Frequently Asked Questions
Simple answers to common questions about scams and how this tool works.
How does The Scam Exposed check reports before they go live?
Reader comments and reports are reviewed before they appear on the site. Complaint counts come from public FTC and FCC records, and a phone number page is only indexed by search engines once a real person has shared their experience with it. A complaint count is not proof that the owner of a number committed fraud. How our trust score works.
Where does The Scam Exposed get its data?
Complaint counts come from the FTC's public Do Not Call complaint data and FCC consumer complaints. Readers add their own experiences through comments, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit. We never publish anyone's name or conversation without permission, and we do not buy data from data brokers. About The Scam Exposed.
How accurate are the results?
Our results show what has been reported, not what has been proven. A match means people have reported concerns about that number, email, or website. No match only means nobody has reported it to us yet. Always check another way before you pay or share personal details. What to do if you think you were scammed.
What is a scam call?
A call from someone pretending to be a bank, a government agency, tech support, or a family member, to get money, gift cards, or personal information. Watch for urgency, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and requests for a one time passcode. Check a phone number.
How do I know if a website is fake?
Paste the website address into our search tool. Be careful with misspelled web addresses, pressure to act right away, and sites that ask for payment before you can see what you are buying. Check a website.
What should I do if I already sent money?
Call your bank or card company right away and ask them to stop or reverse the payment. Then call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time) and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Our step by step emergency guide.
What are the most common scams targeting seniors?
Tax scams, Social Security and Medicare scams, tech support pop ups, romance scams, and grandparent scams. Real agencies never call demanding payment by gift card or wire transfer. Official help lines.
Is The Scam Exposed a government website?
No. The Scam Exposed is an independent website. We are not a government agency, and our results do not replace official authorities. Official agencies and help lines.
Do you store my personal data?
We keep only what is needed to run the search and report tools, such as the number, email, or website you check or report. We do not sell your data. Privacy Policy.
Can I make the text bigger or use high contrast?
Yes. Use the A-, A, and A+ buttons at the top of any page to change text size, or the High Contrast button to switch colors. Your choice is remembered on your device.
Still Have a Question?
Check a number, email, or website right now, browse official helplines, or email our review team directly at [email protected] — reports and questions typically get a response within 48 hours.
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