How the cons actually work, and the small habits that stop them. No fear-mongering, no shame if you’ve been caught.
You bought a sealed gift card, loaded it, and it was already drained. Here is how scammers empty cards in the store before you ever pick them up, and what to check before you pay.
A call says your power will be shut off tonight unless you pay right now. Real utility companies send written notices first. Here is how to spot the fake before you panic.
A package you never ordered shows up with an Amazon smile and a QR code inside. Scan it and you land on a fake Amazon sign in page. Here's how the trick works and what to do instead.
A famous face is giving away crypto, endorsing a miracle product, or sliding into your DMs. Everybody is special, but be realistic: George Clooney isn't texting you.
"Wipe out your debt!" "Settle with the IRS for pennies!" Real debt help exists, but so do fakes that want a big fee up front. Here's how to tell them apart.
A "process server" calls to say they're on the way with legal papers, unless you settle today. Real courts don't work that way. Here's how to check for yourself.
A SIM swap is identity theft for your cell phone. A thief convinces your carrier they're you, and suddenly your calls and texts (and login codes) go to them.
Remote access lets a helper work on your computer from miles away. Great when you called them. A disaster when they called you.
Every fall, health insurance shopping season brings fake navigators, too-good-to-be-true plans, and calls asking for your Medicare number. Here's how to shop safely.
Every disaster and every giving season brings lookalike charities and fake fundraisers. Here's how to make sure your kindness reaches the people it's meant for.
