The Scam Exposed

Online Safety Tips

Simple online safety habits for US families: protect accounts, spot fake websites and ads, and stay safe from scams on phone and computer.

Online safety tips are the everyday habits that make scams fail before they start. That includes checking a website before you buy, spotting fake shops and fake tracking numbers, protecting your accounts with strong passwords and two-step verification, and knowing which payment methods give you a way to get money back.

These guides are practical and short on jargon. Each one explains a single habit, why it matters, and how to set it up on the devices and apps most people in the US use. Where a tool or setting is free, we say so, and we link to official sources rather than paid products.

Not sure where to begin? Turn on two-step verification for your email first, since it protects every other account. Then use our free number checker whenever an unknown caller or text asks you to act fast.

You're Safe Here. Let's Fix This Now.

If you already sent money or shared information, act fast. Follow these steps in order.

1

Call Your Bank or Card Company Immediately

Use the number on the back of your card, not any number the caller gave you. Ask them to freeze the transaction or account.

2

Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline

Free help, Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Call 1-833-372-8311
3

Report It to the Government

File a free report at the Federal Trade Commission so they can investigate.

Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov