Stay Safe Online

Spot the scam before it costs you.

Learn to recognize the most common online scams, and the one question that stops most of them, in short, plain-language lessons. Free, and no account needed to learn. A quiz or certificate needs one.

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The red flags, and what to do about them.

The red flags

Spot fake emails, texts, and calls pretending to be your bank, the IRS, or tech support.

The pressure

See through urgency, fear, and too-good-to-be-true offers, and the question that stops them cold.

What to do next

Simple steps to protect your accounts, and how to report a scam if it happens to you.

A romance scam, in her own words

⚠️ Watch Out: A Video Call Is Not Proof It's Really Them

In under 3 minutes, hear how a romance scam actually unfolds — and the one rule that stops it: a video call is not proof, because a face on screen can be faked or borrowed. If someone you have only met online starts asking for money, gift cards, or crypto, slow down, talk to someone you trust, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Created for Lumoset Foundation by Katelyn, a remote volunteer. Thank you, Katelyn, for helping keep our community safer.

See a government-impersonation scam in action

⚠️ Watch Out: Fake Government Calls Are Scamming Millions in 2025

In just 3 minutes, see how scammers pretend to be the IRS, Social Security, or FEMA — and the one rule that stops them: real agencies won't call, text, or email demanding money or personal details. When in doubt, hang up and call back using a number you look up yourself, and report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Created for Lumoset Foundation by volunteer Jeremy Ames, a former FDA communications specialist. Thank you, Jeremy, for helping keep our community safer.

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The one habit that stops most scams.

Slow down, then verify using a number or website you look up yourself. Anyone who rushes you is telling you something.

Keep going, it's all free.

Ready to go deeper? Take a full, plain-language course, or see how real scams unfold.

Explore the Free Course Library Read Real Scam Stories

Check it with someone you trust

The one habit that stops most scams.

Slow down, then verify using a number or website you look up yourself. Anyone who rushes you is telling you something.

An older man pointing at a computer screen while a younger woman uses the mouse
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Keep going, it's all free.

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