-sharing-control-facetime-ips48fe06838/web, https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/request-give-remote-control-a-phone-call-iph6e7a02453/ios, https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/review-and-delete-configuration-profiles-ips327569a75/web, https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/safety-check-iphone-ios-16-ips2aad835e1/web, https://support.apple.com/en-us/101567, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/9924802?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid, https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2812853?hl=en, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## My parent's email was hacked. What to do URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/parents-email-hacked Updated: 2026-10-14 Help your parent get back in through the provider's official recovery page, then change the password and sign out every other device. Check for forwarding rules, filters, and recovery details the hacker added, because those let them keep reading mail. Then warn their contacts and check whether the inbox held bank or tax documents. ### Signs it really was hacked If the contacts' emails came from a slightly different address, the account may have been spoofed rather than hacked. Still change the password, just in case. - Friends got emails your parent didn't send, often asking for money or gift cards. - Your parent can't sign in, or got an alert about a password change they didn't make. - Sign-in alerts from devices or places they don't recognize. - Messages are missing, or the Sent folder has emails they didn't write. ### Gmail: get back in 1. Use Google's recovery page: Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery and answer the questions as best you can. Google says there's no limit to how many times you can try. 2. Do it with your parent, on their usual device: Recovery asks questions only the owner can answer. Sit with them rather than doing it for them. 3. Don't pay for help: Google says it can't help you sign in by phone and doesn't work with third-party recovery services. Anyone offering to recover the account for a fee is likely another scammer. 4. Set a new, strong password: One they've never used before. A password manager or a written note kept at home is fine. ### Gmail: close the hacker's back doors This is the step most people miss. Google's own checklist for a compromised account covers all of these. 1. Review security events: In the Google Account, open Security & sign-in, then Recent security events. Mark anything your parent didn't do as "No, it wasn't me." 2. Sign out unknown devices: Under Your devices, choose Manage devices. For anything unfamiliar, select Don't recognize a device? and follow the prompts. 3. Fix recovery phone and email: Make sure the recovery phone and recovery email are your parent's, or yours if they want you as a backup. Hackers swap these to lock people out again. 4. Remove unknown apps: Use Review apps with access and remove anything you don't recognize. 5. Check Gmail settings: In Gmail settings, look at Automatic mail forwarding, Filters, Mail delegation, Vacation responder, and POP or IMAP access. Delete anything your parent didn't set up. A hidden forwarding rule can send a copy of every email to the hacker. 6. Turn on 2-Step Verification: Then remind your parent: never read a Google code to anyone who calls. Not Gmail? Links to change passwords for Outlook, Yahoo, AOL, and iCloud are on our fraud phone numbers page. Use the provider's official recovery page, never a number from a search ad. ### Warn their contacts The FTC suggests telling friends and family so they don't click links or answer urgent requests for money. "Hi everyone, my email was hacked this week. If you got a message from me asking for money, gift cards, or to click a link, please ignore it and delete it." "I'm fine. If you're ever unsure whether a message is really from me, just call me." ### What was in the inbox? A hacker may have read old emails. Search the inbox together for these and act on what you find: - Bank or card statements: Call those banks and ask for fraud notes on the accounts. See I gave a scammer my bank account information. - Tax documents, Social Security letters, or scans of IDs: Freeze credit at all three bureaus. See I gave a scammer my Social Security number. - Password reset emails from other sites: Change those passwords too, starting with any that used the same password. - Medicare or insurance emails: See I gave a scammer my Medicare number. ### How the hacker probably got in Most often it's a phishing email or text that led to a fake sign-in page, or a reused password exposed in a data breach. Talk about it without blame. "These fake pages fool everyone" keeps the door open for next time. OwlGuardian works with Gmail. It scans incoming mail and quarantines likely phishing before your parent sees it, and you get a plain-English alert as their Trusted Contact. It won't recover a hacked account, but it helps stop the email that starts the next one. ### Report it - If money was stolen or asked for: ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and ic3.gov for online losses. - If personal information was misused: IdentityTheft.gov. - If your parent is 60 or older: the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help with reporting. ### Questions Q: My mom's email was hacked. What do I do first? A: Help her sign in through the provider's official recovery page, change the password, and sign out all other devices. Then check for forwarding rules and filters the hacker may have added, and turn on two-step verification. Q: How do I recover my dad's hacked Gmail account? A: Go to accounts.google.com/signin/recovery with him, ideally on his usual device, and answer the questions. Once in, review security events, devices, recovery info, apps with access, and Gmail forwarding and filters. Q: Email hacked what to do next after changing the password? A: Sign out of all devices, check recovery phone and email, remove forwarding rules and filters you didn't make, turn on two-step verification, and warn contacts not to click links or send money. Q: Can Google help me recover a hacked account by phone? A: No. Google says it can't help you sign in by phone and doesn't work with third-party recovery services. Use the official recovery page. Q: Should my parent make a new email address after a hack? A: Usually not, once the account is secured and the back doors are closed. A new address means updating every bank and contact. If you truly can't recover the account, Google suggests creating a new one. Sources: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6294825, https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7682439, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recover-your-hacked-email-or-social-media-account, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Scammed out of money? What to do in the first hour URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/what-to-do-if-scammed-out-of-money Updated: 2026-10-14 Call the bank, card company, or payment service you used, right now, and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Have the date, amount, and any receipt or transaction number ready, and use a phone number you look up yourself. Don't send more money for any reason, and save the reports for after the call. ### Minute 0 to 5: stop the bleeding 1. End contact: Hang up, close the chat, or step away from the computer. Scammers keep people on the phone so they can't call the bank. 2. Don't send anything else: No "release fee," "tax," or "one more payment to unlock the refund." Every one of those is part of the scam. 3. Grab what you need for the call: Card or account, receipt, gift card backs, wire form, crypto ATM receipt, or a screenshot of the payment in the app. ### Minute 5 to 20: make the one call that matters Find how you paid and call that place first. Use a number from the card, the official app, or our fraud phone numbers page. - Credit or debit card: The number on the back of the card. Ask to dispute the charge and cancel the card. - Bank transfer or Zelle: Your bank's fraud line, not Zelle. Ask them to stop or recall the payment. - Venmo: 1-855-812-4430, or in the app. Cash App: In the app under your profile, then Support, or 1-800-969-1940. - Wire: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. For a bank wire, your bank's fraud line. - Gift card: The company on the card, for example Apple 1-800-275-2273, Amazon 1-888-280-4331, Target 1-800-544-2943, Walmart 1-888-537-5503. - Crypto ATM: The operator's number on the machine or receipt, then your bank if the cash came from your account. - Cash or check in the mail: US Postal Inspection Service, 1-877-876-2455. Cash given to a courier who's coming back: 911. ### Exactly what to say "I'm reporting fraud. About [time] today I sent [amount] by [method] to someone I now know is a scammer." "Can you stop, freeze, or reverse this payment right now?" "Here is the transaction number / gift card number / receipt number: [number]." "What else can you do to protect the account? Should I get a new card or account number?" "Please give me a case or claim number, and tell me what you need from me in writing." If the agent says nothing can be done, ask politely: "Can you escalate this to your fraud or claims team?" and "Can you note on the file that I reported it within the hour?" ### Minute 20 to 40: protect what's left 1. Call any other account the scammer touched: If they had you move money between accounts, or saw another card, call those too. 2. Change passwords from a safe device: If you logged in to banking while they were on the phone or connected to your computer, change those passwords now. 3. Block their numbers and emails: They'll try again, often pretending to be your bank or the police. ### Minute 40 to 60: write it down While it's fresh, write a short timeline. You'll copy it into every report, and banks take detailed reports more seriously. - When and how they first contacted you, and what they said they were. - Every phone number, email, website, or username they used. - Each payment: date, time, amount, method, and any number on the receipt. - Who you've called since, their names, and case numbers. ### What not to do in the first hour - Don't call a number the scammer gave you, or one from a text, email, or search ad. - Don't trust a "recovery" call. The FTC says government agencies and legitimate organizations never ask for money to help you get a refund. - Don't delete the messages. They're your evidence. - Don't keep it secret. Tell one person you trust. Scammers count on embarrassment. Scams fool careful, intelligent people every day. ### After the first hour Once the urgent calls are done, move to the first 24 hours checklist for credit freezes and reports, and to can you get money back? for what to expect from each payment type. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help you file reports. If it was a parent, see my parent just got scammed. ### Questions Q: What to do if scammed out of money? A: Call the bank, card company, or payment service you used immediately and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Then change passwords, block the scammer, write down a timeline, and report it to the FTC and, for online losses, ic3.gov. Q: I just sent money to a scammer. What do I do right now? A: Hang up, don't send anything else, and call the company you paid through using a number you look up yourself. Have the amount, time, and transaction number ready and ask them to stop the payment. Q: Who do I call first if I got scammed out of money? A: Whoever moved the money: your bank or card company, the payment app, the wire service, or the gift card company. They're the only ones who might stop it. Reports to the FTC and police come after. Q: How long do I have to get money back after a scam? A: There's no single deadline, but sooner is always better. Card and bank protections depend on reporting quickly, and wires or gift cards can sometimes be stopped only before the money is picked up or spent. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/lost-or-stolen-credit-atm-and-debit-cards, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-my-money-back-after-i-discover-an-unauthorized-transaction-or-money-missing-from-my-bank-account-en-1017/, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://www.uspis.gov/report, https://www.ic3.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## Sent money to a scammer on Zelle? How to try to get it back URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/zelle-scam-get-money-back Updated: 2026-10-14 Call your bank or credit union's fraud line right away and report it as a scam. Zelle says payments to an enrolled person can't be canceled or reversed, but it also says certain impostor scams qualify for reimbursement, and your bank makes that call. Report fast, use the word "scam," and get a claim number. ### The honest odds Zelle moves money straight from one bank account to another, usually in minutes. Zelle's own help pages say that once the person you paid is enrolled, the money "cannot be canceled," and "Zelle payments cannot be reversed." That sounds final, but it isn't the whole story. Your bank decides whether to give you money back, and the answer depends a lot on what kind of scam it was. That's why the first call, and the words you use on it, matter. ### Which kind of Zelle scam was it? Find your situation below. It tells you how strong your claim is. - Someone got into your account and sent money you didn't send. This is an unauthorized transfer. It's your strongest case. Zelle says unauthorized access typically qualifies for reimbursement, and federal rules limit your losses when you report quickly. - Someone pretended to be your bank, Zelle, a company, or the government, and talked you into sending it. This is an impostor scam. Zelle says "certain impostor scams qualify for reimbursement." Make sure the bank hears that the person posed as someone else. - You paid a stranger for something that never came (a puppy, concert tickets, a rental). Zelle says it "does not offer purchase protection" and recommends not using it with people you don't know. Refunds here are rare, but ask your bank anyway. - You were tricked into sending it yourself, with no impersonation. The FTC warns that when you're tricked into moving money, you may not be protected and "probably won't get that money back." Still report it. It helps the bank flag the scammer's account. ### What to do, in order 1. Call your bank's fraud line now: Use the number on the back of your debit card or inside your bank's app. Zelle tells people enrolled through a bank to "report the transaction directly to your bank or credit union." Don't call any number the scammer gave you. 2. Check if the payment is still pending: Zelle says you can cancel only if the person you paid hasn't enrolled yet. Open your bank app, find the payment, and look for a cancel option. If you see one, use it now. 3. Ask the bank to contact the receiving bank: Ask them to flag the scammer's account and try to freeze or recover what's left. Money that hasn't been moved out yet is sometimes recovered. 4. Lock things down: If you shared a one-time code, password, or let anyone see your screen, ask the bank to reset your online banking login and watch for new payees. 5. Report it to Zelle too: Use zelle.com/support/report-scam. Zelle's line, 1-844-428-8542, is for questions. It's open 8am to 10pm Eastern, every day. 6. Report to the FTC and FBI: File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. Zelle points people to both. Save your report numbers. 7. Put it in writing: After the call, send a secure message in your bank app repeating what you reported, the date, and your claim number. ### What to say to your bank "I need to report a Zelle payment that was a scam. I'd like to open a fraud claim." "On [date] at about [time], I sent $[amount] to [name or phone/email shown in the app]." "The person told me they were from [my bank / Zelle / Amazon / the government]. They were not." (Only say this if it's true.) "Please contact the receiving bank and try to recover the money." "Can you tell me if this kind of scam is eligible for reimbursement under your policy?" "What is my claim number, and when will I hear back?" Write down the date, time, name of each person you talk to, and the claim number. You'll need it if you have to push back later. ### If your bank says no - Ask for the decision in writing, with the reason. - Ask for a review. Say, "I'd like this escalated. The person impersonated [who], and I understand certain impostor scams qualify for reimbursement." - File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. The CFPB sends it to the bank, and it says most companies respond within 15 days. - Keep your FTC and IC3 report numbers handy. They show you reported the crime. Expect fake "recovery" calls. Anyone who asks for a fee, a gift card, or your login to get your Zelle money back is running a second scam. ### Spot the most common Zelle setup next time The classic one is a call or text about "suspicious activity" that ends with you sending money to "yourself" or to a "safe account." The FTC says any request to move money to protect it is a scam, and your money "is fine where it is." Hang up and call the number on your card. ### Questions Q: Can I get my money back if I was scammed through Zelle? A: Sometimes. Call your bank right away and open a fraud claim. Unauthorized transfers have the strongest protection, and Zelle says certain impostor scams qualify for reimbursement. Payments you sent to a stranger for goods usually aren't covered. Q: Can Zelle reverse a payment? A: Zelle says payments cannot be reversed once the person you paid is enrolled. If they haven't enrolled yet, you may be able to cancel in your bank app. Your bank, not Zelle, handles fraud claims. Q: Does Zelle refund scams? A: Zelle says certain impostor scams qualify for reimbursement, such as when someone poses as your bank. Your bank reviews each claim. Report it to the bank quickly and say clearly who the scammer pretended to be. Q: How long do I have to report a Zelle scam? A: Report it the same day if you can. Faster reports give the bank a better chance of freezing the scammer's account, and for unauthorized transfers, quick reporting limits how much you can lose. Q: Should I call Zelle or my bank? A: Your bank first. Zelle says people who use Zelle through their bank should report scams directly to the bank or credit union. You can also report to Zelle online. Sources: https://www.zelle.com/support/report-scam, https://www.zelle.com/faq/can-i-cancel-payment, https://www.zelle.com/faq/im-unsure-about-using-zelle-pay-someone-i-dont-know-what-should-i-do, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-get-my-money-back-after-i-discover-an-unauthorized-transaction-or-money-missing-from-my-bank-account-en-1017/, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov --- ## Scammed on Cash App? How to try to get your money back URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/cash-app-scam-get-money-back Updated: 2026-10-14 Open Cash App, go to your profile, and report the payment through Support right away. If the payment is still pending you may be able to cancel it, but Cash App says completed person-to-person payments are "usually final." Unauthorized Cash Card charges have stronger protection if you report them within 60 days. ### First, figure out which kind of loss it is Cash App treats these very differently, so start here. - A payment you sent to someone in the app (often called a P2P payment). Cash App says completed payments are "usually final," and for payments you authorized, "reimbursement depends on the circumstances." This is the harder case. - A Cash Card charge you didn't make (someone used your card number). Cash App says it offers zero fraud liability on unauthorized Cash Card transactions reported within 60 days. This is the stronger case. - Someone got into your Cash App account and sent money. Report it as unauthorized and say you didn't send it. Also secure the account (see below). - You bought or sent bitcoin in Cash App because someone told you to. Treat this like a crypto scam. Report it in the app, then read our Bitcoin ATM and crypto steps. ### What to do right now 1. Check if it's still pending: Open the activity tab and tap the payment. Cash App says a pending payment may be stoppable if you act quickly. If you see a cancel option, use it. 2. Report it in the app: Tap your profile, then Support. Choose the payment and report it as a scam. This is the fastest route, according to Cash App. 3. Or call Cash App: The number is 1-800-969-1940. Cash App lists hours of 8am to 9:30pm Eastern, every day. Never use a "Cash App support" number from a search ad, social media, or a text. 4. If the app is linked to a bank card or credit card: Call that bank or card company too. They may have their own dispute process. Ask what applies when a payment app was used. 5. Secure the account: Change your Cash App PIN and the password on the email or phone number you use to sign in. Never share the sign-in code Cash App sends you. 6. Report to the FTC and IC3: File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. The FTC tells people paid through payment apps to report to the app and ask for a reversal. ### What to write in your report "I'm reporting a scam. On [date] I sent $[amount] to $[Cashtag] after [one sentence about what they said]." "The person claimed to be [who]. I later found out it was a scam." "Please stop or reverse the payment if possible, and review this for reimbursement." "I have reported it to the FTC (report number [#])." Take screenshots of the payment, the Cashtag, and every message before you block the scammer. Blocking can make the chat harder to find. ### Fake Cash App support: the second scam After a loss, many people search for "Cash App phone number" and land on a fake. Cash App says real support teams don't ask for sign-in codes, passwords, or personal information through DMs, texts, or unsolicited calls. - Real Cash App support will never ask you to send a "test" payment. - They won't ask for your PIN or the code Cash App texts you. - They won't contact you first through social media. - If someone says they can "unlock a refund" for a fee, hang up. ### Cash App scams that hit older adults most - A "family member" in trouble asking for money fast. See the grandparent scam. - A fake prize that needs a "fee" first. Real prizes are free. See sweepstakes scams. - A new online friend or sweetheart who needs help. See romance scams. - Someone who "accidentally" sent you money and asks for it back. Don't send anything. Report it and let Cash App handle it. ### If you're helping a parent Sit with your mom or dad and make the report together from their phone. Cash App will need to deal with the account owner. Afterward, consider whether they need Cash App at all. If they only use it to receive money from family, there may be safer ways to do that. ### Questions Q: Scammed on Cash App, how do I get my money back? A: Report the payment in the app (profile, then Support) right away, and cancel it if it's still pending. Completed payments you sent are usually final, but Cash App reviews each case. Unauthorized Cash Card charges have stronger protection. Q: Will Cash App refund me if I got scammed? A: It depends. Cash App says reimbursement for payments you authorized depends on the circumstances. For unauthorized Cash Card charges reported within 60 days, it offers zero fraud liability. Q: Can I cancel a Cash App payment? A: Only if it's still pending. Open the payment in your activity and look for a cancel option. Once it completes, Cash App says it's usually final. Q: What is the real Cash App customer service number? A: 1-800-969-1940, according to Cash App's own help pages. The fastest route is in the app: profile, then Support. Ignore numbers from ads, social media, or texts. Sources: https://cash.app/learn/protect-your-money/what-to-do-if-you-get-scammed-and-how-to-get-your-money-back, https://cash.app/help, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov --- ## Scammed on PayPal? How to get a refund, and when you can't URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/paypal-scam-refund Updated: 2026-10-14 If you paid for goods or services and the item never came or was very different, open a dispute in PayPal's Resolution Center within 180 days of paying. Payments sent as Friends and Family are not covered by Purchase Protection. If someone got into your account and sent money, report it to PayPal at once as unauthorized. ### The one question that decides your refund How did you send the money? PayPal has two kinds of payments, and they're treated very differently when something goes wrong. - Goods and services payment: You paid a seller or business. This can be covered by PayPal Purchase Protection if the item didn't arrive or was "significantly not as described." - Friends and Family payment: PayPal's Purchase Protection rules list "payments sent using PayPal's friends and family functionality" as not eligible. Scammers often ask for this on purpose, sometimes to "avoid fees." - A payment you didn't make at all: This is an unauthorized transaction. PayPal handles it separately and says to "tell us at once." A seller who asks you to pay as Friends and Family is a red flag. It removes your Purchase Protection. ### Deadlines you can't miss - Item never arrived: Open a dispute within 180 days of the date you paid. - Item not as described: Open a dispute within 30 days of delivery, and no later than 180 days after you paid, whichever comes first. - Escalate to a claim within 20 days of opening the dispute if you and the seller don't settle it. PayPal says if you don't escalate, it closes the dispute automatically. - Unauthorized payments: Report them right away. ### What Purchase Protection does not cover Even with a goods and services payment, PayPal's rules exclude some purchases. Examples from PayPal's list: - Personal payments, including Friends and Family. - Real estate, including residential property. - Vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, boats and aircraft (with some exceptions). - Gift cards, gambling, and cryptocurrency-related NFTs, among others. ### How to file a dispute, step by step 1. Log in yourself: Open the PayPal app or type paypal.com into your browser. Don't use links in emails or texts, even ones that look like they're from PayPal. 2. Find the payment: Go to your activity and open the transaction. Check whether it says goods and services or Friends and Family. 3. Open a dispute in the Resolution Center: Choose "item not received" or "significantly not as described." Give dates, what was promised, and what happened. 4. Upload proof: Screenshots of the listing, messages, tracking, and photos of what arrived. 5. Escalate to a claim if needed: If the seller doesn't fix it, escalate within 20 days. Mark the date on a calendar. 6. Report the scam: Report it to ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward any fake PayPal emails to phishing@paypal.com. ### If it was Friends and Family or a scam that isn't a purchase Your odds are lower, but still do these things. The FTC says to report it to the payment app right away and ask them to reverse the payment. - Contact PayPal through the Help Center in the app or on paypal.com and report it as a scam. - If PayPal pulled the money from a credit card, call the card company and ask about a dispute. Results vary, so ask what applies. - If PayPal pulled it from a bank account, call your bank's fraud line. - Report to the FTC and, if the scam happened online, to ic3.gov. ### If the "scam" was a fake PayPal invoice or refund call Many PayPal scams aren't PayPal payments at all. A fake invoice says you were charged, and the phone number on it reaches a scammer who asks for remote access or a "refund" payment. If that happened, the money probably left through your bank, a gift card, or a wire. Follow the steps for that method, and see the PayPal invoice scam and remote access guides. ### Questions Q: Can I get my money back from PayPal if I was scammed? A: If you paid for goods or services and the item didn't arrive or was very different, you can open a dispute within 180 days and may be covered by Purchase Protection. Friends and Family payments are not covered. Q: Does PayPal refund Friends and Family scams? A: PayPal's Purchase Protection rules exclude personal payments sent as Friends and Family. Still report it to PayPal, and call your card company or bank if that's where the money came from. Q: How long do I have to file a PayPal dispute? A: For an item not received, 180 days from payment. For an item not as described, 30 days from delivery, and no more than 180 days from payment. Escalate to a claim within 20 days of opening the dispute. Q: What should I do if someone used my PayPal without permission? A: Report it to PayPal right away as unauthorized, change your PayPal password from a safe device, and turn on two-step verification. Check your linked bank and card accounts too. Sources: https://www.paypal.com/us/legalhub/paypal/buyer-protection, https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/article/dispute-filing-timeframes-help1173, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov --- ## Gift card scam: what to do if you already gave the numbers URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gift-card-scam-what-to-do Updated: 2026-10-14 Call the company that issued the gift card right away, tell them a scammer got the card number and PIN, and ask for a refund. The FTC says to do this no matter how long ago it happened. Keep the cards and receipts, then report the scam to the FTC. ### Why speed matters Scammers drain gift cards fast. But if any money is still on the card, the company may be able to freeze it. That's why the first call is to the card company, not the police. Have the cards in front of you when you call. If you can't find the cards, check your phone. Many scammers ask for a photo of the back of the card, so the numbers may be in your sent texts or photos. ### Gift card company fraud numbers Call the company named on the card, not the store where you bought it. These numbers were checked in October 2026. - Amazon: 1-888-280-4331 - Apple and iTunes: 1-800-275-2273 - Best Buy: 1-888-237-8289 - Target: 1-800-544-2943 - Walmart: 1-888-537-5503 - Visa gift cards: 1-800-847-2911 - Vanilla: 1-833-322-6760 - American Express gift cards: 1-877-297-4438 - Google Play, eBay, Steam and other brands: See the FTC's list at ftc.gov/giftcards, or use the number printed on the back of the card. ### What to say when you call "I'm calling to report gift card fraud. A scammer tricked me into giving them the card numbers and PINs." "I have [number] cards. The first card number is [read it]." "I bought them on [date] at [store]. I gave the numbers to the scammer on [date]." "Can you tell me if there's any balance left, and freeze it?" "I'd like to request a refund. What's my case number?" ### Your checklist after the call 1. Keep the cards and receipts: The FTC says to hold on to both. Put them in an envelope with today's date. 2. Write down each card number and amount: List them in one place with the case number from each company. 3. Report to the FTC: Go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357. Include the card brand, card numbers, amounts, and how the scammer contacted you. 4. Tell the store where you bought them: Some stores want to know, especially if a cashier saw you buying many cards. It helps them warn the next person. 5. If you're 60 or older: Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern, for help with reports. 6. If the scammer had your bank details or computer: Call your bank too, and see our remote access steps. ### Who tells people to pay with gift cards The FTC is blunt: only scammers tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. The people asking can sound very convincing. The FTC lists people pretending to be: - The IRS, Social Security, or the FTC - Tech support from Microsoft or Apple - A grandchild or other family member in an emergency - A prize or sweepstakes company - Your power or water company - Someone you met online who says they love you If someone calls back and says they can get your gift card money back for a fee, it's the same scam again. Real agencies never charge to help you get a refund. ### Honest odds Refunds are not guaranteed, and many cards are emptied within minutes. Some people do get money back when there's still a balance to freeze. You lose nothing by calling, and your report helps the company track the scammers. Then let it go. Scams fool careful, smart people every day. ### Questions Q: Gift card scam, what to do? A: Call the company that issued the card right away, tell them a scammer got the number and PIN, and ask for a refund. Keep the cards and receipts. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Q: Can you get money back from a gift card scam? A: Sometimes, if money is still on the card and the company can freeze it. The FTC says to report it to the gift card company no matter how long ago it happened. Q: Should I call the store or the gift card company? A: The gift card company, meaning the brand on the card, such as Apple, Amazon, or Target. You can also tell the store, but the card company is the one that can freeze the balance. Q: Can police track gift card scammers? A: Reports to the FTC and police help investigators find patterns, but don't expect quick results. Your best chance to recover money is calling the card company fast. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/only-scammers-tell-you-buy-gift-card-pay-them, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams --- ## Wire transfer scam: how to try to recover your money URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/wire-transfer-scam-recover-money Updated: 2026-10-26 Call the company you wired through right away and ask them to stop and reverse the transfer: Western Union 1-800-448-1492, MoneyGram 1-800-926-9400, Ria 1-877-443-1399. If you wired from your bank, call its fraud line and ask for a recall. The FTC says wiring is like sending cash, so speed is everything. ### Minutes matter The FTC says wiring money "is like sending cash. Once you send it, you usually can't get it back." The key word is usually. If the money hasn't been picked up or moved yet, the company may still stop it. So call before you do anything else. ### Who to call, depending on how you sent it - Western Union: 1-800-448-1492 - MoneyGram: 1-800-926-9400 - Ria: 1-877-443-1399. Ria has a separate line for Walmart2Walmart and Walmart2World transfers. It's listed on the FTC's wire transfer page. - Wise: Report it right away in the Wise app (open the transfer, tap the ? icon, then Start Report) or with Wise's scam report form. Wise doesn't list a phone number for this. It says it may try to recall the money, but a recall isn't guaranteed. - A wire from your bank: Call the fraud number on your card or statement. Ask them to recall the wire. - Sent at a store counter: You still call the transfer company above. The store clerk can't reverse it. Have your receipt ready. The tracking number (often called an MTCN at Western Union, or a reference number at MoneyGram) is the fastest way for them to find your transfer. ### What to say "I need to report a fraudulent transfer. A scammer tricked me into sending it." "The reference number is [read it]. I sent $[amount] on [date] to [name] in [city, country]." "Please stop the transfer if it hasn't been picked up, and reverse it." "I'd like to file a fraud complaint and request a refund. What's my case number?" ### Bank wire? Ask these specific questions 1. "Can you recall this wire today?": Ask them to contact the receiving bank right away. The FTC says to ask whether the bank can reverse the transfer and give you your money back. 2. "Can you flag the receiving account as fraud?": That may stop the scammer from moving what's left. 3. "Do I need to fill out a form or affidavit?": Many banks ask for a written fraud statement. Do it the same day. 4. "Should I change my account number or online login?": If the scammer has your account details or saw your screen, the answer is often yes. ### Then report it - FTC: The FTC says if anyone demanded that you wire money, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. - FBI IC3: File at ic3.gov. Include the bank account number or receiver name you wired to. The FBI asks for this information in its scam alerts. - If you're 60 or older: The National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you file. - Big losses: Also file a police report and keep the report number. ### Common reasons scammers ask for a wire - "Your grandson is in jail and needs bail." See grandparent scam. - "Your money isn't safe. Move it to this account to protect it." The FTC says that's always a scam. - "Pay the taxes on your prize first." Real prizes are free. - "I'm stuck overseas and need help getting home." Common in romance scams. - "Wire the closing costs to this new account." Real estate wire fraud. Always call your title company or agent at a number you already know. ### Honest odds If the money was already collected, it's very hard to get back. Your report still matters. It can help stop the same scammer from taking money from someone else, and it gives you a record if a refund or settlement program opens later. Be wary of anyone who contacts you claiming to be running such a program and asks for a fee. ### Questions Q: Can a wire transfer be reversed if it was a scam? A: Sometimes, if you act before the money is picked up or moved. Call the transfer company or your bank right away and ask them to stop and reverse it. Once the money is collected, it's very hard to get back. Q: How do I get my money back from Western Union after a scam? A: Call Western Union at 1-800-448-1492, say it was a fraudulent transfer, give the tracking number, and ask them to stop and refund it. Then report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Q: How do I report a MoneyGram scam? A: Call MoneyGram at 1-800-926-9400 right away and ask them to stop the transfer and refund your money. Then report it to the FTC and, if it happened online, to ic3.gov. Q: Can my bank recall a wire transfer? A: Your bank can try to recall it by contacting the receiving bank. It works best within hours. Call the fraud number on your card or statement and ask for a recall right away. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-you-wire-money, https://wise.com/help/articles/2978048/how-do-i-report-fraud-or-a-scam, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240129, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Bitcoin ATM scam: what to do if you already put cash in URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/bitcoin-atm-scam-what-to-do Updated: 2026-10-14 Contact the Bitcoin ATM operator right away. The company name is on the machine and the receipt. Tell them it was fraud and ask them to reverse it. Then report to the FBI at ic3.gov with your receipts and the wallet address, and check whether your state has crypto kiosk refund rules. ### You're not alone, and it isn't your fault Bitcoin ATM scams are aimed squarely at older adults. The FTC found that in the first half of 2024, people 60 and older were more than three times as likely as younger adults to report losing money at a Bitcoin ATM. The median reported loss was $10,000. Most reports involved people pretending to be the government, a business, or tech support. The script is usually the same. The FTC says the caller claims there's a problem with your bank or Amazon account and tells you to withdraw cash and deposit it into a specific machine. Often they text a QR code to scan. Once the cash goes in, it goes straight to the scammer's wallet. ### Do this now 1. Stop all contact: Hang up and block the number. If they told you to go back to the machine, don't. 2. Gather your receipts: Each deposit prints or emails a receipt. It shows the amount, time, wallet address, and transaction ID. Also save the QR code the scammer sent. 3. Contact the ATM operator: The operator's name and contact are on the machine and the receipt. The FTC says to tell them it was a fraudulent transaction and ask them to reverse it and refund your money. Do it in writing too, by email or web form. 4. Call your bank: If you withdrew the cash from a bank, credit union, or retirement account, tell the fraud department. They need to know your account may be a target again. 5. Report to the FBI and FTC: File at ic3.gov with the wallet address, transaction IDs, and receipt photos. Also report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 6. Report to local police: A police report number helps with the ATM operator and with some state refund rules. If you're 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help you file. It's free. ### Check your state's crypto ATM rules Some states now regulate these machines, and the rules vary a lot. Your state attorney general or financial regulator can tell you what applies. Here's one example of how a state law can work: - Minnesota (law effective August 1, 2024): new customers are limited to $2,000, and operators must refund new customers for transactions in their first 72 hours if they were defrauded. - To use it, the Minnesota Attorney General says you must notify the operator and a government or law enforcement agency within 14 days. - It only covers new customers. People who already had an account with that operator don't qualify for the new-customer refund. ### Watch for the recovery scam After a crypto loss, the next call is often a fake rescuer. The FBI warns that private recovery companies "cannot issue seizure orders" to get crypto back, and that law enforcement never charges victims to investigate. - Someone says they're from the FBI, the FTC, or a "blockchain recovery" firm and can trace your coins. - They want a fee, a "tax," or another Bitcoin ATM deposit first. - They ask for your bank login or Social Security number to "verify" you. "I've already reported this to the FBI. I don't pay anyone to recover money." Then hang up. You don't have to explain. ### Rules to share with the whole family - No real government agency, bank, or company will ever ask you to pay at a Bitcoin ATM. - The FTC says never withdraw cash in response to an unexpected call or message. - If someone stays on the phone while you drive to the bank, that's a scam. - If a bank teller asks why you're taking out cash, tell them the truth. They're trying to help. ### Questions Q: Can you get money back from a Bitcoin ATM scam? A: It's hard, but contact the ATM operator right away and ask them to reverse it, and report to ic3.gov. Some states require refunds in certain cases, such as Minnesota for new customers who report within 14 days. Ask your state attorney general. Q: Who do I contact about a Bitcoin ATM scam? A: The ATM operator first (its name is on the machine and receipt), then your bank, the FBI at ic3.gov, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and local police. Q: Does the FBI help with Bitcoin ATM scams? A: Yes, file a report at ic3.gov with the wallet address and transaction details. The FBI never charges a fee. Anyone claiming to be the FBI and asking for money is a scammer. Q: Why do scammers use Bitcoin ATMs? A: Cash put into the machine goes straight to the scammer's crypto wallet, and crypto payments don't have the protections that credit and debit cards do. That makes it very hard to reverse. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/09/scammers-use-bitcoin-atms-steal-your-money, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/09/bitcoin-atms-payment-portal-scammers, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2025/12/19_BitcoinATMs.asp, https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2023/PSA230811, https://www.ic3.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## Fell for the grandparent scam and sent money: what now URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/grandparent-scam-sent-money Updated: 2026-10-14 First, call your grandchild or their parent on a number you already have, so you know everyone is safe. Then act on the payment: call police if a courier took cash, the Postal Inspection Service if you mailed it, or the card, wire, or app company you used. Report to the FTC, and expect the scammers to try again. ### Why this scam works on loving people The grandparent scam isn't about being careless. It's built to hit your love for your family. The caller says a grandchild is hurt or arrested, then a fake "lawyer" or "officer" asks for money and secrecy. The FTC warns that scammers can now clone a relative's voice with AI from just a short audio clip. Caller ID can be faked too, according to the FCC. So it really can look and sound like family. ### Step 1: confirm your grandchild is OK Call your grandchild on the number you have saved. If you can't reach them, call their mom or dad, or another relative, even though the caller said to keep it secret. The FTC says to do exactly this. Knowing they're safe makes the next steps much easier. ### Step 2: act on how you paid - Cash handed to a courier at your door: Call your local police now. If the courier is coming back, call 911. The FTC warns that once you hand cash over, it's gone, so the goal is to help police catch the people involved. Write down what the person and car looked like. - Cash mailed in a package: Call the US Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 right away. The FTC says that for a fee they may intercept a domestic package that hasn't been delivered. If you used FedEx or UPS, call them with your tracking number. - Gift cards: Call the company on the card. See our gift card scam steps for phone numbers. - Wire through Western Union, MoneyGram, or Ria: Call them now to stop the transfer. See our wire transfer steps. - Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App: Call your bank or the app. See Zelle or Cash App. - Bitcoin ATM: Contact the operator on the receipt. See Bitcoin ATM steps. ### Step 3: report it 1. Local police: The FTC says to report losses to local law enforcement. Ask for a report number. 2. FTC: Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC also suggests telling your state attorney general. 3. National Elder Fraud Hotline: If you're 60 or older, call 1-833-372-8311. A case manager will help you report and find other help. 4. FBI IC3: If any part happened online or by text, file at ic3.gov. ### If they call back Scammers who got paid once often try again. They may say more money is needed for "bail," "court fees," or to "fix a mistake." Or a new caller says they're police and can get your money back for a fee. Agree on a plan now. "I've talked to my family. I know this isn't real." Hang up. Don't argue and don't give any details. Don't open the door to anyone who says they're there to pick up money. Call your family member or the police instead. ### Telling the family Many grandparents dread this part. Your family will most likely feel relief that you're OK, and anger at the criminals. If you're the adult child hearing this news, lead with that. - Say what happened in a few sentences. You don't owe anyone a full defense. - Ask one person to help with the calls above. - Set up a family code word that real relatives would know in an emergency. - Ask grandchildren to keep public videos and voice posts private when they can, since voice clones need audio. If you want to talk it through with someone outside the family, the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 has trained specialists, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern. ### Questions Q: Grandparent scam, what to do if you sent money? A: Confirm your grandchild is safe using a number you already have. Then call the police if cash was picked up, USPIS at 1-877-876-2455 if it was mailed, or the gift card, wire, or app company you used. Report it to the FTC. Q: Can I get my money back from a grandparent scam? A: Sometimes, if you act fast. Mailed packages may be intercepted before delivery, and wires may be stopped before pickup. Cash handed to a courier is very hard to recover, so report it to police right away. Q: What if the grandparent scammer comes back to my house? A: Don't open the door. Call 911. The FTC warns scammers may send someone to your door to collect cash. Q: How do scammers sound like my grandchild? A: The FTC says scammers can use AI to clone a voice from a short audio clip, like a video posted online. That's why you should always hang up and call back on a number you know. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/scammers-use-fake-emergencies-steal-your-money, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2021/04/dont-open-your-door-grandparent-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/scam-alert/grandparent-scams-get-more-sophisticated, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed, https://www.uspis.gov/report, https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240129, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/ --- ## My mom (or dad) is in a romance scam. How do I help? URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/my-parent-is-in-a-romance-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 Don't lead with "it's a scam." Experts quoted by AARP say to avoid blame, ask questions, and plant seeds of doubt so your parent reaches the conclusion themselves. At the same time, protect their money quietly with their bank, and get outside backup if they won't listen. ### Why your parent may not believe you Romance scammers spend weeks or months building a real-feeling relationship. They chat every day. They say they can't meet because they're overseas, on an oil rig, or in the military, according to the FTC. Then a crisis comes up that only money can fix. By the time you notice, your mom or dad may be deeply attached. Telling them "this person isn't real" can feel like you're attacking someone they love. Confidence and romance scams cost people 60 and older $584 million in 2025, according to the FBI. Your parent is far from alone. ### Signs it's a romance scam - They met online and have never met in person, and video calls keep falling through. - Things got intense fast, with talk of love or marriage early on. - They moved the chat off the dating site to WhatsApp, Telegram, or text. - There's always a crisis: medical bills, customs fees, a frozen bank account, a ticket home. - They're "teaching" your parent to invest in crypto. - Your parent is secretive about money or asks you for a loan. ### What works: advice from scam experts These steps come from researchers and AARP specialists quoted in AARP's reporting on victims in denial. 1. Make it you and them against the criminal: Gerontologist Marti DeLiema puts it this way: "it's not you against the victim; it's you against the criminal." Accusations make people stop listening. 2. Ask, don't tell: Show real interest. Let your parent tell you about this person. Then gently point out what doesn't add up. 3. Plant seeds of doubt: Social psychologist Anthony Pratkanis suggests helping the person "come to their own conclusion." One good question beats ten facts. 4. Fill the need the scammer fills: AARP's helpline points out that people need something to love, something to do, and something to hope for. More calls, visits, and plans with you can loosen the scammer's grip. 5. Call for backup: A doctor, faith leader, financial adviser, or respected relative may get through when you can't. ### What to say "Tell me about them. How did you two meet?" "Have you two done a video call yet? What happened?" "Can I see one of their photos? I'm curious." (Later, you can run a reverse image search together. The FTC says scammers often use photos that show up under other names.) "Has money come up? What did they need it for?" "If someone who loved you needed money, wouldn't they understand if you said no until you met in person?" ### What not to say or do - Don't call your parent foolish, or the relationship "fake" in the first talk. - Don't contact the scammer yourself. It can push your parent to hide things. - Don't take over their phone or accounts without their agreement unless you have legal authority and real danger. - Don't give up after one try. Change rarely happens in a single talk. ### Protect the money while you talk - Ask your parent to name you as a trusted contact at their bank or credit union. The CFPB describes this as someone the bank can call if it suspects exploitation. It does not let you see the account or make transactions. - If they have a brokerage or retirement account, ask the firm about its trusted contact form. FINRA rules let firms place temporary holds on payouts when they suspect exploitation. - If they've already paid, see how to get money back by payment method and report to the FTC and ic3.gov. - If they keep sending money, read our intervention playbook. ### When to escalate If your parent keeps sending large sums, or memory problems are part of the picture, you can report to Adult Protective Services. Experts quoted by AARP call legal steps like conservatorship a last resort, because the bar is high and it can hurt the relationship. See how to report elder financial abuse. Many romance scams start with emails and messages. OwlGuardian quarantines suspicious Gmail before your parent sees it and alerts you, and Call My Owl lets them check a screenshot of a message in seconds. It can't end a relationship that's already started, but it can help catch the next approach. ### Take care of yourself too Amy Nofziger of AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline warns that you might never convince your loved one. Set limits on what you'll lend or give. Talk to someone. The AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 supports family members too. ### Questions Q: My mom is in a romance scam. What can I do? A: Avoid blame, ask open questions, and help her reach her own conclusion. At the same time, ask her to name you as a trusted contact at her bank, and report any money sent to the FTC and ic3.gov. Q: How do you convince someone they're being romance scammed? A: Usually not with one big talk. Experts quoted by AARP suggest asking questions, planting doubt, and getting a trusted outsider like a doctor or faith leader involved. Reverse image searching the scammer's photos together can help. Q: My dad keeps sending money to an online girlfriend. Can I stop him? A: Not by force unless you have legal authority. Talk to his bank about adding you as a trusted contact, and consider reporting to Adult Protective Services if he keeps sending large sums or has memory problems. Q: Should I report my parent's romance scam to the police? A: Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at ic3.gov. A local police report can help with banks. If your parent is 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 can help. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/victims-in-denial/, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/supporting-loved-ones.html, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-fis_2021-11.pdf, https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/notices/22-31, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov --- ## How to stop an elderly parent from sending money to a scammer URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/stop-elderly-parent-sending-money-to-scammer Updated: 2026-10-14 Start with the least drastic step that will work: a calm talk, then their bank. Ask your parent to name you as a trusted contact, set lower limits, and route big payments past a second person. If they keep sending money despite all that, or memory is a factor, talk to an elder law attorney and Adult Protective Services. ### The intervention ladder Think of this as a ladder. Start at the bottom. Move up only when the step below isn't enough. Each step up gives you more control and costs more trust, so it's worth trying the gentler steps first, as experts quoted by AARP advise. 1. Rung 1: Talk, with no blame: Make it you and your parent against the criminal. Ask questions instead of lecturing. Our guide to talking about scams has scripts. 2. Rung 2: Agree on a pause rule: "Before any payment over $[amount] to someone you haven't met, we talk first." Write it on a card by the phone. 3. Rung 3: Bring in the bank: With your parent, ask about a trusted contact, alerts, and limits (details below). 4. Rung 4: Add outside voices: Their doctor, faith leader, or financial adviser. AARP's experts note a respected outsider may get through when family can't. 5. Rung 5: Legal tools: Financial power of attorney while your parent can still sign it. An elder law attorney can explain options in your state. 6. Rung 6: Adult Protective Services: When money keeps going out despite everything, or memory problems are part of it. See below. ### What to ask your parent's bank Go together, or call together on speaker. Without legal authority, the bank will need your parent's OK. Options vary by bank, so ask about each one: - Trusted contact. The CFPB describes this as a person the bank can contact if it suspects exploitation. It "cannot view the account or make any transactions," so it's a gentle first step your parent may accept. - Alerts to you. Some banks can send you a copy of large-withdrawal or new-payee alerts. Ask what's available. - Lower limits. Daily limits on transfers, Zelle, debit card, and ATM withdrawals. - Turning off risky features. If your parent doesn't need Zelle, wires, or international transfers, ask whether they can be switched off. - A note on the account. Ask staff to call your parent, and you as trusted contact, before large withdrawals in cash. - A separate spending account. Keep a small balance in an everyday account, with savings in an account that's harder to move quickly. For brokerage and retirement accounts, FINRA rules require firms to try to get a trusted contact, and let them place temporary holds on payouts when they suspect exploitation. Ask the firm for its trusted contact form. ### A script for the bank talk with your parent "Dad, scammers go after people your age on purpose. I want us to have a backup plan, not take anything away." "If the bank sees something odd, they can call me too. I still can't see your money or move it." "You're still in charge. This is like a smoke alarm." ### Cut off the scammer's channels - Block the scammer's numbers, email, and social profiles together, with your parent's agreement. - Turn on call silencing for unknown callers on their phone. - Have them check messages and pop-ups before acting. OwlGuardian quarantines suspicious Gmail before your parent sees it and sends you, the Trusted Contact, a plain-English alert. It doesn't block calls or texts, but Call My Owl lets your parent screenshot a text or message and get a verdict in about five seconds. - Change the phone number or email if the scammer keeps finding new ways in. ### When to call Adult Protective Services APS is a state program that looks into financial exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities. The CFPB says to find your local office through NAPSA. Consider calling when: - Your parent keeps sending money after being shown it's a scam. - You're seeing memory loss or confusion along with the payments. - Someone your parent knows is pushing them to send money. - Your parent lives alone and nobody else is watching their finances. If someone is on the way to pick up cash, or your parent is in danger, call 911. ### Honest limits An adult with capacity has the right to make bad choices with their money. You can't stop every payment without legal authority, and the most drastic tools, like guardianship or conservatorship, are slow and hard on relationships. Experts quoted by AARP call them a last resort. The goal is to make each payment slower and more visible, so there's time for someone to step in. ### Questions Q: How do I stop my elderly parent from sending money to a scammer? A: Start with a no-blame talk and a pause rule for payments. Then, with your parent, ask the bank about a trusted contact, alerts, and lower limits. If payments continue, talk to an elder law attorney and Adult Protective Services. Q: Can a bank stop my mom from sending money to a scammer? A: Banks vary. Your mom can ask for lower limits and can name you as a trusted contact the bank may call if it suspects exploitation. Brokerage firms can place temporary holds under FINRA rules. Q: Can I take control of my parent's finances if they're being scammed? A: Only with legal authority, like a financial power of attorney your parent signs, or a guardianship or conservatorship set by a court. Talk to an elder law attorney about your state's rules. Q: Should I call Adult Protective Services if my dad keeps getting scammed? A: Consider it if he keeps sending money after being warned, if memory problems are involved, or if someone he knows is behind it. Find your local APS through NAPSA or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Sources: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-fis_2021-11.pdf, https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/notices/22-31, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/victims-in-denial/, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/resources-for-older-adults/reporting-elder-financial-abuse-guide/, https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/support, https://eldercare.acl.gov --- ## How to report elder financial abuse URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/report-elder-financial-abuse Updated: 2026-10-14 Call 911 if someone is in danger now. Otherwise, report financial exploitation of an older adult to Adult Protective Services in the state where they live, and to their bank. For fraud by strangers, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. You don't need proof or every detail to report. ### Who to call depends on who's taking the money - Danger right now, or someone coming to collect cash: 911. - A stranger scam (phone, email, romance, tech support): The National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and ic3.gov for online fraud. - Someone they know (relative, caregiver, neighbor, new "friend"): Adult Protective Services, plus local police for theft. - Money taken by staff at a nursing home or assisted living: The facility administrator first, then the state licensing agency and the long-term care ombudsman. Find the ombudsman at theconsumervoice.org. - A Social Security representative payee misusing benefits: Your local Social Security office. - A VA fiduciary misusing benefits: The VA. - A guardian or conservator: The court that appointed them. - Fraud by mail: The US Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report. - Any bank, card, or account involved: The financial institution, as soon as possible. The CFPB notes they may be able to recover money. ### How to find Adult Protective Services in your state Every state has APS, but the name and the way you report differ by state. Some take reports online, some by phone, some both. The Justice Department points people to NAPSA, which lists APS contacts for every state and territory. 1. Use NAPSA's state list: Go to napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area and pick the state where your parent lives, not where you live. 2. Or call the Eldercare Locator: Call or text 1-800-677-1116. You can also chat online at eldercare.acl.gov. Staff can point you to local APS and aging services. 3. Or use the DOJ resource locator: The Justice Department lists elder abuse resources by state at justice.gov/elderjustice/support. ### What to gather before you call The CFPB suggests noting these. Get what you can, but don't wait if you're missing some. The CFPB says investigators "do not expect you to know everything." - Dates, times, and places of each incident. - Names of the people involved and any witnesses. - What happened with the money: amounts, accounts, and how it was sent. - Any other abuse or neglect you've noticed. - Health conditions, especially memory loss or trouble making decisions. - Whether anyone is in danger right now. - Copies or photos of statements, checks, receipts, and messages. ### What to say when you call APS "I'm calling to report suspected financial exploitation of an older adult." "My [mother/father], [name], is [age] and lives at [address]." "Here's what I've seen: [two or three facts with dates and amounts]." "I'm worried because [memory changes / they keep sending money / this person controls their mail]." "Can you tell me what happens next, and whether my name will be shared?" ### The National Elder Fraud Hotline - Phone: 1-833-372-8311 (833-FRAUD-11). - Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern. - What happens: A case manager is assigned to you, helps you report, and connects you with other help. They stay your point of contact. - Who can call: Victims, or people who know a victim. You can call for your parent. - Languages: English, Spanish, and other languages. ### Other options the CFPB lists - Ask the local district attorney about prosecution. - Contact legal aid or a private attorney. Some states allow civil cases to recover money, temporary account freezes, or protective orders. - Ask a social worker or patient advocate at your parent's doctor's office or facility to help. State laws on elder financial abuse vary. What counts as a crime, who must report, and how APS investigates are different from state to state. Your state's APS office can explain its process. ### Questions Q: How do I report elder financial abuse? A: Call 911 for immediate danger. Otherwise, report to Adult Protective Services in the state where the person lives (find it through NAPSA or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116), and contact their bank. For scams by strangers, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Q: How do I report elder abuse anonymously? A: Rules vary by state. When you call APS, ask whether your name will be shared with the person or family. Q: Who investigates elder financial abuse? A: Adult Protective Services investigates in most cases. Police and district attorneys handle crimes. Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for nursing home and assisted living residents. Q: What do I need to report elder financial abuse? A: Whatever you have: dates, names, amounts, how money was moved, and any health concerns. You don't need proof. The CFPB says authorities don't expect you to know everything. Q: How do I report elder abuse in my state? A: Use NAPSA's state-by-state list at napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area, or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Report in the state where the older adult lives. Sources: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/resources-for-older-adults/reporting-elder-financial-abuse-guide/, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/support, https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/, https://eldercare.acl.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov, https://www.ic3.gov, https://www.uspis.gov/report --- ## How to help your parent recover emotionally after a scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/help-parent-recover-after-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 Being scammed often brings shame, stress, and sometimes depression, and the emotional hit can outlast the money. Help your parent by removing blame, keeping them connected, and watching for warning signs. Free support includes the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 and AARP's online victim support groups. ### What your parent may be feeling The money is only part of the loss. In a FINRA Investor Education Foundation survey of 600 fraud victims, half reported severe stress. More than a third reported depression, and 38 percent had trouble sleeping. Nearly half (47 percent) blamed themselves. AARP reports that older victims have described feeling embarrassed, angry, violated, confused, and even suicidal. Shame keeps many silent. AARP notes that only about half of older victims told family or friends. If your parent talks about not wanting to live, or about hurting themselves, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time, for free. If they are in immediate danger, call 911. ### Signs they're struggling If you see several of these for more than a couple of weeks, encourage a visit to their doctor. Offer to go along. - Not sleeping, or sleeping much more than usual. - Pulling away from friends, church, or activities they enjoyed. - Saying "I'm so stupid" or "I can't be trusted with anything." - Refusing to talk about it at all, or talking about nothing else. - New trouble eating, focusing, or getting out of bed. - Hiding mail, calls, or statements (which can also mean the scam is still going). ### What helps, from people who do this work 1. Skip the blame and shame: AARP's first rule for families. Put the blame on the criminal. These are professionals, and they target older adults on purpose. 2. Listen more than you talk: Ask open questions and let them tell the story their way. AARP recommends listening with compassion over confronting. 3. Help with the reporting: Reports can feel overwhelming. Doing them together turns helplessness into action. See where to report. 4. Give back some control: Let your parent decide what new safeguards to use. Being told what to do can deepen the shame. 5. Keep them connected: Isolation is a risk factor for repeat fraud, according to research by AARP and the FINRA Foundation. Regular calls, visits, and plans help. 6. Check in again later: Shame often shows up days or weeks after. A quick "How are you doing with all that?" keeps the door open. ### Things to say, and things to avoid - Avoid: "How could you fall for that?" - Avoid: "I told you so." - Avoid: telling the whole family without asking first. - Avoid: taking away the phone or checkbook as a punishment. "This could have happened to anyone. They do this all day." "I'm not upset with you. I'm upset with them." "Telling me took courage. I'm proud of you." "The money matters, but you matter more." "Want to talk to someone who's been through it? There are free groups for that." ### Free support to suggest - AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 1-877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern. Trained specialists offer emotional support and guidance. It's free. - AARP Fraud Victim Support Group: Free, confidential online sessions led by trained facilitators. Family members can attend too. Register on AARP's support group page. - National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311 for help reporting and finding other services. - Their own doctor: For sleep, mood, or memory concerns. - More options are on our scam victim support page. ### Rebuilding confidence, not just security Many parents fear it will happen again, and that fear can make them avoid email or the phone entirely. Small wins help: spotting a fake together, or having a simple way to check before acting. OwlGuardian can quietly quarantine suspicious Gmail and lets your parent use Call My Owl to check a text or letter in about five seconds, so they get a second opinion without having to call you every time. ### Look after yourself too Adult children feel anger, guilt, and worry too. The AARP helpline supports family members, and AARP's support groups welcome them. You don't have to fix everything at once. ### Questions Q: How do I help my parent recover emotionally after being scammed? A: Remove blame, listen, help with reports, and let them choose new safeguards. Keep them connected and check in again later. Suggest free support like the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360. Q: Is it normal to feel depressed after being scammed? A: It's common. In a FINRA Foundation survey of fraud victims, more than a third reported depression and half reported severe stress. If feelings last or get worse, see a doctor. If there are thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988. Q: My mom is ashamed she got scammed. What do I say? A: Tell her it could have happened to anyone and that you're upset with the criminals, not her. Thank her for telling you. Avoid "how could you" questions. Q: Are there support groups for elderly scam victims? A: Yes. AARP runs free, confidential online fraud victim support groups led by trained facilitators, and family members can attend too. Sources: https://finrafoundation.org/sites/finrafoundation/files/non-traditional-costs-financial-fraud_0_0.pdf, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2023/supporting-loved-ones.html, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/victims-in-denial/, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-victim-support-group/, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://988lifeline.org --- ## Where scam victims can get support (free and legitimate) URL: https://owlguardian.net/scammed/scam-victim-support Updated: 2026-10-14 The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1-877-908-3360) offers free support from trained specialists, and AARP runs free online support groups for victims and their families. For reporting help, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. None of these legitimate services charge you or promise to recover your money. 1. AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: Free guidance and emotional support from trained specialists, including volunteers. They help you figure out if something is a scam, how to report it, and how to support a loved one. AARP says the helpline offers "guidance and support for your situation, not investigation or case recovery." 2. AARP Fraud Victim Support Group: Free, confidential online sessions led by trained facilitators, with fraud education and time to share. You can join from a computer, tablet, or phone. You don't have to be the victim to attend: family, partners, and friends are welcome. 3. National Elder Fraud Hotline (Justice Department): For fraud against people 60 and older. A case manager helps you report the crime and connects you with other resources, and stays your point of contact. Family members can call too. 4. Eldercare Locator: A public service of the federal Administration for Community Living. Trained staff connect older adults and families with local services, including Area Agencies on Aging. 5. Adult Protective Services (APS): State programs that respond to financial exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities. Use APS when someone the person knows is involved, when money keeps going out, or when memory is a concern. Find your state's office through NAPSA. 6. IdentityTheft.gov: The FTC's free site builds a personal recovery plan if a scammer has your Social Security number or other details, and creates letters you can send to companies. 7. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If the loss has left you or someone you love feeling hopeless or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. It's free, confidential, and open 24/7. 8. Your doctor, faith community, or a counselor: Stress, poor sleep, and depression are common after fraud. A FINRA Foundation survey found half of fraud victims reported severe stress and more than a third reported depression. A trusted professional can help with that part of recovery. ### How to tell real support from a second scam Scam victims are often targeted again by people posing as helpers. The FTC says government agencies and legitimate organizations will never ask for money to help you get a refund. Use this quick test: - Real support: Free, you contact them first, uses official websites ending in .gov or well-known organizations, and never promises your money back. - A second scam: Contacts you first, charges a fee, promises recovery, asks for gift cards, crypto, or your bank login, or claims special access to the FBI. The FBI says private recovery companies can't issue seizure orders to get crypto back, and law enforcement never charges victims to investigate. ### Which one should you call first? - Just found out, money may still be moving: Your bank or the payment company first. See the first 24 hours. - Need help filing reports (60+): National Elder Fraud Hotline. - Need to talk it through: AARP Fraud Watch Helpline. - Want to hear from people who've been there: AARP Fraud Victim Support Group. - Worried about an older parent's safety or repeat losses: APS, or the Eldercare Locator to find local help. - Personal details exposed: IdentityTheft.gov. ### For family members Watching a parent go through this is hard, and you may feel anger, guilt, or helplessness. AARP's support groups and helpline welcome family members, not only victims. If you're trying to help your mom or dad cope, read how to help a parent recover emotionally. ### Questions Q: Where can scam victims get support? A: The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 offers free support, and AARP runs free online support groups. For help reporting fraud against someone 60 or older, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Q: Is there a scam victim support group? A: Yes. AARP runs free, confidential online fraud victim support groups led by trained facilitators. Family members and friends can attend too. Register through AARP's support group page. Q: Is the AARP Fraud Watch helpline free? A: Yes. AARP describes it as free support and guidance for people targeted by scams. It's open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm Eastern, at 1-877-908-3360. It offers support, not investigation or money recovery. Q: Do I have to pay for scam victim help? A: No. Legitimate support from AARP, the National Elder Fraud Hotline, APS, and government agencies is free. Anyone charging a fee to recover your money is likely running another scam. Sources: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/, https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/fraud-victim-support-group/, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://eldercare.acl.gov, https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/support, https://www.napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area/, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://988lifeline.org, https://finrafoundation.org/sites/finrafoundation/files/non-traditional-costs-financial-fraud_0_0.pdf, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2023/PSA230811 --- ## How to protect elderly parents from phone scams: 11 settings and habits URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/protect-elderly-parents-from-phone-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 Start with the free tools your parent already has: their carrier's scam call blocking, the iPhone or Android unknown-caller and scam settings, and a filter for texts from unknown senders. Then add two habits that work when a scammer gets through: hang up and call back on a number you know, and use a family code word. Most of this takes one visit and about 30 minutes. 1. Turn on the carrier's free scam call blocking: All three big US carriers include free scam call protection. You may need to download an app or turn it on. 2. iPhone: screen unknown callers: Go to Settings, Apps, Phone, then Screen Unknown Callers. Choose Ask Reason for Calling so the phone asks a stranger why they are calling before it rings, or Silence to send unknown numbers straight to voicemail. Family and saved contacts ring as normal, so add everyone your parent wants to hear from to Contacts first. 3. iPhone: filter spam calls: On the same Phone settings screen, scroll to Call Filtering. Turn on the spam filter, and turn on Unknown Callers so missed calls and voicemails from unknown numbers go into a separate list. Your parent can still check that list, but it stops the constant ringing. 4. iPhone: screen texts from unknown senders: On iOS 26, go to Settings, Apps, Messages, scroll to Unknown Senders, and turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Texts from numbers that are not in Contacts move to a separate list. Apple says it is off by default, so check it. This keeps fake toll, delivery and bank texts out of the main inbox. 5. Android: check Scam Detection is on: On supported Android phones, Google's Scam Detection looks at new message notifications for likely scams. Google says message scam detection is on by default. To check, open Settings, search for "Scam Detection" and make sure Message scams is on. It is only on select devices, and Google notes it may not catch every scam. 6. Make "hang up and call back" the rule: The FTC says scammers "can make any name or number show up on your caller ID." So a call that shows the bank or Medicare proves nothing. The FCC's advice: hang up and call the number on your account statement or on the company's or agency's real website. Never use a number the caller gives. 7. Agree on a family code word: The FBI recommends you "create a secret word or phrase with your family to verify their identity." Scammers can now clone a voice from a short clip. A code word gives your parent a simple test when a panicked "grandchild" calls. Our guide to AI voice cloning scams shows how to set one up. 8. Don't press buttons, and don't say "yes": When a robocall says "press 1 to speak to an agent" or "press 2 to be removed," the FTC says not to press anything. It can lead to more calls. The FCC also advises not to answer questions, "especially those that can be answered with 'Yes.'" Just hang up. 9. Register on Do Not Call, but know its limits: Add your parent's numbers at donotcall.gov. It cuts down on legal sales calls. But the FTC is blunt: "Scammers don't care if you're on the National Do Not Call Registry." Treat it as a noise filter, not scam protection. In fact, the FTC says a company selling something needs written permission to robocall you, so an unexpected sales robocall is itself a warning sign. 10. Put a cheat sheet by the phone: Write down who never calls out of the blue demanding money. Keep it short and big. 11. Know where to report: Report scam calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) so the carrier can block similar ones. If money moved, call the bank first, using the number on the back of the card. ### Do it together, in one visit Settings work best when your parent knows they are on. Sit down together and say what each one does: "This one stops strangers from ringing through. If someone real calls, they'll leave a message." Then add every person and business they want to hear from to Contacts. That one step prevents most of the "I missed the doctor's call" frustration that makes people turn filters off. Filters lower the volume. They do not catch everything. The two habits on this page (call back on a known number, and the code word) are what protect your parent when a call gets through. ### What to say when a scam call gets through "I don't handle anything on calls I didn't make. I'll call the number on my card." (If they push:) "Then I'm hanging up now." (Then hang up. No reason needed. Real companies don't mind.) ### Phone scams are often only half the story Many scams start somewhere else and end on the phone. A fake renewal email says "call us within 24 hours to cancel," or a computer pop-up shows a number to call. The FTC says real security warnings "will never ask you to call a phone number." So protecting the inbox matters too. See how to stop scam emails in Gmail. OwlGuardian does not block calls or texts. It screens Gmail and moves scam emails, like fake invoices with a phone number to call, into quarantine before your parent sees them. For a suspicious text, your parent can say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" and get a verdict on a screenshot in about five seconds. ### Questions Q: How do I stop scam calls on my elderly parent's iPhone? A: In Settings, Apps, Phone, set Screen Unknown Callers to "Ask Reason for Calling" or "Silence," and turn on spam filtering under Call Filtering. Add their carrier's free scam blocking too: Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile Scam Shield or AT&T ActiveArmor. Q: Will silencing unknown callers block calls from doctors? A: It can, if the doctor's number isn't saved. Calls go to voicemail instead of ringing. Add doctors, pharmacies and family to Contacts first, or use "Ask Reason for Calling" so real callers can say who they are. Q: Does the Do Not Call list stop scammers? A: No. The FTC says scammers ignore it. It reduces legal sales calls, which makes scam calls easier to spot, but use call blocking for real protection. Q: How can I block scam calls on my parent's landline? A: Ask the phone company what call blocking it offers for that line, and register the number at donotcall.gov. Above all, practice the rule: hang up and call back on a number you already know. Q: What should my parent do if they already gave a caller information? A: Call the bank or card company using the number on the card, then follow our guide for when you gave a scammer your information. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/deep-fake-audio-and-video-links-make-robocalls-and-scam-texts-harder-spot, https://www.ic3.gov/psa/2024/PSA241203, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/medicare-open-enrollment-season-learn-how-protect-yourself-scams, https://www.irs.gov/help/how-to-know-its-the-irs, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages, https://support.apple.com/en-us/111106, https://support.apple.com/en-us/125068, https://support.google.com/android/answer/18633392, https://www.verizon.com/support/call-filter-faqs/, https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/scam-shield, https://www.att.com/security/active-armor/ --- ## How can I protect my elderly parent's money? 10 safeguards URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/protect-elderly-parents-money Updated: 2026-10-14 Layer safeguards your parent controls: alerts on every account, a trusted contact at each bank and brokerage, view-only access if the bank offers it, and a credit freeze. Then plan ahead with an elder law attorney for a durable financial power of attorney. None of this takes control away from your parent. It makes sure someone notices fast when something is wrong. 1. Start with permission, not paperwork: Your parent's money is legally theirs to manage while they can. Every step below works best when your parent chooses it. Ask, "If a scammer ever got to you, who would you want the bank to call?" That one question opens most of these doors. 2. Turn on account alerts: Many banks and card issuers can send a text or email for large withdrawals, transfers, new payees, and card use. Set a low threshold. Alerts can go to your parent, and some banks let them go to a second person too. Ask each bank what it offers, since options vary. 3. Name a trusted contact at the bank: A trusted contact is someone the bank or credit union can reach "when they are unable to reach you or when they suspect possible financial exploitation," according to the CFPB. That person cannot see account information without your parent's consent. The CFPB suggests asking the bank to explain its trusted contact policy: what it would share, and when. 4. Name a trusted contact at the brokerage: Brokerage and retirement accounts have the same option. FINRA describes a trusted contact as "like an emergency contact." The firm may reach out if it can't reach your parent or suspects exploitation. It gives the contact no authority to act, see balances or make decisions, and does not make them a power of attorney. 5. Ask about view-only access: Some banks let an account holder give a family member read-only access to see activity without being able to move money. The CFPB has encouraged banks to "offer view-only access for authorized third parties." Not every bank does. If your parent's bank offers it, this is often the easiest way to spot a strange transfer early. 6. Freeze their credit: A credit freeze stops new credit accounts being opened in your parent's name. The FTC says placing and lifting a freeze is free and does not affect the credit score. Contact Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742) and TransUnion (1-888-909-8872). 7. Use credit cards for risky spending: Bank accounts have fewer fraud protections than credit cards. The FTC warns that if someone is tricked into moving money out of a bank account, they "probably won't get that money back." Suggest a credit card for online shopping and phone orders, and keep the debit card for the ATM. 8. Be careful with joint accounts: Adding yourself to your parent's bank account can feel like the simple fix, but it has legal and tax consequences. The CFPB's guide for agents under a power of attorney says not to move a parent's funds into joint accounts or your own accounts without legal advice first. Ask an attorney or the bank about alternatives before you do it. 9. Plan a durable financial power of attorney: A financial power of attorney gives someone legal authority to make financial decisions if your parent can't. The CFPB and SEC suggest talking to a lawyer about whether a durable one is right. It only works if signed while your parent can still decide. Read more in power of attorney and scams. 10. Know that Social Security is separate: A power of attorney does not cover Social Security payments. SSA says the Treasury "does not recognize power of attorney for negotiating federal payments." If your parent needs help managing benefits, you must apply to SSA to become a representative payee. ### A one-hour bank visit checklist Go with your parent, in person if you can. Bring photo ID for both of you. Ask: - "Can you set up alerts for withdrawals, transfers and new payees? Can a copy go to my son or daughter?" - "How do we add a trusted contact? What would you tell them, and when?" - "Do you offer view-only access for a family member?" - "Can we lower the daily limit for transfers and Zelle?" (Policies vary by bank.) - "Do you have your own power of attorney form, or will you accept ours?" - "What number should we call if we think it's fraud?" Write it on the statement folder. ### One family money rule Agree on this, out loud: any call, text or email that asks to move money, buy gift cards or share a code gets a call to me first. Bank impostors often say your money is "at risk" and must be moved to a "safe" account. The FTC says your money "is fine where it is." The biggest losses for people 60 and older in 2025 came from investment scams, at $3.52 billion, according to the FBI's IC3 report. If your parent mentions a new investment found through an online friend or a text, pause and look closer. ### Where OwlGuardian fits Many money scams start with an email: a fake invoice, a "renewal" charge, a bank login warning. OwlGuardian screens your parent's Gmail and moves suspicious messages to quarantine before they see them, then alerts you to decide. It does not monitor bank accounts or credit, so use it alongside the safeguards above. ### Questions Q: How can I protect my elderly parents' money from scams? A: Turn on alerts at every bank, ask your parent to name you as a trusted contact at each bank and brokerage, ask about view-only access, freeze their credit, and talk to an elder law attorney about a durable financial power of attorney. Q: Can I see my elderly parent's bank account? A: Only with their permission or legal authority. Some banks offer view-only access an account holder can grant. A trusted contact cannot see account details without consent. Q: Should I add my name to my parent's bank account? A: Talk to an attorney first. Joint ownership can have legal, tax and inheritance effects. The CFPB advises getting legal advice before moving a parent's money into joint accounts. Q: Can I limit my parent's access to their own money? A: Not without their agreement or legal authority. Your parent can choose lower limits, alerts and a trusted contact. Beyond that, an elder law attorney can explain options in your state. Q: Does power of attorney cover Social Security? A: No. SSA requires a representative payee to manage benefits, even if you hold a power of attorney. Sources: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-consumers_2021-11.pdf, https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/trusted-contact, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/archive/newsroom/cfpb-issues-advisory-and-report-for-financial-institutions-on-preventing-elder-financial-abuse/, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_planning-for-diminished-capacity-and-illness_consumer-advisory-bulletin.pdf, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf, https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf --- ## Power of attorney and scams: what families should know URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/power-of-attorney-and-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 A durable financial power of attorney lets your parent choose someone to manage money if they can't, which can help stop scam losses later. It does not stop a parent who still has capacity from spending their own money, and it does not cover Social Security. Laws differ by state, so plan it with an elder law attorney while your parent can still decide. ### What a power of attorney is The CFPB describes a power of attorney as "a legal document" in which a person (the principal) gives someone else (the agent) authority over their money and property. The agent is sometimes called an attorney-in-fact. A durable power of attorney stays in effect if your parent later loses the ability to make decisions, as the Alzheimer's Association explains. That is usually the point of signing one. A separate health care power of attorney covers medical decisions. This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules on powers of attorney differ by state. Talk to an elder law attorney about your family's situation. ### How a power of attorney can help against scams - An agent can act fast. If your parent can no longer manage money, the agent can deal with the bank, cancel cards and handle bills, within the powers the document grants. - It avoids court later. Without one, a family may have to ask a court for guardianship or conservatorship. The Alzheimer's Association describes guardianship as a step usually taken when no plan is in place. - It sets expectations early. Talking about it opens a calm conversation about who your parent trusts, before a crisis. ### What a power of attorney does not do - It doesn't take control from your parent. The CFPB and SEC note that people can keep managing their own money "as long as you have the ability to make decisions." A parent with capacity can still send money to a scammer. - It doesn't cover Social Security. SSA says the Treasury "does not recognize power of attorney for negotiating federal payments." You must apply to be a representative payee. - It isn't a trusted contact. A trusted contact at a bank or brokerage is a lighter step. FINRA says it does not make that person a power of attorney. - It may not be accepted everywhere right away. Some banks and brokerages have their own forms or review steps. Ask each one before you need it. ### The four duties of an agent The CFPB's guide for agents, written with the American Bar Association's Commission on Law and Aging, lists four duties. If you become the agent, these are your job: 1. Act only in your parent's best interest: Put their interests ahead of your own, and avoid conflicts of interest. 2. Manage their money carefully: Use good judgment. The CFPB says to be more careful with their money than with your own. 3. Keep their money separate: Keep it apart from yours and anyone else's. Don't move it into joint or personal accounts without legal advice. 4. Keep good records: Track everything you receive and spend for them. Sign as agent, for example "Jane Doe, as agent for Robert Doe," never just your parent's name. ### When the danger is the agent A power of attorney gives real power, and it can be misused. The CFPB guide says an agent should not borrow, lend or give the principal's money to themselves or others, and should be cautious even when the document allows gifts. Warning signs of misuse include: - Unexplained withdrawals, transfers or checks to the agent or their family. - Your parent's bills going unpaid while money leaves the account. - The agent refusing to show records or keeping other family away. - Sudden changes to wills, beneficiaries or property titles. If you suspect an agent is exploiting your parent, the CFPB says to call 911 if they are in immediate danger, and otherwise contact Adult Protective Services or police, the bank, and consider a lawyer. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can connect you to local Adult Protective Services. ### Questions to ask an elder law attorney To find local legal help, start with the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. If your parent has already lost money, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help with next steps. - Should the power of attorney be durable, and does it take effect now or only on incapacity? - Which powers should it include, and which should it leave out (such as gifts)? - Should we name a backup agent? Two agents acting together? - Will my parent's banks and brokerages accept it, or do they need their own forms? - How does this work with a will, a living trust, or a representative payee for Social Security? - How can my parent change or cancel it later? ### Scams that target agents and families The CFPB guide also asks agents to watch for common scams aimed at the person they help, including relative-in-need calls, lottery and sweepstakes offers, fake "official" mail, home improvement pitches and drug plan offers. Its advice is simple: don't share account numbers or passwords unless you know who is asking and why, and "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." As an agent, you will also get more financial email. Fake invoices and "account locked" messages target you too. See how to tell if an email is a scam. ### Questions Q: Can power of attorney stop a parent from being scammed? A: Not on its own. While your parent can make decisions, they can still spend their own money. A power of attorney helps most when they can no longer manage money, and pairs well with alerts and a trusted contact. Q: What is the difference between a trusted contact and power of attorney? A: A trusted contact is someone the bank or brokerage may call if it suspects exploitation. They cannot act on the account. A power of attorney gives the agent legal authority to manage money. Q: Can a power of attorney be abused? A: Yes. The CFPB lists strict duties for agents. If you suspect misuse, contact Adult Protective Services, the police and the bank, and consider a lawyer. Q: Does a power of attorney cover Social Security benefits? A: No. SSA requires a representative payee. Holding a power of attorney does not change that. Q: When should my parent sign a power of attorney? A: While they can still understand and choose. If memory problems have started, talk to an elder law attorney soon. Sources: https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf, https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/publications/bifocal/vol_35/issue_1_october2013/managing_someone_elses_money/, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_planning-for-diminished-capacity-and-illness_consumer-advisory-bulletin.pdf, https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/financial-legal-planning/legal-documents, https://www.ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm, https://www.finra.org/investors/insights/trusted-contact, https://eldercare.acl.gov, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline --- ## My dad keeps getting scammed. What can I do? A 30-day plan URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/my-dad-keeps-getting-scammed Updated: 2026-10-14 Stop the current losses first, then work through one area a week: accounts and credit, then calls, texts and email, then money guardrails, then longer-term planning. Do it with your dad, not to him. This plan works for any parent, but we wrote it for the many adult children who search for exactly these words. ### Before day 1: a conversation that keeps him talking If your dad has been scammed more than once, he may be embarrassed, defensive, or both. Scams fool careful, intelligent people. The goal of the first talk is not to win. It is to make sure he tells you next time. For why repeat scams happen, see why your parent keeps falling for scams. "Dad, these people are professionals. They do this all day. I'd probably fall for some of them too." "I want to set a few things up so they leave you alone. Can we do it together this week?" "You're still in charge of your money. I just want a heads-up if something looks off." ### Week 1 (days 1 to 7): stop the bleeding 1. Check what is happening now: Ask: is anyone still in touch with him, asking for money, or promising to recover money? The FTC warns that "recovery" offers that charge a fee are scams. Cut contact with anyone like that. 2. Call the bank and card companies: Use the number on the back of the card. Report any recent scam payments and ask what can be reversed. Our guide on getting money back explains the odds by payment type. 3. Check for remote access: If a "tech support" person ever connected to his computer, follow our remote access guide before he logs into banking again. 4. Freeze his credit: Free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, per the FTC. It stops new accounts being opened in his name. 5. Report it: File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if money was lost online. If he is 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help. ### Week 2 (days 8 to 14): lock down accounts and devices 1. Change key passwords: Start with email, then banking. Do it from a device you know is clean. Turn on two-step verification, which the FTC recommends after any possible compromise. 2. Check email for scammer settings: Scammers sometimes add forwarding or filters to a hijacked inbox. Our Gmail guide shows where to look. 3. Update his phone and computer: Install updates and run a security scan, as the FTC advises for possible malware. 4. Write down his real numbers: One card by the phone with the bank's number, yours, and a trusted sibling's. Scammers rely on him calling the number they give. ### Week 3 (days 15 to 21): cut off the channels scammers use 1. Calls: Turn on the carrier's free scam blocking and the phone's unknown-caller screening. Step-by-step settings are in how to protect elderly parents from phone scams. 2. Texts: On an iPhone with iOS 26, turn on Screen Unknown Senders in Settings, Apps, Messages. Teach him to forward scam texts to 7726. 3. Email: Many repeat scams come by email: fake renewals, invoices and refund offers. Set up email screening so suspicious messages are held before he sees them. 4. A code word: Agree on a family code word for emergency calls. The FBI recommends one because voices can now be cloned. ### Week 4 (days 22 to 30): money guardrails and the long view 1. Trusted contact at every account: Ask him to name you as a trusted contact at each bank and brokerage. The CFPB says the bank can then reach you if it suspects exploitation, without giving you access to his money. 2. Alerts and limits: Turn on alerts for large withdrawals and transfers. Ask the bank whether daily transfer limits can be lowered. Policies vary. 3. View-only access, if offered: Some banks let him give you view-only access so you can spot problems early. Ask. 4. Legal planning: Book a meeting with an elder law attorney about a durable financial power of attorney. See power of attorney and scams. 5. A memory check, gently: Repeated scams can be one sign among others of memory changes, though often they are not. The Alzheimer's Association lists challenges with judgment and money among early signs. If you see several signs, suggest he mention them at his next checkup. ### After day 30: the weekly two-minute check-in Keep it light and regular. Praise him every time he flags something, even if it turns out to be real. That is the behavior you want. - "Anything weird in the mail, email or texts this week?" - "Anyone new asking you for anything?" - "Any charges you didn't expect?" ### If he won't accept help Adults have the right to make their own choices, including risky ones, while they have capacity. You can still keep the door open, set up what he agrees to, and stay in touch. If you believe someone is actively exploiting him, contact Adult Protective Services through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116). In an emergency, call 911. OwlGuardian can take one channel off your list. It quarantines suspicious Gmail before your dad sees it, and alerts you to release or keep each one in two taps. He sees nothing different. It does not block calls or texts. ### Questions Q: My dad keeps getting scammed. What can I do? A: Stop current losses with his bank, freeze his credit, then add guardrails one week at a time: secure accounts, filter calls, texts and email, set up trusted contacts and alerts, and talk to an elder law attorney about a power of attorney. Q: How do I stop my elderly father from sending money to scammers? A: You can't fully control it while he has capacity, but you can make it harder and slower: alerts, lower transfer limits if the bank offers them, a trusted contact, and a "call me first" rule for any money request. Q: Can I take over my dad's finances if he keeps getting scammed? A: Only with his agreement or legal authority, such as a power of attorney he signs while he can, or a court process. Talk to an elder law attorney about options in your state. Q: Is getting scammed a sign of dementia? A: Not on its own. Scams fool people of every age. The Alzheimer's Association lists poor judgment with money among early signs, so if you notice several signs, raise them with his doctor. Q: Who can I call for help if my elderly father is being scammed? A: His bank first, then the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 or the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/refund-and-recovery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/malware-how-protect-against-detect-and-remove-it, https://www.ic3.gov/psa/2024/PSA241203, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_trusted-contacts-consumers_2021-11.pdf, https://www.consumerfinance.gov/archive/newsroom/cfpb-issues-advisory-and-report-for-financial-institutions-on-preventing-elder-financial-abuse/, https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_msem_national_agents_guide.pdf, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs, https://support.apple.com/en-us/125068, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://eldercare.acl.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## How to spot a phishing email: 10 checks, with an example URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/how-to-spot-a-phishing-email Updated: 2026-10-14 A phishing email pretends to be from a company or person you trust and tells a story, like a login problem or a failed payment, to get you to click a link or open an attachment. The FTC's key question: do I have an account with this company, or know this person? If not, it's likely phishing. If yes, go to the company yourself, never through the email. 1. Ask the one question first: "Do I have an account with this company, or know the person who contacted me?" The FTC says if the answer is no, it's likely phishing. Report it and delete it. 2. Look for a story with a problem: The FTC says phishing messages "tell a story to trick you." Common ones: a login you didn't make, a payment problem, an invoice you don't recognize, a refund you're owed. 3. Check the sender's actual address: Gmail says to check that the email address and the sender name match. "Netflix" sending from a random free email account is a giveaway. 4. Hover before you click: On a computer, rest the mouse over a link without clicking. Gmail says if the web address doesn't match the link's description, it may lead to a phishing site. 5. Be wary of "update your payment" links: The FTC says "legitimate companies won't email or text with a link to update your payment information." Go to the app or website yourself instead. 6. Notice the generic greeting: "Dear Customer" or "Dear Member" instead of your name is one of the warning signs in the FTC's own example. 7. Watch for pressure and deadlines: "Within 24 hours" or "your account will be closed" is designed to make you rush. Real companies give you time. 8. Don't open surprise attachments: Apple lists an unsolicited message with an attachment as a sign of phishing. A "receipt.pdf" or "invoice.zip" you didn't expect should stay closed. 9. Never type a password or code from an email link: Phishing often sends you to a fake sign-in page. Apple says it never asks for your password or two-factor code to provide support. 10. Take Gmail's warnings seriously: If Gmail shows a warning like "This message could be a scam," believe it. Don't click links in that message. ### An annotated phishing email Here is an illustrative example, based on the streaming-service phishing email the FTC uses to teach these signs. The numbered notes show what to look for. From: StreamFlix Billing Subject: Your account is on hold "Dear Customer, we were unable to process your last payment, so your account is on hold. To keep watching, please update your payment details within 24 hours: [Update Payment]. Thank you, The StreamFlix Team" - 1. The sender address is not the company's real domain. Always check the part after the @. - 2. "Your account is on hold" is the story: a payment problem you didn't know about. - 3. "Dear Customer" means they don't know your name. - 4. "Within 24 hours" is pressure to act before you think. - 5. The "Update Payment" button leads to a fake page that collects card details. The FTC says real companies don't email links to update payment information. - What to do instead: Open the streaming app or type the company's address into the browser yourself. If there is a real problem, it will show there. ### How to report phishing in Gmail You can also forward phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org, and report them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Emails pretending to be Apple can go to reportphishing@apple.com, and PayPal fakes to phishing@paypal.com. 1. Open the email: On a computer, go to Gmail and open the message. 2. Open the More menu: Next to Reply, click the three-dot More button. 3. Click Report phishing: This reports the message to Google. Then delete it. ### If you already clicked Don't panic. What matters is what happened next. If you typed a password, change it from a different device. If you entered card or bank details, call the bank. If you shared your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov. If you downloaded something, the FTC says to update your security software and run a scan. Our page on what happens if you click a scam link walks through each case. OwlGuardian reads every incoming Gmail message for phishing signs and moves suspicious ones to quarantine within seconds, before they're seen. A Trusted Contact gets a plain-English alert and decides. It works with Gmail today. ### Questions Q: How can you tell if an email is phishing? A: Ask whether you have an account with the sender. Then check the real sender address, hover over links, and watch for a problem story, pressure, a generic greeting, and requests for payment details or passwords. Q: Can I get scammed just by opening an email? A: Opening an email is usually not the problem. The risk comes from clicking links, opening attachments, or replying with information. Keep your devices updated, and don't open unexpected attachments. Q: What do I do with a phishing email? A: Don't click anything. In Gmail, use More, then Report phishing. You can also forward it to reportphishing@apwg.org and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it. Q: What is the difference between spam and phishing? A: Spam is unwanted bulk mail, like ads. Phishing pretends to be someone you trust to steal information or money. Report phishing as phishing, not just spam. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/phishing-scams-can-be-hard-spot, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1074268?hl=en, https://support.apple.com/en-us/102568, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/malware-how-protect-against-detect-and-remove-it, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## How to tell if a text is a scam: 10 quick checks URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/how-to-tell-if-a-text-is-a-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A text is likely a scam if you weren't expecting it and it asks you to click a link, pay, reply, or share information. The FTC says legitimate companies won't ask for account information by text. Don't click or reply. Check with the company using a number or website you already know, then forward the text to 7726 and delete it. 1. You weren't expecting it: The FTC's first rule: "Don't reply to unexpected text messages." An unexpected text about a toll, a package or a charge deserves suspicion. 2. It has a link: The FTC says "Never click links in unexpected messages." USPS tracking texts, for example, only come if you asked for them, and USPIS says they "will NOT contain a link." 3. It asks for account or personal information: "Legitimate companies won't ask for information about your account by text," says the FTC. 4. It's about a small fee: Small amounts ($3 redelivery fees, $12 tolls) lower your guard. The FTC says toll-text scammers "are really after credit card and even Social Security numbers." 5. It asks you to reply YES or NO: Fake fraud-alert texts ask you to confirm a large charge. Replying starts a conversation with a fake "fraud department" that may push you to move money. 6. It threatens a penalty: Late fees, a suspended license, an arrest warrant. The FTC says no government agency demands payment to avoid arrest. 7. The sender doesn't match the company: Apple lists a sender whose email or phone number doesn't match the company it claims to be as a sign of a scam. A "bank" texting from a random number or an email address deserves suspicion. 8. It's a friendly "wrong number": The FTC says these chats can turn into a fake friendship and a bogus investment, with people losing "tens of thousands of dollars." Don't reply. 9. It offers easy money: Prizes, gift cards, low-interest cards and simple online jobs are all on the FTC's list of fake text lures. 10. It pressures you to act now: "Today only" or "within 24 hours" is designed to stop you checking. Real problems will still be there after you call the company yourself. ### Three examples, and what gives them away Every example on this page is illustrative. We wrote them from patterns described by the FTC, FBI and other official sources. Phone numbers use the fictional 555 range and web addresses end in ".example". Real scam links look like ordinary web addresses, often with extra words or odd endings. - Toll: "Final notice: you have an unpaid toll balance of $12.51. Pay now to avoid a $50 late fee: tollpay-center.example" Red flags: unexpected, a link, a small amount, a penalty. More in our toll text scam page. - Delivery: "USPS: Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Update within 12 hours: usps-redelivery.example" Red flags: you didn't sign up for tracking, and real USPS texts have no link. See USPS package text scam. - Bank: "FIRST NATL FRAUD ALERT: Did you attempt a $1,840.00 Zelle payment? Reply YES or NO." Red flags: unexpected, asks you to reply. See bank impersonation scam. Want to see more? Our scam text examples page shows 12 types side by side. ### How to report a scam text 1. Forward it to 7726: Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (it spells SPAM). The FTC says this helps your carrier block similar texts. 2. Use Report Junk: In the Messages app, look for the option to report junk or spam under the message. On Android, use the spam reporting option in your messaging app. 3. Report it to the FTC: File a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 4. For USPS texts: USPIS asks people to send the text and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov. 5. Delete it: Once reported, delete it so it can't be tapped by accident later. ### Fewer scam texts in the first place - iPhone (iOS 26): Settings, Apps, Messages, then turn on Screen Unknown Senders. Texts from numbers not in Contacts go to a separate list. - Android: On supported phones, Scam Detection for messages is on by default. Check in Settings by searching "Scam Detection." - Carrier: Ask your wireless provider about its text and call blocking tools, as the FTC suggests. ### Not sure? Check it If a text looks real and you can't tell, don't guess. Contact the company using its app, the number on your card, or a website you type yourself. With OwlGuardian, you can also say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot the text and get a verdict in about five seconds. OwlGuardian does not block texts, but it can tell you what you're looking at. Already tapped the link? See what happens if you click a scam link. ### Questions Q: How do I know if a text message is a scam? A: If it's unexpected and asks you to click a link, pay, reply, or share information, treat it as a scam. Check with the company using a number or website you already know. Q: What happens if I reply to a scam text? A: The FTC advises against replying to unexpected texts, because a reply can start a conversation designed to get money or information. If you replied but shared nothing, block and report the number and don't reply again. Q: How do I report a scam text? A: Forward it to 7726 (SPAM), use your messaging app's Report Junk option, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it. Q: Do banks send texts asking you to verify a charge? A: Some banks send real fraud alerts. But don't reply or call a number in the text. Call the number on the back of your card or open your bank's app to check. Q: Is it safe to open a scam text? A: Reading it is generally not the risk. The risk is tapping a link, replying or calling a number in it. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/unexpected-text-scam, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam, https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/06/ignore-calls-texts-and-emails-threatening-arrest-you-missing-jury-duty, https://support.apple.com/en-us/125068, https://support.google.com/android/answer/18633392, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## How to tell if an email is a scam: invoices, receipts and renewals URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/how-to-tell-if-an-email-is-a-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 The most common scam emails don't ask you to click. They show a charge you didn't make, like a $399 renewal or a PayPal invoice, and a phone number to "cancel." Don't call it. Check your real card or account statement. If the charge isn't there, the email is a scam. Then check the sender in Gmail to confirm. ### The scam that works by making you call The FTC describes emails claiming "you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew your tech support subscription," often using names like Geek Squad, McAfee or Norton. They say you must call within 24 hours to dispute the charge. The person who answers offers a "refund," asks for remote access to your computer, then claims they refunded too much and asks you to send the difference back. These emails often have no links at all, so link-based warnings don't help. The phone number is the trap. Never call a phone number from an unexpected invoice, receipt or renewal email. If you want to check, use the number on your card or the company's website, typed yourself. ### The 60-second statement test 1. Don't call, click or reply: Leave the email where it is. 2. Open your real account: Check your bank or card app, or the company's own app (Amazon, PayPal, Apple). Type the address yourself. 3. Look for the charge: The FTC says if the charge isn't on your statement, the message is a scam. Delete it. 4. If the charge is there: Contact the company or your card issuer using a number you know is real, not one from the email. ### Five kinds of fake billing emails - Renewal notices: "Your Norton/McAfee/Geek Squad plan has renewed for $399.99." See Norton renewal scam and Geek Squad email scam. - Invoices: A PayPal-style invoice you didn't request, with a "call us if you didn't authorize this" note. See PayPal invoice scam. - Order receipts: "Thanks for your order of an iPhone 17 Pro." Check your Amazon or Apple account directly. See Amazon impersonation scam. - Subscription problems: "Your payment failed, update your card." The FTC says real companies don't email links to update payment details. - Refund offers: "You're owed a refund, call to claim." This is the same trick in reverse. ### How to check the real sender in Gmail A display name like "PayPal Billing" means nothing. Anyone can type it. Gmail gives you a few ways to see who really sent a message. 1. Look at the address next to the name: Gmail shows the sender's email address next to their name if you haven't emailed them before. Check the part after the @. A big company won't bill you from a free personal email account or an odd domain. 2. Click the down arrow under the sender's name: On a computer, open the email and click the small Down arrow below the sender's name. Gmail says a message is authenticated if you see "Mailed by" or "Signed by" with the sending domain. 3. Watch for a question mark: Gmail says a question mark next to the sender's name means the message isn't authenticated, so it can't confirm who sent it. Be careful. 4. Notice the word "via": If Gmail shows "via" and another website next to the sender, the email was sent through a different domain than the From address. Gmail says if that service is unfamiliar, "the message might be spam." 5. For a deeper look, use Show original: Next to Reply, click More, then Show original to see the full header. Most people won't need this, but it's useful if you're helping a parent check a tricky one. A correct sender address doesn't prove an email is safe. Accounts get hacked. The statement test above is still the most reliable check for billing emails. ### Where to forward fakes - Gmail: More, then Report phishing. - Fake PayPal emails: Phishing@paypal.com. - Fake Apple emails: Reportphishing@apple.com. - Fake Amazon emails: Reportascam@amazon.com. - Any scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### Still unsure? Use our free scam checker. For a parent who gets these often, OwlGuardian scans incoming Gmail and moves fake invoices and renewals to quarantine within seconds, before your parent sees them, then alerts you to decide. It works with Gmail today. ### Questions Q: How do I find out if an email is legitimate? A: Don't use anything in the email. Log in to the company's app or website yourself, or call the number on your card. If there's no matching charge or message there, the email is fake. Q: Is this email a scam or legit if it has no links? A: It can still be a scam. Fake invoice and renewal emails often have only a phone number. Calling it is the trap. Q: How do I check who really sent an email in Gmail? A: On a computer, open the email and click the Down arrow under the sender's name. Look for "Mailed by" or "Signed by" with the company's domain. A question mark means Gmail can't verify the sender. Q: Can I get scammed through email? A: Yes, mostly by clicking links, opening attachments, replying with information, or calling a number in the email. Reading an email is generally not the risk. Q: What should I do if I called the number in a fake invoice email? A: Hang up if you're still on the call. If you gave remote access, card details or bank details, see our guides on remote access and giving a scammer information. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2018/02/phishers-send-fake-invoices, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1311182?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/180707?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/29436?hl=en, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/8253?hl=en, https://support.apple.com/en-us/102568, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## Scam text examples: 12 common scam texts and how to spot them URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/scam-text-examples Updated: 2026-10-14 Most scam texts fall into a dozen patterns: unpaid tolls, package problems, fake fraud alerts, fake purchases, "wrong number" chats, job offers, prizes, and government or family impostors. Each one wants you to tap a link, reply, or call. The examples below are illustrative, written from official descriptions, so you can recognize the pattern when it arrives. 1. Unpaid toll: "NOTICE: Our records show an unpaid toll of $11.69. Pay by today to avoid a $50 late fee and protect your license: pay-tolls-now.example" 2. Package on hold: "USPS: Your package could not be delivered due to an incomplete address. Confirm within 12 hours: usps-redeliver.example" 3. Bank fraud alert: "Bank Alert: Did you authorize a $2,350.00 transfer? Reply YES or NO. If NO, a fraud specialist will call you." 4. Amazon suspicious purchase: "Amazon: A purchase of an iPad Pro ($1,099) was placed on your account. If this wasn't you, call 1-555-010-4421." 5. Apple Pay charge: "Apple Pay: A charge of $749.99 at Best Electronics was approved. Not you? Call Apple Support at 1-555-010-7730." 6. "Wrong number": "Hi Linda, is this still your number? It's Grace from the garden club. Lunch Thursday?" 7. Easy online job: "Hello! We're hiring remote staff. Earn $300 to $800 a day rating apps from home. Reply to learn more." 8. Family emergency: "Hi Grandma, it's me. I lost my phone, this is my new number. I'm in trouble and need help. Please don't tell Mom." 9. Medicare card: "Medicare: Your new card is ready. Confirm your Medicare number to avoid losing coverage: medicare-card.example" 10. IRS refund: "IRS: You are eligible for a tax refund of $1,286.40. Submit your details to receive payment: irs-refund-claim.example" 11. Jury duty warrant: "County Court: A warrant has been issued for failure to appear for jury duty. Call 1-555-010-2290 today to resolve and avoid arrest." 12. Prize winner: "Congratulations! You've won $2,500,000 and a new car. Pay a $199 processing fee to release your prize: claim-prize.example" ### About these examples Every example on this page is illustrative. We wrote them from patterns described by the FTC, FBI and other official sources. Phone numbers use the fictional 555 range and web addresses end in ".example". Real scam links look like ordinary web addresses, often with extra words or odd endings. ### The pattern behind all 12 The FTC says legitimate companies won't ask for account information by text. If a text matches two or more of these, stop. - Pretend: They say they're a company or agency you know, or a family member. - Problem or prize: A charge, a fee, a warrant, a win. - Pressure: A deadline, a penalty, a secret. - Pay or provide: A link to pay, a number to call, a reply, or personal details. ### What to do with a text like these 1. Don't tap, reply or call: Not even "STOP." The FTC's advice is not to reply to unexpected texts at all. 2. Check the real source: Open the company's app or call the number on your card or statement. 3. Report it: Forward it to 7726, use Report Junk, and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 4. Delete it: Then let a family member know. Scams often come in waves. Not sure about a text? With OwlGuardian, say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot it and get a verdict in about five seconds. Or try our free scam checker. ### Questions Q: What are examples of scam texts? A: Common ones include unpaid toll notices, USPS redelivery requests, fake bank fraud alerts, fake Amazon or Apple Pay charges, "wrong number" chats, job offers, prize wins, and messages pretending to be Medicare, the IRS or a court. Q: What is the most common scam text? A: In the FTC's 2024 data, fake package delivery problems were the most reported text scam. Fake job offers, fake fraud alerts, unpaid tolls and "wrong number" texts rounded out the top five. Q: Should I reply STOP to a scam text? A: No. The FTC advises not replying to unexpected texts at all. Forward it to 7726, report it as junk, and delete it instead. Q: Can I get hacked by opening a scam text? A: Reading the text is generally not the risk. Tapping links, replying, or calling a number in the text is. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam, https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/did-you-get-call-or-text-about-suspicious-purchase-amazon-its-scam, https://support.apple.com/en-us/102568, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/scam-alert/grandparent-scams-get-more-sophisticated, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/09/medicare-open-enrollment-season-learn-how-protect-yourself-scams, https://www.irs.gov/help/how-to-know-its-the-irs, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/06/ignore-calls-texts-and-emails-threatening-arrest-you-missing-jury-duty, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fake-prize-sweepstakes-and-lottery-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages --- ## Scam email examples: 10 common scam emails and their red flags URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/scam-email-examples Updated: 2026-10-14 Scam emails usually copy a brand you trust and invent a problem: a charge you didn't make, a locked account, a refund, or an invitation. The giveaways are a sender address that doesn't match the company, a phone number or link to "fix" it, and pressure to act fast. Below are 10 illustrative examples with the red flags marked. 1. Geek Squad renewal: Subject: Your Geek Squad Protection has renewed. "Thank you for renewing. $399.99 will be charged to your account within 24 hours. To cancel, call our billing desk at 1-555-010-3381." 2. Norton or McAfee renewal: Subject: Subscription renewed successfully, Order #NR-82614. "Your Norton 360 Total Protection (5 devices) has been auto-renewed for $289.99. If you did not authorize this, contact us at 1-555-010-5512." 3. PayPal invoice: Subject: You've received an invoice. "Invoice for $648.00 (Bitcoin purchase). If you did not make this purchase, please call PayPal Support at 1-555-010-6620." 4. Amazon order confirmation: Subject: Your order of Apple MacBook Air has shipped. "Order total: $1,249.00. If you didn't place this order, call our fraud team immediately at 1-555-010-8890." 5. Streaming payment problem: Subject: Your account is on hold. "Dear Customer, we couldn't process your payment. Update your billing details within 48 hours to avoid cancellation. [Update Payment]" 6. Bank account locked: Subject: Unusual sign-in activity: account restricted. "We detected a sign-in from a new device. For your security, access is restricted. Verify your identity here to restore access." 7. Party invitation: Subject: You're invited!. "Susan has invited you to a celebration. Click below to view the invitation and RSVP. [View Invitation]" 8. IRS refund: Subject: Tax refund notification. "After the last annual calculation, you are eligible to receive a refund of $1,186.50. Please submit the form to process your refund." 9. Social Security suspension: Subject: Urgent: your Social Security number has been suspended. "Due to suspicious activity, your SSN is suspended. Call the Office of the Inspector General at 1-555-010-4012 today to avoid legal action." 10. Prize notification: Subject: Official winner notification. "You have been selected to receive $1,500,000. To release your funds, a one-time processing fee of $250 is required." ### About these examples Every example on this page is illustrative. We wrote them from patterns described by the FTC, FBI and other official sources. Phone numbers use the fictional 555 range and web addresses end in ".example". Real scam links look like ordinary web addresses, often with extra words or odd endings. ### Two kinds of scam email Click scams want you to tap a link and type something: a password, card number, or personal details. Examples 5 to 8 work this way. Call scams want you to phone them. Examples 1 to 4 and 9 work this way. They often have no link at all, which is why some filters miss them. The FTC says the "refund agent" on the phone may ask for remote access to your computer and your bank details. ### Quick checks for any email - Do I have an account with this company? If not, it's likely phishing. - Is the charge on my real statement? If not, it's a scam. - Does the sender's address match the company? In Gmail, click the Down arrow under the sender's name to check. - Is there a phone number to call? Use the number on your card instead. OwlGuardian scans incoming Gmail for exactly these patterns and moves suspicious emails to quarantine before they're seen. A Trusted Contact gets a plain-English summary and decides in two taps. ### Questions Q: What are examples of scam emails? A: Fake renewals (Geek Squad, Norton, McAfee), fake PayPal invoices, fake Amazon orders, payment-problem emails, account-locked alerts, fake invitations, IRS refunds, Social Security suspensions and prize notices. Q: What does a scam email look like? A: It usually looks professional, with a real logo. The giveaways are in the details: a sender address that doesn't match, a charge you didn't make, a phone number or link to fix it, and a deadline. Q: Are scam emails with no links safe? A: No. Many fake invoice and renewal emails only include a phone number. Calling it puts you in touch with the scammer. Q: What do I do with a scam email? A: Don't click, call or reply. In Gmail, use More, then Report phishing. You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then delete it. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/phishing-scams-can-be-hard-spot, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/did-you-get-call-or-text-about-suspicious-purchase-amazon-its-scam, https://www.irs.gov/help/how-to-know-its-the-irs, https://www.ssa.gov/blog/en/posts/2026-09-25.html, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/fake-prize-sweepstakes-and-lottery-scams, https://support.google.com/mail/answer/180707?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop --- ## How to protect parents from AI voice cloning scams URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/ai-voice-cloning-scams Updated: 2026-10-14 Scammers can copy a loved one's voice from a short audio clip and call your parent in a fake emergency. The best defenses are simple: a family code word, a rule to hang up and call the person back on a number you know, and never paying by gift card, wire or crypto. The FTC's advice in three words: "Don't trust the voice." ### How voice cloning scams work The FTC says a scammer needs only "a short audio clip of your family member's voice," which could come from content posted online, plus a voice-cloning program. The call sounds like a grandchild or child in trouble: an accident, an arrest, a hospital. Sometimes a fake lawyer or police officer takes over the call. The FCC adds that caller ID can be spoofed so the call appears to come from a trusted source, and that callers often ask the victim to keep it secret. The FCC has also ruled that robocalls using AI-generated voices are, with some exceptions, illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. That doesn't stop criminals, but it does mean these calls are worth reporting. ### Set up a family code word in 10 minutes The FBI recommends families "create a secret word or phrase" to verify identity. Here's how to do it well: 1. Pick something unguessable: Not a pet's name, street or birthday that might be on social media. A silly phrase works: "purple pancakes." 2. Share it in person or on a call: Not in a group chat, email or social post. 3. Include everyone who might "call in trouble": Grandchildren, adult children, and anyone your parent would send money to. 4. Practice once: Role-play a pretend emergency call. Saying it out loud makes it stick under stress. 5. Write it somewhere private: Somewhere your parent can find it, but not on the fridge for visitors to see. A code word works both ways. If your parent ever calls you in a panic, you can ask for it too. ### What your parent should say on the call "I want to help. What's our family word?" (If they can't say it, or make an excuse:) "I'm going to hang up and call you right back on your number." (Hang up. Call the grandchild on the number you already have. If no answer, call their parent or another relative.) (Never send money until you've reached them directly.) ### Five red flags, even if the voice sounds right - Secrecy: "Please don't tell Mom and Dad." The FCC lists this as a common line. - Urgency: Money is needed right now, before anyone can check. - Hard-to-trace payment: The FTC flags wire transfers, crypto and gift cards, especially if they want the card numbers and PINs. - A handoff: A "lawyer," "bail officer" or "police officer" takes over. - A courier: Someone offers to pick up cash at the house. ### Reduce what scammers can copy The FBI suggests limiting online content of your image or voice where possible, and making social media accounts private. Talk to grandchildren about public videos. The FBI also advises listening closely to tone and word choice, though cloned voices can be convincing, so the code word and callback are more reliable than your ears. ### If your parent already paid Act fast. Call the bank or payment company using the number on the card. For gift cards, the FTC says to contact the card company right away, no matter how long ago. Then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and, if your parent is 60 or older, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Our first steps for families page walks through it. OwlGuardian doesn't screen phone calls. It helps with the scam emails and texts that often come before or after these calls, by screening Gmail and letting your parent check any message with "Hey Siri, call my Owl." ### Questions Q: Can scammers really clone my voice? A: Yes. The FTC says a short audio clip, for example from a video posted online, is enough for voice-cloning software to imitate someone. Q: What is a good family code word? A: Something unusual that isn't on social media or easy to guess, shared only in person or by phone. A short silly phrase works well. Q: How can my parent tell if a call is an AI voice? A: Often they can't, so don't rely on sound. Ask for the code word, hang up, and call the person back on a number you already know. Q: Are AI voice robocalls illegal? A: The FCC has ruled that robocalls using AI-generated voices are, with some exceptions, illegal under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. You can file a complaint with the FCC or report the scam to the FTC. Q: What should I do if my parent sent money after a voice cloning call? A: Call the bank or payment company right away, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/03/scammers-use-ai-enhance-their-family-emergency-schemes, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/scam-alert/grandparent-scams-get-more-sophisticated, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/deep-fake-audio-and-video-links-make-robocalls-and-scam-texts-harder-spot, https://www.ic3.gov/psa/2024/PSA241203, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams, https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/national-elder-fraud-hotline, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## Got a text about an Apple Pay charge? It's a scam URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/apple-pay-charge-text-scam Updated: 2026-10-14 A text saying an Apple Pay charge was approved, with a number to call if it "wasn't you," is a scam. Apple warns that scammers claim unauthorized Apple Pay charges to create urgency. Don't call or reply. Check real activity in the Wallet app or with your card issuer, then report the text. ### What the text looks like Illustrative example, written from the pattern Apple describes: "Apple Pay: A payment of $749.99 at Electronics Hub was authorized on your card. If you did not make this purchase, call Apple Support at 1-555-010-7730 immediately." Variations mention a different store or amount, say your Apple ID was used, or ask you to reply. All of them push you to contact the scammer. ### Why it's a scam - Apple calls it out. Apple's own scam guidance says scammers may claim someone "made unauthorized charges using Apple Pay" and offer to help reverse them. - Apple Pay questions go to your bank. Apple says, "If you have any questions about a charge made using Apple Pay, contact your bank or card issuer." - The number is theirs. Apple warns scammers can spoof phone numbers and impersonate Apple Support. If someone claiming to be Apple calls, Apple says to "just hang up." - It matches the FTC's fake fraud alert pattern. The FTC says fake fraud-alert texts lead to fake "fraud departments" that pressure people to move money. ### What happens if you call A friendly "Apple Support" agent says your account is compromised. Then the story grows. You may be told to install an app so they can "secure" your phone, to read out a verification code, to buy Apple Gift Cards, or to move money to a "safe" account, sometimes with a handoff to a fake bank or government agent. Apple says it never asks for your password, device passcode or two-factor code to provide support, and "Never use Apple Gift Cards to make payments to other people." ### How to check if a charge is real 1. Open the Wallet app: On your iPhone, open Wallet. 2. Tap the card: Apple says you'll see a list of your latest transactions. 3. Tap a transaction for details: If something looks wrong, contact your bank or card issuer using the number on the card or in its app. Your card issuer has the most accurate record of charges, according to Apple. If the charge isn't in Wallet or your bank app, the text is fake. ### What to do now 1. Don't call, reply or tap anything: Not even to say "not me." 2. Report it as junk: In Messages, tap Report Junk under the message, if available. 3. Send it to Apple: Apple asks you to take a screenshot of a suspicious text and email it to reportphishing@apple.com. 4. Forward it to 7726: This helps your carrier block similar texts. 5. Report to the FTC: At ReportFraud.ftc.gov. ### If you already called the number Not sure about a message like this? With OwlGuardian, say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot it and get a verdict in about five seconds. - Shared a card number: Call the card issuer on the number on the card and ask for a new card. - Shared a password or code: Change your Apple Account password at account.apple.com from a device you trust. See I gave a scammer my information. - Installed an app or gave remote access: Follow our remote access steps. - Bought gift cards or moved money: Call the gift card company or bank right away. See can you get money back. ### Questions Q: Is the text about an Apple Pay charge a scam? A: Yes, if it asks you to call a number or tap a link. Apple warns scammers use fake Apple Pay charge claims. Check the Wallet app or your card issuer instead. Q: Does Apple text you about Apple Pay purchases? A: Apple says questions about Apple Pay charges should go to your bank or card issuer. Your bank may send its own alerts. Check them in your bank's app, not through a number in a text. Q: How do I report an Apple Pay scam text? A: Screenshot it and email it to reportphishing@apple.com, tap Report Junk in Messages, forward it to 7726, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Q: What if I replied to the Apple Pay scam text? A: If you only replied, block the number and don't respond again. If you called and shared details, contact your card issuer and change your Apple Account password. Sources: https://support.apple.com/en-us/102568, https://support.apple.com/en-us/104954, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov --- ## What happens if you click on a scam link (toll, USPS, bank texts)? URL: https://owlguardian.net/guides/what-happens-if-you-click-a-scam-link Updated: 2026-10-14 Clicking a scam link usually opens a fake website. The real harm depends on what happened next: what you typed in, and whether you downloaded anything. If you entered nothing, close the page and watch your accounts. If you entered card, bank, password or Social Security details, act today using the steps below. ### Take a breath Scam links are made to look exactly like the real thing, and they fool careful people every day. The FTC says clicking can lead to requests for sensitive data, or can install malware. So the question is not "did I click?" but "what did I do on the page?" ### Find your situation 1. I clicked, then closed it without typing anything: Close the tab and delete the message. Forward the text to 7726 first if you can. USPIS advises telling your bank if you interacted with a fake link "even if you did not click 'submit,'" so a quick call costs nothing. Watch your statements for a few weeks. 2. I typed my card number (toll or USPS "fee"): Call your card issuer now on the number on the back of the card. Say it was given to a scam site and ask for a new card number. Ask about any charges you don't recognize. 3. I typed my bank login: Change your online banking password from a device you trust, then call the bank using the number on your statement. Turn on two-step verification. Ask the bank to watch for transfers. 4. I typed a password for email or another account: Change it right away, and change it anywhere else you used the same one. Turn on two-step verification. The FTC recommends both after any possible compromise. 5. I typed my Social Security number or date of birth: The FTC says to go to IdentityTheft.gov for steps based on what was exposed. Consider a free credit freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. 6. I downloaded or installed something: Stop logging into accounts on that device. The FTC says to update your security software, run a scan, and remove anything it flags. Then change passwords from a different device. 7. I called a number from the page: Hang up. If you gave remote access or payment, see remote access and getting money back. ### What each scam link is after - Toll texts: The FTC says these scammers "are really after credit card and even Social Security numbers." See toll text scam. - USPS texts: Fake redelivery fees capture card numbers. USPIS says real USPS tracking texts never contain a link. See USPS package text scam. - Bank texts: Fake sign-in pages capture your login, or the text gets you to call a fake fraud team who asks you to move money. See bank impersonation scam. - Account or payment emails: Fake pages ask you to "update" a card or confirm a password. See how to spot a phishing email. ### Signs something was installed The FTC lists signs of malware, including: - The device slows down, freezes or crashes. - The browser's home page changes, or you get redirected to sites you didn't choose. - New toolbars or add-ons appear, or lots of pop-up ads. - Emails or social media posts go out that you didn't write. If you're not sure your device is clean, the FTC suggests getting help from the device maker, a company you trust, or a knowledgeable friend or family member. ### Report it - Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM). - USPS texts: send the text and a screenshot to spam@uspis.gov. - Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money online, also file at ic3.gov. - Not sure who to tell first? See where to report a scam. ### Next time: check before you tap If a text or email makes you want to tap fast, that's the moment to stop. Go to the company's app or a website you type yourself. With OwlGuardian, you can say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to check a text or web page with a screenshot first, and get a verdict in about five seconds. ### Questions Q: What happens if you click on a scam link but don't enter information? A: Usually it opens a fake page and nothing more. Close it, delete the message, and keep your phone updated. USPIS suggests telling your bank anyway if you interacted with the page, and watching your statements. Q: I clicked a link in a toll text. What should I do? A: If you entered a card number, call your card issuer now and ask for a new card. If you entered your Social Security number, go to IdentityTheft.gov. If you entered nothing, delete the text and forward it to 7726. Q: Can my phone get hacked by clicking a link? A: Most scam links try to get you to type information or install something. The FTC says clicking can install malware in some cases. Keep your phone updated and watch for signs like pop-ups or unfamiliar apps. Q: I clicked a USPS scam link. Am I in trouble? A: Not if you act. USPIS says to notify your bank if you interacted with the link, even without submitting. If you entered card details, ask for a new card. Q: Should I change my passwords after clicking a scam link? A: Yes, if you typed any password on the page or downloaded anything. Change it from a different device and turn on two-step verification. Sources: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/phishing-scams-can-be-hard-spot, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/malware-how-protect-against-detect-and-remove-it, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam, https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2025/04/top-text-scams-2024, https://www.uspis.gov/news/scam-article/smishing-package-tracking-text-scams, https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/got-call-about-fraud-activity-your-bank-account-it-could-be-scammer, https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/credit-freezes-and-fraud-alerts, https://www.identitytheft.gov, https://reportfraud.ftc.gov