SSTOP
Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency. The moment you feel pressured, that's your signal to pause.
Scam Prevention
Protecting yourself starts with knowing the playbook.
GOLD's S.C.A.M. framework gives you a simple, repeatable way to spot and stop scams before they cost you.
The S.C.A.M. framework
Four steps. Easy to remember. Use them anytime something feels off.
CCONFIRM
Verify the source. Call the company back using a number you find yourself. Never trust a number from the suspicious message.
AAVOID
Never give out personal information. No Social Security numbers, no bank details, no gift card codes. Real organizations don't ask this way.
MMAKE A REPORT
Report the attempt to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Even if you didn't lose money, your report helps protect someone else.
Recent scam alerts
What we're seeing now. We monitor trusted sources and surface what's most relevant to older adults.
FBI IC3May 27, 2026
Threat Actors Spoofing FIFA Websites in Advance of the 2026 World Cup
The FBI is warning that scammers are building fake websites that look like official FIFA sites to trick soccer fans into buying phony 2026 World Cup tickets or giving up personal information. If you plan to buy tickets, go directly to the official FIFA website by typing fifa.com into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or search results.
Read at FBI IC3FTCMay 27, 2026
Medicare fraud affects everyone, so here’s what to know and do
Scammers sometimes pose as Medicare representatives to steal your Medicare number, then use it to bill the government for care you never received. If anyone contacts you out of the blue asking for your Medicare number, do not share it. Treat it like a credit card number and only give it to doctors or providers you contacted first.
Read at FTCFTCMay 26, 2026
Asked to enter your email address and password to open a party invite? That’s a scam
Scammers are sending fake party invitation texts and emails that ask you to enter your email address and password to open them. If you get an unexpected invite that asks for your login information or a special code, do not click or enter anything. Delete it right away.
Read at FTCFBI IC3May 21, 2026
Kali365 Phishing-as-a-Service Kit Hijacks Microsoft 365 Access Tokens
Scammers are using a tool called Kali365 to steal access to Microsoft 365 accounts by tricking people into clicking fake login pages that capture their credentials. This targets anyone who uses Microsoft 365 for email or work. If you get an unexpected email asking you to sign in to Microsoft, go directly to microsoft.com instead of clicking any link in the message.
Read at FBI IC3FTCMay 21, 2026
How are scammers trying to reach you?
Scammers reach people through phone calls, text messages, and social media ads or posts, so nearly anyone with a phone or social media account is a potential target. If you get an unexpected message or call asking you to act quickly, pause before responding and look up the organization's official contact information independently.
Read at FTCFTCMay 14, 2026
Run a small business? Pay your bills, not scammers
Scammers send fake invoices to small business owners, hoping they will pay for products or services that were never ordered. Before paying any bill, check your own records to confirm you actually placed that order.
Read at FTCTake a free scam-prevention class.
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