Is This a Scam? 4 Warning Signs and What to Do Next, for Parents, Kids and Grandparents

Takes 10 minutes to read together. Free, on any device.

1. Learn the 4 warning signs

The FTC lists four signs that it's a scam. We call them the 4 Ps to make them easy to remember. (That's our memory aid, not an FTC term.)

• Pretend: they claim to be a company, bank or government agency you know. Caller ID can be faked.
• Problem or Prize: "Your account is locked," "There's a virus on your computer," or "You won!"
• Pressure: "Act now," "Don't hang up," or "Don't tell anyone."
• Pay a specific way: gift cards, crypto, a wire transfer, a payment app, or "deposit this check and send some back."

Our rule of thumb: spot even one of these, stop and check. Spot two, treat it as a scam.

2. "Free" game money is a trap

Offers of free Robux, V-Bucks or skins are a favorite trick. Roblox says any offer of free Robux is a scam meant to steal your password or account.

• Never type your game password anywhere except the game's own login page.
• Never share gift card codes with another player.
• Turn on purchase approval so you see every purchase first:
  • iPhone or iPad (parent's device): Settings > Family > your child's name > Apps & Websites > Restrictions > Ask to Buy, then turn on Require Purchase Approval.
  • Android: in the Family Link app, choose your child, then Controls > Google Play > Require approval for.

3. "You won!" Real prizes are free

The FTC's rule is simple: if you have to pay to get a prize, it's a scam. That includes "taxes," "shipping" or "processing fees." Ask your kids: "Did you even enter a contest?"

4. Scam texts, emails and calls: don't click, check

• Don't tap the link or call the number in the message. Look up the number yourself, or use the official app.
• Never share a verification code or password with anyone who contacted you.
• Report scam texts: forward them to 7726 (SPAM), and use "Report junk" or "Report spam" in your messaging app.
• "FTC" caller wants you to move money, withdraw cash or buy gold? The FTC says that's a scam.

5. "Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble."

Someone pretends to be a grandchild, child or friend in trouble and asks for money fast. The FTC warns scammers can clone a voice from a short online clip.

• Hang up and call back on a number you know is real.
• Call another relative to check, even if the caller begged for secrecy.
• Pick a family code word. The FBI recommends a secret word or phrase to prove who's really calling.

6. Sextortion: the one to talk about with teens

A stranger, often pretending to be a teen, gets a young person to share a private photo, then demands money or more photos. In money-driven sextortion, the FBI says victims are typically boys aged 14 to 17, but any child can be targeted.

Tell your kids, in these words: "It's not your fault, and you're not alone. Come to me. We'll fix it together."

• Don't pay and don't send anything else. The FBI says going along with it rarely stops the threats.
• Save the messages, then block and report the account.
• Report it at tips.fbi.gov and report.cybertip.org.
• To get images taken down, use NCMEC's free Take It Down tool.

If your child is in crisis or talks about hurting themselves, call or text 988 right away.