🛡️ Is This a Scam? Checklist

A printable checklist of red flags to help you spot scam emails, texts, and phone calls before you fall victim.

Urgency & Pressure

• ⬜ Does it say you must act RIGHT NOW or something bad will happen?
• ⬜ Does it threaten to close your account, arrest you, or fine you?
• ⬜ Does it create panic (e.g., "Your account has been compromised!")?

Requests for Personal Information

• ⬜ Does it ask for your password, PIN, or bank account number?
• ⬜ Does it ask for your Social Security number or National Insurance number?
• ⬜ Does it ask you to verify personal details by clicking a link?
• ⬜ Remember: Banks and government agencies will NEVER ask for passwords by email or text

Too Good to Be True

• ⬜ Does it promise free money, prizes, or gifts you never entered for?
• ⬜ Does it offer an unbelievable deal or discount?
• ⬜ Does it say you have won a lottery or inheritance from a stranger?

Unknown or Suspicious Sender

• ⬜ Is the email from someone you do not recognise?
• ⬜ Does the email address look strange (e.g., amazon-support@gmail.com instead of @amazon.com)?
• ⬜ Is it a text from an unknown number claiming to be your bank or a delivery service?

Poor Grammar & Spelling

• ⬜ Are there obvious spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing?
• ⬜ Does it mix formal and informal language oddly?
• ⬜ Does the company name look slightly wrong (e.g., "Arnazon" instead of "Amazon")?

Suspicious Links & Attachments

• ⬜ Does it ask you to click a link? (Hover over it — does the web address look legitimate?)
• ⬜ Does it include an unexpected attachment?
• ⬜ Does the link go to a website that does NOT match the company it claims to be from?

What to Do

• If you checked ANY box above — it is very likely a scam
• Do NOT click any links or download attachments
• Do NOT reply or call back the number provided
• Contact the real company directly using the number on their official website
• Report the scam: forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org
• Tell a family member or friend — talking it through helps