How to Spot a Scam: The Warning Signs (FTC Video Guide)
Scams come by phone, text, email, social media, and even mail, and the stories change all the time. The warning signs do not. This short FTC video uses on-screen text instead of narration, so it works well with the sound off. Below it, we explain the signs to watch for and what to do when you see one.
From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library
What the video shows
The video is a brief animation with on-screen text, music, and sound effects, and no talking. It walks through the warning signs that should make you stop and question a call or message.
Because it has no narration, it is a handy one to share in a family group chat or to watch together in a waiting room or on public transit.
Key takeaways
- Scammers pretend to be someone you know or trust: a government agency, a well-known company, a bank, or a relative.
- They say there is a problem or a prize: you owe money, an account is locked, or you won something.
- They pressure you to act right away, before you have time to think or talk to anyone.
- They tell you to pay in a specific way, such as a gift card, wire transfer, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash.
- Any one of these signs is reason enough to stop and check.
What to do when something feels off
- Stop. Do not click, pay, or share any information while you are being rushed.
- Hang up or close the message. You can always come back to it later if it turns out to be real.
- Check it out on your own. Contact the company or agency using a phone number or website you already know, not one from the message.
- Talk to someone you trust. Saying the story out loud to a friend or relative often makes the scam obvious.
- Report it. Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, even if you did not lose money.
Why these signs work on smart people
Scammers rely on emotion, not ignorance. Fear (a warrant, a locked account), excitement (a prize), or love (a relative in trouble) makes it hard to think clearly. Pressure to act quickly removes the time you would normally use to double-check. Knowing the signs in advance gives you a reason to pause even when you feel rushed.
Common questions
What if the caller knows my name or part of my account number?
That does not prove they are real. Personal details often come from data breaches or public information. Hang up and call back using a number you trust.
Can a scam message have no spelling mistakes?
Yes. Many scam messages now look polished and professional. Focus on the signs above, especially pressure and unusual payment requests, rather than grammar.
Is it rude to hang up?
No. Real organizations understand when you want to verify a call. A scammer is the only caller who will object.
Related guides
- Impersonation Scams: How to Spot Them
- Gift Cards Are Only for Gifts
- Refund and Settlement Scams: Never Pay to Get Your Money
- How to Read a Security Alert Without Panicking
About this video
This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.
The FTC publishes more free consumer videos at consumer.ftc.gov/media.
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