Protect yourself from online scams by slowing down urgent requests, verifying the sender through a contact method you already trust, and securing your accounts with unique passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA). If you clicked a suspicious link, what to do next depends on whether you only opened it, entered information, or installed something.
How do I protect myself from online scams and attacks?
Start with the request, not the logo or display name. Phishing messages impersonate trusted organizations and try to get people to click links, open attachments, share sensitive information, or sign in—often by claiming there is an overdue bill or an account problem. An unexpected message that creates urgency and asks for a password, verification code, payment, or download is a reason to pause and verify independently. The FTC’s phishing guidance explains common warning signs and response steps.
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- Do not use the message to verify itself. Open the organization’s website using an address you already know, or call a number from a bill, bank card, or official paperwork. Do not rely on a link in the message or caller ID.
- Do not share sign-in credentials or verification codes in response to an unexpected request. If a request might be legitimate, contact the organization through that independent route first.
- Be cautious with attachments and downloads. An unexpected attachment or prompt to install software can expose your device or accounts.
- Report suspicious messages. Reporting can help authorities and service providers identify scams, though it does not itself undo a payment or secure a compromised account.
Email was the most common way scammers contacted people in 2024, according to the FTC in a consumer alert published in April 2025. That is a historical finding, not a claim that email remains the leading channel today. The FTC alert also recommends recognizing phishing and reporting it.
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Know what a CAPTCHA should—and should not—ask
A CAPTCHA is a verification prompt, but it should not ask you to run commands on your device. The FTC’s June 2026 alert describes fake CAPTCHA prompts used to trick people into running device commands; that warning does not mean every CAPTCHA is suspicious. If a prompt asks you to copy commands into a system tool, stop rather than following its instructions. The FTC’s CAPTCHA scam alert explains the tactic and what to do if you followed it.
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How can I make my accounts harder to take over?
Use a different, strong password for each important account so that a password exposed in one breach cannot be reused to access others. A password manager can generate and store unique passwords. Keep your devices and applications updated, and turn on MFA wherever it is offered, especially for email and financial accounts. MFA adds a verification step beyond a password; it does not make every attack impossible.
CISA’s October 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month poster recommends random, unique passwords of at least 16 characters, using a password manager, and enabling MFA. It says, “A physical security key provides the best protection and is easy to use.” That statement reflects the poster’s comparison of MFA methods, not a guarantee that a key defeats every attack. A physical key is an optional second factor: check that your email, banking, and other priority accounts support the key you choose before relying on it. CISA’s October 2025 poster covers these practices.
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What should I do if I clicked a suspicious link?
Opening a link does not by itself establish that your account or device was compromised. Respond based on what happened next: whether you entered information, approved a sign-in, downloaded a file, or ran a command. If you suspect malware may be running, stop using the affected device for sensitive logins.
If you only opened the link
Close the page and do not enter information, download files, or follow further prompts. If the page asked you to run a command, install an app, or allow a download and you did so, treat the device as potentially affected and follow the malware steps below. If you entered a password or other information, take the corresponding account or identity-recovery steps even if you did not download anything.
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If you entered a password or verification code
From a different device you trust, go directly to the real service—not through the message—and change the password. If you reused that password elsewhere, change it on those accounts too, making each one unique. Turn on MFA if available and review the account’s recent activity and recovery details for changes you did not make. If the account is tied to payment or banking, contact the provider through a known official channel.
If you entered payment or identity information
Contact the bank, card issuer, payment service, or other relevant organization using a known genuine number or website. Explain what information you shared and ask what protective steps apply, such as monitoring, blocking a transaction, or replacing a card. If personal information that could be used for identity theft was exposed, IdentityTheft.gov provides recovery steps tailored to the information lost. The FTC’s identity theft guidance covers ways to limit exposure and respond.
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If you downloaded a file or may have installed malware
- Stop entering sensitive information on the affected device. If you suspect malware is active, disconnect the device from the internet.
- Use a different device you trust for urgent password changes and account security steps. Do not wait to secure important accounts if the affected device may be monitoring what you type.
- Update the device’s security software and run a scan. Follow the software’s instructions for handling anything it finds. A scan can help detect malware, but it does not prove that every account or device is safe.
- Change affected and reused passwords, then enable MFA. Do this from the trusted device, not the one you suspect is infected. Review important accounts for unfamiliar activity.
- Contact affected services or financial providers through known official channels if accounts, payments, or personal data may have been exposed.
The FTC’s malware guidance explains prevention, detection, and removal; its June 2026 CAPTCHA alert specifically advises disconnecting from the internet and using another device for password changes when malware may be running.
How do I report a suspected scam?
In the United States, the FTC’s phishing guidance directs consumers to report suspected fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It also lists ways to report phishing messages:
- Forward phishing text messages to SPAM (7726).
- Forward phishing emails to [email protected].
Reporting and recovery options vary by country, account, and payment method. If money was sent, contact the bank, card issuer, payment app, or other payment provider promptly through a genuine contact route; a report to the FTC is not a substitute for contacting the provider.
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