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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A convincing voice, familiar caller ID or personal detail is not proof that a caller or message is genuine. Scammers can clone voices and spoof caller ID. The safest response is not to guess whether something sounds or looks artificial: stop the interaction and verify the claim using contact details you already trust.
What to do when a call or message feels urgent
Pressure, secrecy and demands for money or account access are reasons to pause—not reasons to act faster. A familiar-sounding voice can be imitated from a short online audio clip, according to the FTC. Caller ID can also be faked. Do not rely on a voice, displayed number, profile, or personal detail to establish identity.
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- Pause and share nothing. Do not send money, disclose personal or account information, reveal a verification code, or follow instructions to install software or give someone remote access.
- End the interaction. Hang up or stop replying. Do not use a number, link, or contact method supplied in the unexpected message.
- Verify independently. Call the person at a number already saved or otherwise known to be theirs. For a business or institution, use its official app or website, a recent statement, or the number printed on your payment card. The FTC recommends this approach for claims that a bank account is at risk; scammers may buy ads that place fake support numbers near the top of search results. See the FTC’s guidance on unexpected bank calls and January 2026 guidance.
- Check with another trusted person when needed. If someone claims a family member is in danger, contact that person directly or ask another trusted contact to verify the story. Do not let a demand for secrecy prevent an independent check.
The FTC’s advice for a supposed family emergency is: “If you get a call like this, call the person who supposedly contacted you using a phone number you know is theirs, and verify the story.”
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Make your phone and accounts harder to take over
These steps reduce common opportunities for account and device compromise. They do not prove that a caller is genuine: multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a barrier to signing in, but it does not authenticate an unexpected phone call.
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- Turn on automatic phone and software updates. Install updates for your phone and apps when they become available so you receive current security protections.
- Enable MFA on important accounts. Start with email, financial accounts and other services that could be used to reset or access other accounts. The FTC identifies security keys and authenticator apps as possible MFA factors. Check each provider’s instructions for supported options, setup and account recovery.
- Keep verification codes private. A one-time code is for you to enter into a sign-in or recovery flow you initiated—not to read to an unexpected caller or send in a message. A caller who asks for it may be trying to access your account.
- Back up phone data. Use the backup options available for your device so important data can be restored if the phone is lost, damaged or needs to be reset.
The FTC’s phishing guidance recommends automatic updates, MFA and backups as part of protecting devices and accounts.
Handle links, attachments and software ads cautiously
Unexpected messages can use plausible wording and familiar branding. Do not open an unexpected attachment or follow a link simply because it appears to come from a known company, friend or colleague. If a message says an account needs attention, open the service’s official app or type its known website address yourself.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
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- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Be careful with sponsored software ads, too. An ad can lead to a cloned site or a download containing malware. The FTC advises going directly to the software vendor’s official website rather than downloading from an ad; keep your device and software protections current. Read its warning about fake software ads.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat to do if you clicked, shared information or gave access
Respond according to what happened. Use the affected provider’s official recovery process, and contact a bank or other service directly using a trusted channel—not the details from the suspicious call or message. The right recovery steps depend on the device, account and information disclosed.
- If you shared an account password or code: Go directly to the account provider’s official app or website and use its recovery or security process. If you can still access the account, secure it there; contact the provider through its official support route if you cannot.
- If you gave someone remote access or installed software at their request: Stop communicating with them. Contact the device or software provider through its official support channel and follow its device-security guidance. Contact any affected bank or service directly if its account or information may be exposed.
- If sensitive identity information was exposed: Use IdentityTheft.gov for tailored recovery steps.
- If you sent money or payment information: Contact the bank, card issuer or payment service using a known official channel as soon as possible and explain what happened.
Report phishing and suspected scams
For U.S. consumers, the FTC provides these reporting routes:
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- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
- Forward phishing email to [email protected].
- Forward phishing text messages to 7726 (SPAM).
- Report suspected scams to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
These reporting and recovery resources are U.S.-specific; people elsewhere should use their local consumer-protection and identity-theft services. The FTC reported nearly $3 billion in consumer losses to impersonators in 2024, but that figure covers impersonation scams generally—not losses established as caused by AI or voice cloning. See the FTC’s 2025 report.
Quick Recap
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
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