Free Reference Guide
Five essential skills that help you spot fakes, check sources, and protect yourself — before it's too late.
Scammers don't rely on luck — they rely on you not checking. These five verification skills take less than two minutes each and can stop most online scams in their tracks. Pick the section that fits you best, or read all three.
Every scam has a weak spot. These tools find it.
Check whether a profile photo is stolen from someone else — in seconds.
Find out how old a website really is before you trust it with your money.
Confirm a charity is real and actually uses donations for their stated mission.
Verify a story before you share it and accidentally spread misinformation.
Check whether an unknown number belongs to a legitimate company or a scammer.
Most online scams targeting teens use fake profiles, fake giveaways, or fake job offers. These five checks catch all of them. They're free, they're fast, and you can do every one from your phone.
Use when: someone online seems too attractive, too perfect, or is moving way too fast.
Use when: a website is offering a deal, a giveaway, or a job you found through a social media ad.
Use when: a dramatic headline or viral clip seems shocking or too wild to be true.
Use when: you get a text from an unknown number about a prize, a delivery, or an account alert.
Use when: a fundraiser is going viral after a disaster or tragedy and asks for direct payment.
Adults face a wide range of online scams — from fake job offers and investment fraud to romance scams and phishing emails. These five checks apply to your everyday digital life: shopping, hiring, donating, and communicating.
Use when: a seller or employer uses stock photos, or someone online is asking for money.
Use when: you find an amazing deal through a Facebook ad or Google search.
Use when: you see a 'news story' about a celebrity endorsing crypto or a major company going bankrupt.
Use when: you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from a bank, government agency, or tech support.
Use when: you're asked to donate after a crisis, especially through social media or email.
Scammers specifically target seniors because they are statistically the biggest money-losers. These five quick checks protect your savings, your information, and your peace of mind.
Use when: you get a call from someone claiming to be your bank, the IRS, or tech support.
Use when: you find a deal online and want to order from the store.
Use when: someone you just met online wants to move the relationship forward quickly.
Use when: you see an alarming story on Facebook or email.
Use when: you want to donate after a disaster or to support a cause you care about.
