The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/clicked-scam-link/
You clicked a link in a scam message. Here's what to do now.
Scam links fool careful people every day. The FTC's advice is to act right away, starting with whatever you typed in or sent.
This page is for you if
- You tapped a link in a text or email and now it seems wrong
- You typed a password, card number or Social Security number into a website
- A website got you to download something
Why this happens
Scam texts and emails send you to fake websites that look real. The FTC says scammers use what you type there to get into your email, bank or other accounts, or to open accounts in your name.
Good to know first
Do the steps that match what happened. If you only looked at the page and didn't type or download anything, close it and report the message.
Do these steps
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Step 1: Close the website
Close the page. Don't type anything else into it, and don't call any number it shows.
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Step 2: If you typed a password
Change that password now, on the real website or app. If you use the same password anywhere else, change it there too. Then turn on two-step sign-in for that account.
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Step 3: If you typed a card or bank number
Call your bank or card company using the number on the back of your card. Tell them what happened.
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Step 4: If you gave your Social Security number
Go to IdentityTheft.gov. It gives you a step-by-step plan based on what you shared.
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Step 5: If you downloaded something
Update your security software, then run a scan and delete anything it finds. If you need help, ask the device's maker or someone you trust.
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Step 6: Report it
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726. Forward scam emails to [email protected].
If you sent money, call right away
- Bank transfer or Zelle: call your bank or credit union now. Ask them to reverse the payment.
- Credit or debit card: call the number on the back of the card and ask for your money back.
- Gift card: call the number on the back of the gift card. Tell them a scammer got the card number and PIN, and ask for a refund. Keep the card and the receipt.
- Payment app like Venmo, Cash App or PayPal: report it in the app right away and ask them to reverse it.
Good to know
- The FTC says real companies won't email or text you a link to update your payment information.
- If you can't get back into an account, the FTC's page How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account links to the recovery steps for Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Yahoo and other sites.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- FTC: What To Do if You Were Scammed https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
- FTC: How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scams
- FTC: How To Recover Your Hacked Email or Social Media Account https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recover-your-hacked-email-or-social-media-account
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at [email protected]. Never send us a password or a code.