Printable Fridge Card: Two Rules That Stop Most Scams

Print this card and stick it on the fridge, or by the phone of someone you love. It covers the two rules that stop most phone, text and online scams. Updated October 25, 2026.

To print: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac), or choose Print from your browser’s menu. On a phone, use Share, then Print. The page prints without the site menu.

Rule 1

Gift cards are only for gifts.

No real government agency, company, police officer, hospital or family member will ask you to pay with a gift card. Anyone who does is a scammer. Don’t read the numbers on the back to anyone.

Rule 2

Hang up and call back.

If a call, text or email says there’s a problem, an emergency or a prize, stop. Hang up, then call the person or company on a number you already know, or one printed on your card or statement. Never use the number they gave you.

Also never

  • Share a code that was texted to you.
  • Pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cash handed to a courier.
  • Let a caller or pop-up into your computer.
  • Keep it secret. Scammers ask for secrecy. Tell someone.

Before you pay anyone, call

Name: ______________________ Phone: ______________________

Name: ______________________ Phone: ______________________

Report scams: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Lost money? Call your bank right away. Juggling Chaos · jugglingchaos.co/get-help-now

Why these two rules work

Most scams need you to do one of two things: pay in a way that can’t be reversed, or trust the person who contacted you. Gift cards are a favorite because the money is gone as soon as the numbers are shared. Calling back on a number you already know breaks the scammer’s control of the conversation, including calls that use fake caller ID or a cloned voice.

Read more in Gift Cards Are Only for Gifts, Grandparent and Family Emergency Scams and the Scam A to Z. More printables are on our Printable Guides page.

This card is general information, not legal or financial advice. See our Disclaimer.