How to Protect What You Have

What should I check before I act?

• Who is really asking? Verify the request through contact details you found yourself.
• What exactly is being asked—pay, click, call, sign, or share information?
• What happens if I wait one day? If waiting feels forbidden, stop.
• Can I explain the request out loud to someone I trust? If it sounds strange in daylight, listen to that feeling.

I already sent money or clicked. What now?

Do not let embarrassment make the second mistake. Move quickly, and write down what happened while it is fresh.

• Contact your bank or card company through its official number and explain what happened.
• If you clicked, change passwords from a clean device, starting with email and financial accounts, and turn on multi-factor authentication where available.
• If you sent a wire, gift card, or payment-app transfer, contact that company right away and ask what recovery options may exist.
• Save messages, receipts, envelopes, screenshots, and transaction details, and tell someone you trust. Scammers count on silence.