Welcome to S.A.F.E. Squad HQ,
where you'll learn how to fight imposter scams
In the criminal justice system, one particular crime still hasn't gotten the procedural drama treatment . . . until now. Meet the S.A.F.E. Squad, a top-notch team of private investigators dedicated to taking down criminals behind imposter scams. S.A.F.E. Squad's mission is to make sure you have everything it takes to stop the bad guys in their tracks. It's right in the name: S.A.F.E. stands for Scam And Fraud Elimination.
As their newest recruit, it's time to dive deep into how imposter scams actually work. In these schemes, a fraudster pretends to be someone they're not in order to get you to send them money or divulge your personal information. Think of a text from an unknown number claiming to be a loved one sitting in jail who needs you to send them $5,000 right away, or an email from a government agency saying you owe back taxes . . . but you're sure you've paid in full.
Ready to join the squad? Go behind the scenes of S.A.F.E. Squad HQ to dive deep into the dark underworld of digital fraud. Your mission — should you choose to accept it — is learning how to identify these crimes and avoid them.
can you
spot the Swindle?
Meet the squad
Fraud organizations spend a lot of time making sure fake emails, calls, and texts look and feel legitimate.
Your federal taxes are now six months past due. Click here to pay your balance of $4,587.42 right now.
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This is a scam!
This is a scam! The Internal Revenue Service usually doesn't use text messages to discuss personal tax issues. Never click links in text messages from unknown numbers, and report any suspicious texts that claim to be from the IRS to phishing@irs.gov.
This is not necessarily a scam
Depending on your notification preferences, some banks will send you a text message to let you know that an account statement or another message is now available. To be safe, don't click on links in text messages from unknown numbers and instead log into your bank account through a separate web browser or the bank's app.
Proceed with caution
If you didn't attempt to log into an account that required a verification code, this could be a scam or a sign that one of your accounts has been compromised. If you're not sure why you got this text message, change your password to the associated account just in case.
Next Question
FROM: Susan Smith
Coffee chat?
Your experience looks incredible. I'm a recruiter looking for a leader like you to build out our team. Would love to hop on a quick call to tell you more. Let me know!
This is not necessarily a scam
But it never hurts to double check. Some criminals will pose as recruiters to steal job seekers' personal information. Check to see if the recruiter's email address matches the company website, and do your research to make sure it seems like a legitimate business.
This is
a scam!
Honest employers will never charge you a fee to apply for a job, even if they promise to refund you later. Before applying to a job, always research the company to make sure they are a legitimate business. If you do come across a job scam,
report it to the FTC.
Proceed
with caution
This might be a scam.
Quick hiring processes and asking you to provide personal information before a contract is signed are both signs of potential fraud. When in doubt, do your own research to verify that the company, job posting, and recruiter email address are legitimate before corresponding with anyone you don't know personally.
INBOX
I just came across your online portfolio, and you'd be perfect for an open role at my new startup. The salary range is $100,000 to $150,000, but we require an online assessment to apply. All you need to do is pay our $85 deposit to get started.
New job opportunity
FROM: JOHN DOE
INBOX
I'm currently recruiting for an open role at a major corporation, and your experience looks perfect for it. We're looking to fill this role ASAP, so if you're interested, I'll fast track your application. All I need is a photo of your driver's license.
Interested in your experience
FROM: JARED YU
INBOX
55955
MESSAGE
Congratulations! You're the winner of a FREE $100 prepaid credit card. Claim your prize here!
+1 (436) 5553429
MESSAGE
Your package is scheduled for delivery today. Click here to track your delivery: dkiz.jkd
00-000
MESSAGE
ALERT: Your checking account has been compromised. Confirm your debit card number immediately to secure your account. Get started here.
This is likely a scam!
Finding out you won a contest you have no memory of entering is a major red flag. Many fake contest scams will ask you to pay certain "fees" to claim your prize. Remember: Never click on links in text messages from unknown numbers.
This could be a scam
… especially if you weren't expecting a package. Avoid clicking links in any message from an unknown number. If you think it could be an actual delivery notification from a package you did order, go to the shipping company's website and check your tracking number there.
Proceed with caution
This could be a scam.
Banks will never ask for your personal details, card number,
or password over a text message, but might send you an alert about suspicious activity.
When in doubt, call the number on the back of your credit or debit card to be sure you're corresponding with an authorized representative
of your bank.
Keep scrolling to learn more
Press play for a sneak peek of the S.A.F.E. Squad's latest case, as well as the crime-avoidance tips you need from a cybersecurity expert.
Listen In
The S.A.F.E. Squad has chased criminals running many of the same cons. Watch these clips of recent S.A.F.E. Squad missions to see our dedicated detectives fight back against three common imposter scams.
Nope! Try again.
Correct!
Nope! Try again.
All of
the above.
The sender's email address
doesn't match the company's name.
Incorrect spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
Which of the following is a sign that an email might be fraudulent?
Quiz yourself on your imposter scam knowledge to make sure you can spot a ruse — and won't become the victim of a crime.
It's Time to Test Your Knowledge
1
Nope! Try again.
Nope! Try again.
Let the call go to voicemail.
Hang up and call them back using the company's official number.
Check the caller ID before answering.
What do experts say is the best thing to do if you get an unexpected call from your bank, law enforcement, or a government agency?
2
Correct!
See the Squad in Action
Correct!
Nope! Try again.
Nope! Try again.
All of
the above.
Send a $1 test payment to make sure it goes to the right person.
Double check their phone number and email address.
What should you do before sending money on a digital payment platform?
3
Now that you're armed with S.A.F.E. Squad's tips and tricks, you're ready to spot criminals out in the real world. Keep these key takeaways in mind the next time something seems suspicious, and visit the Zelle® education center to learn more.
The More You Know
Text messages or emails with spelling errors and sketchy-seeming links, unexpected "unknown number" calls from government agencies, or claims you've won a prize you didn't even know you entered to win should all immediately raise alarm bells. Anytime your gut instincts tell you something is wrong, independently confirm you're talking to an official representative of the company or agency before sharing any personal information.
Keep an eye out for red flags
This is the golden rule for avoiding scams. Reputable businesses and government agencies will never ask you to send money via direct payment platform, gift card, or wire transfer. Before sending anyone money, make sure their phone number and email address matches the person they claim to be. Only send money to those you know and trust.
Never pay someone you don't know
Criminals play off your fears, emotions, and trust to con you out of your money — no one is immune to their sneaky tactics. Don't feel ashamed if you do fall for a scam: Contact your bank immediately to see if you can get your money back, and report the scam to the FTC.
Scams can happen to anyone
Start Over
Next Question
It can happen to anyone.
Advertiser content from
Imagine you just received each of the three messages below. Which one is an imposter scam? Tap each screenshot to find out.
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S.A.F.E. Squad, Assemble!
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Start Over
You evaded all four potential scams — well done! Remember to always confirm the person calling you is who they say they are by calling an official number or checking the company's website, and report any suspected scams to the FTC. Only send money to those you know and trust — if any offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Start Over
Your instincts are strong, but you did get caught in some of the scammer's sophisticated schemes. Next time, double check you're talking to an authorized representative of the company or government agency by calling an official number — and don't automatically assume everyone is telling the truth. Before sending money, be sure you're talking to someone you know — not an imposter.
The criminals got you this time. Before sending money to anyone or giving out any personal information, remember to confirm the person you're speaking to is exactly who they claim to be. Call the official number for the company or government agency, or ask a friend or family member if they think it sounds suspicious. If you think the person you're speaking to is a bad guy, report it to the FTC immediately.
End the call. You don't even have Medicare coverage.
Give her your personal information.
You answer a call because "Medicare" appears as the caller ID. The woman says she's calling to help you with open enrollment, and just needs to confirm your Social Security Number. What do you do?
4
End the call. You don't even have Medicare coverage.
Give her your personal information.
You answer a call because "Medicare" appears as the caller ID. The woman says she's calling to help you with open enrollment, and just needs to confirm your Social Security Number. What do you do?
4
Send them $50 in gift cards. You really like them!
Tell them you're sorry but
you can't help.
You start chatting with a new match on a dating app, and after a few days, they tell you their wallet was stolen and ask you to send them a gift card — they'll pay you back once they get their new bank account. What do you do?
3
Send them $50 in gift cards. You really like them!
Tell them you're sorry but you can't help.
You start chatting with a new match on a dating app, and after a few days, they tell you their wallet was stolen and ask you to send them a gift card — they'll pay you back once they get their new bank account. What do you do?
3
Update your existing security software and run a scan.
Click the link immediately.
A pop-up appears on your laptop notifying you that it's been infected with a virus. All you have to do to fix it is click a link to be connected to tech support. What do you do?
2
Update your existing security software and run a scan.
Click the link immediately.
A pop-up appears on your laptop notifying you that it's been infected with a virus. All you have to do to fix it is click a link to be connected to tech support. What do you do?
2
Send the money right away.
Hang up and call your utility company yourself.
You get a phone call from an unknown number. It's your utility company, and they say your service will be shut off if you don't pay them immediately. What do you do?
1
Do You Have What
It Takes to Join the S.A.F.E. Squad?
Evading potential criminals requires nerves of steel, a healthy dose of skepticism, and an awareness of the telltale signs of financial crime. Test the strength of your instincts in these potentially sketchy situations.
Start Over
Tap the imposter scam
Tap the imposter scam
LAST ONE!
Tap the scam
Source: the Federal Trade Commission
Source: the Federal Trade Commission