PAUSE Before You Act: The Warning Signs of a Scam

Scams can arrive by phone call, text message, email, social media, or even a knock at the door. The story may change, but the warning signs are often surprisingly similar.

One warning sign does not always prove something is a scam. But it is enough reason to stop, take a breath, and verify the request independently.

That is why Savvy Silver Tech uses one simple word: PAUSE.

P — Pressure

Scammers do not want to give you time to think. They may say you must act immediately, stay on the phone, pay before a deadline, or fix a problem before your account is closed.

Real organizations may have deadlines, but a trustworthy person will let you stop the conversation and verify what is happening. If someone says, “Do it now,” treat that pressure as a warning sign.

A — Authority or alarm

A scammer may pretend to be someone powerful or familiar: a sheriff’s deputy, an IRS agent, a bank employee, Apple or Microsoft support, Medicare, a utility company, or even a family member in trouble.

They often pair that authority with an alarming story. You may hear that there is a warrant for your arrest, your computer has been hacked, your bank account is at risk, or your grandchild needs help right away.

Names, logos, caller ID, and phone numbers can be faked. A convincing voice or official-looking message is not proof that the person is genuine.

U — Unusual requests

Pay close attention to how someone wants you to respond. Common warning signs include requests to:

• buy gift cards and read the numbers aloud;
• send cryptocurrency, a wire transfer, or cash;
• move money to a “safe” account;
• install remote-access software or let someone control your screen;
• share a password, PIN, or security code.

Never give a security or verification code to someone who contacted you. Only enter a code yourself in an official app or website that you deliberately opened.

S — Secrecy or separation

Scammers know that a second opinion can expose the trick. They may tell you not to speak with your family, your bank, the police, or store employees. They may keep you on the phone while you travel to a bank or store, or warn that telling anyone will make the situation worse.

Secrecy is a major warning sign. A legitimate organization will not punish you for talking with someone you trust.

E — Examine independently

Do not use the phone number, website link, or contact information the person gave you. End the conversation first. Then look up the organization’s real number yourself—on the back of your bank card, on a statement, in its official app, or on a website you type in yourself.

If the caller claimed to be a relative, contact that person or another family member using a number you already know. If someone claimed there was an emergency, you are allowed to verify it before doing anything.

What to do when something feels wrong

1. Stop. Do not send money, click a link, download an app, or share information.
2. End the contact. Hang up, close the message, or step away from the door.
3. Talk to someone you trust. A family member, friend, bank employee, or local police department can help you think it through.
4. Verify independently. Contact the real organization using contact information you find yourself.
5. Report it. Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If money has already been sent, contact your bank or payment company immediately.

There is no shame in being targeted

Scammers are professional manipulators. They use fear, trust, urgency, and technology against people of every age and background. If you responded to a scam, tell someone quickly. Speaking up can help protect your money and prevent the scammer from reaching someone else.

Remember: Pressure. Authority or alarm. Unusual requests. Secrecy or separation. Examine independently. When something feels wrong, PAUSE before you act.

Sources and further help: Federal Trade Commission: Phone Scams; Federal Trade Commission: Refund and Recovery Scams; CISA: Secure Our World; FBI: Scammers Target Older Adult Victims.