IMPORTANT: Whether you clicked a link in a text message (SMS) or an email, the danger is the same. Scammers want your personal data or money. Time is critical. Follow these steps immediately.
⚠ Immediate Actions — First 5 Minutes
- If the link took you to a website, DO NOT enter passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or ANY personal information.
- Close the browser or app immediately.
- Do not click "Yes," "No," or any buttons on pop-up windows. Just close the window.
- Check your browser to see if any files are currently downloading. Cancel them.
- Look in your "Downloads" folder. If you see a file you didn't ask for (like a .zip or .exe), DO NOT OPEN IT. Delete it immediately.
- WiFi: Turn off WiFi on your device OR unplug your home WiFi router from the wall.
- Wired Connection: Unplug the ethernet cable from your computer.
- Why? This cuts the connection to the scammer and prevents malware from sending your data to criminals.
Protect Your Data — Next 30 Minutes
If you have an external hard drive or USB stick, copy your most essential documents and photos to it now.
- Focus on irreplaceable items like family photos or financial records.
- Warning: Do NOT back up any files that were just downloaded from the suspicious link.
Run a complete scan using your antivirus software. Do this while still disconnected from the internet if possible.
- If your scan finds a threat, let the software delete or quarantine it.
- If you aren't sure how to do this, consider taking your device to a professional repair shop.
- Tip: If you have a second computer, you can download a free tool like Malwarebytes, put it on a USB drive, and install it on the affected computer.
Secure Your Accounts — Within 24 Hours
Using a different device (like a phone or tablet not connected to your home WiFi), change your passwords.
- Priority: Email accounts, Online Banking, and Retirement accounts.
- Create strong, unique passwords for every account.
- Never use the same password for two different accounts.
Turn on "Two-Factor Authentication" for your email and bank accounts.
- This adds a second lock to your door. Even if a scammer has your password, they can't get in without the code sent to your phone.
Call the fraud department of your financial institutions.
- Tell them: "I may have clicked on a phishing link and want to protect my account."
- Ask them to watch for suspicious charges.
- Consider asking for a temporary freeze on your cards.
Protect Your Credit — Within 48 Hours
Contact ONE of the three major credit bureaus. They are required to tell the other two. This is a FREE service.
- Experian1-888-397-3742
- Equifax1-800-685-1111
- TransUnion1-800-916-8800
A fraud alert makes it harder for criminals to open new accounts in your name.
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free reports. Check for any loans or credit cards you didn't open.
Report the Crime
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov
- Text Messages: Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM).
- Email: Mark the message as "Spam" or "Phishing" in your email app.
⏳ How Fast Should I Act?
- First 5 Minutes: CRITICAL — Disconnect internet & stop downloads.
- Within 1 Hour: Scan your device for viruses.
- Within 24 Hours: Change passwords & secure bank accounts.
- Within 48 Hours: Place fraud alert on credit reports.
- Within 1 Week: Monitor all accounts closely for strange activity.
Print This Checklist
Check off each step as you complete it to ensure you are safe.
💙 You Are NOT Alone
98% of people open text messages. Scammers are sophisticated, manipulating urgency and fear. The fact that you are reading this guide means you are taking the RIGHT steps to protect yourself. Do not be embarrassed. Be proactive.
The ScamBomb Method
Next Time — Check Before You Click
Before clicking any suspicious link, use ScamBomb.com
Paste the message or upload a screenshot into ScamBomb.com
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Next time, use ScamBomb.com BEFORE you click!
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Read our free Fraud Target Older Adults: Annual Intelligence Brief 2024–2025 — the full data report on where scam losses are coming from and what AI voice cloning really costs.