🇬🇧 Looking for the UK version of this page? Click here

Staying Safe from Scams

A guide to trusted resources for checking emails, texts and calls

This page was put together by Hugo Heriz-Smith, an Apple technology specialist based in Malmesbury, UK. I help people get more from their Macs, iPhones and iPads — and staying safe online is a big part of that. If you ever need a hand, feel free to get in touch

If you receive an email, text or phone call that seems suspicious — don't click anything, don't call back, and don't give any personal information. Use the resources below to check whether it is genuine.

Remember: legitimate organisations will never pressure you to act immediately or ask for passwords, PINs, or bank details

Tools to Check a Suspicious Message or Website

Ask Silver — Get Safe Online

Take a screenshot of a suspicious email or text and upload it here. Ask Silver uses AI to instantly tell you whether it looks safe or is a Red Flag, and suggests what to do next. Completely free — no account needed. Also available via WhatsApp
Before uploading, make sure the screenshot does not show your phone number, address, or bank details.

Check a Website — Get Safe Online

If you have been sent a link, enter the web address here before clicking it. The tool will indicate whether the site is likely to be legitimate or fraudulent.

Government & Official Bodies

CISA — Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency

The US Government's official cybersecurity body. Plain-English guidance on how to spot phishing emails, scam texts, and fraudulent websites — and what to do if you think you've been targeted
TWO QUICK ACTIONS
Forward suspicious emails to reportphishing@apwg.org · Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) — free on all US networks

Report Fraud — Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The official US government portal for reporting scams and fraud. Reports go directly to the FTC and are shared with law enforcement agencies across the country. You can also call the FTC helpline at 1-877-382-4357.
WORTH DOING EVEN IF YOU LOST NOTHING
Reporting helps the FTC identify patterns and warn others. It only takes a few minutes and could prevent someone else from being targeted.

IC3 — FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

If you have lost money as a result of an online scam, this is the place to report it. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center investigates cybercrime and fraud. For serious cases involving significant financial loss, report here as well as to the FTC.

Non-profits & support organizations

AARP Fraud Watch Network

AARP's Fraud Watch Network is one of the best resources in the US specifically for older adults. It covers all common scam types — phone, email, romance, tech support, and more — with up-to-date alerts on scams currently circulating. Free fraud helpline: 1-877-908-3360 (Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm ET). You do not need to be an AARP member to call.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
AARP also offers a free Fraud Watch Network newsletter with alerts about current scams in your area. Sign up at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork

FTC Consumer Information — Scams

Plain-English guides from the Federal Trade Commission covering how to identify every common type of scam, what to do if you've been caught out, and how to protect yourself going forward. Free, comprehensive, and regularly updated.

National Elder Fraud Hotline — US Dept. of Justice

A Department of Justice resource specifically supporting older Americans who have been targeted by fraud. Case managers provide personalized support and can help connect you with local resources. Call 1-833-372-8311, Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm ET.

Awareness Campaigns

Pass It On — Federal Trade Commission

The FTC's awareness campaign aimed specifically at older adults. Simple, shareable materials covering impersonation scams, grandparent scams, tech support fraud, and more. Designed to be passed on to friends and family — hence the name.

THE GOLDEN RULE
Stop. Think. Act. If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, that is itself the warning sign. Legitimate organizations will always give you time to think.

Quick Reference — Who to Contact

Forward email to reportphishing@apwg.org · Forward text to 7726 (SPAM) · Or use Ask Silver to check it first
Use 'Check a Website' at getsafeonline.org before clicking · Report to CISA at cisa.gov
Contact your bank immediately · Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357 · If significant money lost, also report to ic3.gov
Call AARP Fraud Watch: 1-877-908-3360 (free, no membership needed) · Or visit consumer.ftc.gov/scams
Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311 (Dept. of Justice)

Know someone who'd find this useful? Feel free to share this page: hugocanhelp.com/stay-safe-us