What Type of Scam Is This?
Think you might be dealing with a scam? Answer 6 simple questions and we'll identify what type of scam it is and tell you exactly what to do next. Your answers stay completely private — nothing ever leaves your device.
How did you receive this?
Select how the suspicious contact reached you.
Top Warning Signs of a Scam
Extreme Urgency
They pressure you to act right now — before you have time to think or ask someone for advice.
Threats of Arrest
They threaten arrest, lawsuits, or account closure. Real agencies do not do this over the phone.
Gift Card Payments
No real business or government agency accepts payment in gift cards. This is always a scam.
Requests for Secrecy
They tell you not to tell your family or friends. Scammers do not want anyone else to recognize the scam.
Too Good to Be True
You "won" a prize you never entered, or received an amazing offer out of the blue.
Remote Computer Access
They ask to connect to your computer to "fix" a problem. Never let strangers access your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the scam identifier quiz work?▾
The quiz asks you 6 simple questions about how someone contacted you, what they claimed, and what they asked for. Based on your answers, it identifies the type of scam and gives you specific steps to protect yourself. Everything runs in your browser — your answers are never sent anywhere.
What types of scams can this quiz identify?▾
The quiz can identify tech support scams, government impersonation scams, romance scams, grandparent scams, phishing attacks, lottery and prize scams, job scams, charity scams, gift card scams, and investment scams. These are the most common scams targeting seniors.
What should I do if the quiz confirms I am being scammed?▾
Stop all communication with the scammer immediately. Do not send any money or share personal information. If you already sent money, contact your bank right away. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Talk to a trusted family member or friend about what happened.
Are my answers private?▾
Yes, completely. The scam identifier quiz runs entirely in your web browser. Your answers never leave your device — we never see, store, or share anything you enter.
What are the biggest warning signs of a scam?▾
The biggest red flags are: someone creating extreme urgency or threatening you, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, being told to keep the situation secret from family, unsolicited contact claiming you won a prize, and requests for remote access to your computer. If you see any of these signs, it is very likely a scam.