Financial Scam Risk Checklist

Use this checklist to review a suspicious financial message, payment request, offer, account notification, or investment-related contact. The result is based on the warning signs you select and is not a determination that something is a scam.

Review The Situation

Select every statement that describes what you are seeing. If you are unsure, leave the item unselected rather than guessing.

You are being pressured to act immediately The person or message says you must pay, transfer money, or respond urgently. You were contacted unexpectedly about money or an account For example, an unsolicited message claims there is a payment, refund, prize, loan, investment opportunity, or account problem. You are being asked to send money before receiving something promised This could include an advance fee, deposit, processing payment, release fee, or another payment that is presented as necessary before funds are released. You are being asked for a password, PIN, one-time code, or security answer The request is presented as a way to verify, unlock, secure, or restore your account. You are being asked to move money to a different account for "protection" The explanation may involve fraud prevention, an investigation, account security, or a supposed safe account. The sender wants payment through an unusual or difficult-to-reverse method Examples can include unusual transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other payment methods where recovering money may be difficult. The contact information does not match the organization it claims to represent The email address, phone number, website address, or account name looks different from the organization's normal contact details. You are being told not to verify the request independently The person discourages you from contacting the organization directly or speaking with someone else before taking action. The offer promises unusually high or guaranteed financial returns The opportunity presents large or certain gains while giving little explanation of the risks involved. You are asked to keep the transaction secret The person tells you not to discuss the payment, investment, account issue, or request with family, colleagues, your bank, or another trusted party. The sender asks you to install remote-access software They claim they need access to your computer or phone to fix an account, process a refund, or help with a financial transaction. The message contains unexpected links or attachments related to money The message asks you to click a link, open an attachment, or sign in through a page you were not expecting.

Information You Have Already Shared

These questions do not add to the warning-sign score. They help determine what steps may deserve attention if you have already interacted with the request.

I entered a password or login information. I shared a one-time verification code, PIN, or security information. I provided card, bank, wallet, or payment information. I sent money or authorized a payment. I installed software or gave someone remote access to my device. I clicked a link or opened an unexpected attachment.

Checklist result

0 warning points

Fewer signs More signs

Before You Send Money Or Information

Do not rely on the contact details supplied in a suspicious message to verify it. Instead, use contact information you already trust, such as the official website, a statement, a card, or a known customer-service channel.

Pause The Transaction

If money or sensitive information has not been sent yet, stop and verify the request independently before continuing.

Use A Trusted Contact Method

Contact the bank, payment provider, company, or service through a contact method you obtained independently.

Secure Affected Accounts

If login or security information was exposed, use the legitimate account security process to change credentials and review recent activity.

Report Unauthorized Activity

If you already sent money or disclosed financial information, contact the relevant financial provider promptly and ask what recovery or account-protection steps are available.

If You Already Interacted

Warning Signs You Selected

Important: This checklist does not confirm whether a person, message, company, website, investment, payment request, or financial offer is fraudulent. It simply organizes common warning signs based on your selections. Real fraud can occur without every warning sign being present, and legitimate requests can sometimes contain individual items that deserve verification.