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Your Protect Yourself Toolkit

Your Protect Yourself Toolkit — the most effective ways to protect yourself from scams, in plain steps you can do today. Everything here is free or an official resource; we earn no commissions and sell nothing.
1

Freeze your credit (free)

Stops criminals from opening new loans or credit cards in your name. It's free and you can unfreeze any time.

  1. Contact each of the three credit bureaus — you must freeze all three.
  2. Equifax: equifax.com or call 1-800-685-1111.
  3. Experian: experian.com/freeze or call 1-888-397-3742.
  4. TransUnion: transunion.com/credit-freeze or call 1-888-909-8872.
  5. Keep the PIN or login each bureau gives you so you can lift the freeze when you apply for credit.
2

Cut down on scam calls

Fewer unwanted calls means fewer chances to be caught off guard.

  1. Register your number free at the National Do Not Call Registry or call 1-888-382-1222.
  2. Turn on your phone's built-in “Silence Unknown Callers” setting so unknown numbers go to voicemail.
  3. Ask your phone carrier about their free call-blocking app or service.
  4. Remember: you can always just hang up. You never owe a stranger an explanation.
3

Use strong, separate passwords

If one account leaks, separate passwords keep the rest safe.

  1. Use a different password for your bank, your email, and anything with your money.
  2. Make them long — a short phrase like “BlueChairRiverSeven” is strong and easy to remember.
  3. Use the free password manager already built into your phone (Apple Passwords / iCloud Keychain, or Google Password Manager) to store them.
  4. Turn on two-step verification (a code sent to your phone) for your email and bank.
4

Turn on automatic updates

Updates quietly fix the security holes scammers use to break in.

  1. On your phone and computer, turn on automatic software/security updates in Settings.
  2. Don't ignore update reminders — install them.
  3. If you're not sure how, ask a trusted family member or visit our How to Protect Yourself guide.
5

Pick a trusted contact

Scammers want you alone and rushed. One phone call breaks the spell.

  1. Choose one person you trust — a family member or close friend.
  2. Agree that you'll call them before sending money or sharing personal information, especially if someone is pressuring you.
  3. Keep their number somewhere easy to find, like on the fridge.
6

Get free scam alerts

Knowing the latest scams makes them easy to spot.

  1. Sign up for free FTC consumer alerts.
  2. Subscribe to our free newsletter on the Media page.
  3. Take our 2-minute Safety Self-Check to see where you stand.
7

Know how to report a scam

Reporting can help you recover money and protects other seniors.

  1. See our step-by-step How to Report a Scam page.
  2. Report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  3. Report online crime to the FBI at IC3.gov.
  4. Call the free Elder Fraud Hotline any time: 1-833-372-8311.
8

Check before you trust

When in doubt, verify — it only takes a moment.

  1. Use our free Scam Checker to test a phone number, email, or website.
  2. Ask Scam Guard, our AI helper, about anything that feels off.
  3. Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, stop and verify before you act.