Shield Checklist
Is it real?
Check before you act.
Work through this when a call or message feels suspicious. Red flags at the top — if any apply, stop and verify before doing anything.
Red flags — act now if any apply
Extreme urgency — you’re told to act before you can think
Requests for gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
Asked to keep the conversation secret from other family
Caller gave you a callback number (use one you already have instead)
Something about the voice or phrasing felt slightly off
Verify before acting
Called back on a number already in your contacts (not one they gave you)
Asked for and received your family safe word
Confirmed the situation with a second family member independently
Ran the call through the Shield Check tool
After the call
If money moved, contacted your bank within 24 hours
Reported to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Updated family on what happened so others can protect themselves
Reviewed and reinforced your family safe word
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items checked
Work through each section. Red flags in section one are the most urgent.