If you think you’ve been scammed, act fast. This step-by-step guide walks you through who to call, what to report, how to lock down passwords, and how to protect your credit—with a quick checklist for the first 24 hours.

: If a PayPal-looking email says a large payment is pending and tells you to call a phone number, treat it as suspicious. In this scam, the email is just the hook—the phone call is where a fake “support” agent pressures you to share sensitive information or take risky steps. Here’s how to spot the red flags, verify safely in the PayPal app, and report the message.

Scammers posing as the IRS, Social Security, or law enforcement are using fear and urgency to steal money and personal information. Here are the quick red flags, what to do if you’re contacted, and how to report it to help protect others.

Just when you thought you’d heard it all, there’s always another song to be played. This one is big, very big. It’s called a “Piano Scam”, and countless victims around the globe are getting played. Even those doing everything right to avoid this scam don’t escape it. A Piano Scam casts a wide net, targeting music schools and music stores, healthcare, and other industries. It also includes individuals searching online for a used piano. A scammer makes an offer that’s hard to refuse—a free piano and a story about why they can’t take it with them to wherever they are going.

AI tools are learning from the internet—and that includes the content everyday people share online. Social posts, profiles, blogs, and even old comments can be scraped by automated bots and reused in ways you might not expect. While AI itself isn’t the enemy, the data it relies on can also fuel more convincing scams and impersonation attempts. The good news? With a few simple habits you can reduce your risk and take back control of your digital footprint.

Passwords are quickly becoming a security liability. As phishing tactics grow more sophisticated and data breaches more common, cybercriminals are finding it easier than ever to steal traditional login credentials. Passkeys offer a safer, passwordless alternative—using built‑in device security and cryptography to protect accounts from phishing, reuse, and theft—making them the next major leap forward in online security.

Phone scams are getting smarter—and more dangerous. Learn the four phrases cybersecurity experts say are immediate red flags and why hanging up right away can protect you from fraud.