Pause before you pay. Get a calm second look at a suspicious message or request.
If a message pressures you to send money, reveal a code, or install remote software, pause. We help review warning signs and find an independent way to contact the organization. A review cannot guarantee that a message or transaction is safe.
Before You Respond
- Do not click the message’s links or call its number.
- Do not send passwords, codes, or financial details through our form.
- If money has already been sent, contact your bank using a trusted number promptly.
Where We Can Help
In-Home Help is available in Bethesda, Montgomery County, and nearby Northwest DC. Remote support may be suitable depending on your device and connection.
If Something Feels Wrong
A caller, email, text, or pop-up may use urgency to make you act before you can think. Pause first. Do not send money, share a code, install software, or use the link or phone number in the message. A familiar name or official-looking logo is not proof that a request is genuine.
- Find a trusted number from a bank card, statement, or website you already know.
- Ask a family member or someone you trust to look at the message with you.
- Save the message or take a screenshot if you may need to report it.
What We Can Help Review
We can help you identify warning signs and find an independent way to contact the organization involved. If money was sent or account details were shared, contact the bank or provider promptly using a trusted number. A review cannot guarantee that a message or transaction is safe.
- Read the guide: Pause Before You Pay.
- Read the guide: If You Think an Account Was Hacked.
Common questions about suspicious messages
What should I do before responding to a suspicious message?
Pause. Do not use its links or phone number. Contact the organization through a number or website you find independently.
Can you guarantee a message is safe?
No. We can review warning signs and help find an official verification route, but cannot guarantee a message or transaction is safe.
Learn With Me
Learn a specific skill, build confidence over time, or combine troubleshooting with guided practice. We demonstrate, let you try, and leave clear notes you can use again.