This navigator pairs with the podcast episode on The Protectors Podcast. It is provided for the public to help identify and deal with scams. Consider also visiting Operation Shamrock for more information.

Is this a scam?

You’ve just come into contact with something you think may be a scam. How do you tell? The following are indicators of scams.

<aside> 💡

Not all indicators below will apply to every scam, but the more that apply, the more likely it is a scam. If even one applies, be cautious.

</aside>

• [ ] Is it too good to be true?
• [ ] Are you expecting this contact? (ie from a bank or other organization)
• [ ] Are they threatening you with blackmail or legal reprisals if you do not act quickly?
• [ ] If it is contact by phone:
  • [ ] Is it your own phone number?
  • [ ] Is it unexpected and with your same area code?
  • [ ] Are they requiring you to stay on the line while they
    • [ ] Work on your computer remotely
    • [ ] Direct you how to send money
    • [ ] Direct you to do other tasks
  • [ ] Are they upset if you want to call a friend or family member for advice?
• [ ] If it is contact by text:
  • [ ] Is the from field an email address rather than a phone number?
  • [ ] Is it unsolicited?
  • [ ] Do they provide a link to visit or download files?
• [ ] If it is contact by email:
  • [ ] Is it unsolicited?
  • [ ] Is the email domain slightly off? For example [email protected]
  • [ ] When examining the email header, is the display email address different than the originating email address? (Use the Section labeled “Tracing an Email Header” on ipaddress.com)
  • [ ] When examining the email header, is the originating location suspicious or not where you would expect? (Use the Section labeled “Tracing an Email Header” on ipaddress.com)
• [ ] If it is contact by other (including websites and apps):
  • [ ] If on social media - does the account have a history without realistic activity (no family photos, event posts, etc with corresponding timestamps)
• [ ] X

What do I do?

coming soon

What if I have sent money or otherwise been victimized?

coming soon

For investigators