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    2 min read 6 stepsJanuary 31, 2026Verified January 2026

    Cross-Platform: Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

    Protect yourself from common online and phone scams targeting everyday users.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Tips & Tricks
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    security
    scams
    phishing
    cross-platform

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Tech support scams
    2. 2.Phishing emails and texts
    3. 3.Traffic violation text scams (April 2026 FTC Alert)
    4. 4.Too-good-to-be-true offers
    5. 5.Social media scams
    6. 6.What to do if you've been scammed
    1

    Tech support scams

    ~15s
    Microsoft, Apple, and Google will NEVER call you about a virus. Hang up right away.

    Warning

    Microsoft, Apple, and Google will NEVER call you about a virus on your computer. If someone calls claiming this, hang up right away.

    2

    Phishing emails and texts

    ~15s
    Don't click links in unexpected messages. Go to the company's website directly instead.
    3

    Traffic violation text scams (April 2026 FTC Alert)

    ~27s
    A major new scam is spreading fast: fake text messages claiming you owe money for an unpaid traffic ticket, toll, or moving violation. Delete these right away. Real government agencies never send payment links by text. If you think a fine might be real, look up your state's official DMV website yourself.

    Quick Tip

    The FTC issued a fresh alert about this scam on April 14, 2026. Report these texts to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and forward them to 7726 (SPAM).

    4

    Too-good-to-be-true offers

    ~15s
    Free iPhones, lottery winnings, and unexpected refunds are almost always scams.
    5

    Social media scams

    ~15s
    Be wary of friend requests from strangers, investment schemes, and "free gift" posts.
    6

    What to do if you've been scammed

    ~15s
    Change your passwords right away, contact your bank, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

    Quick Tip

    Report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and stay up to date on the latest scams at consumer.ftc.gov/scams. For tech support scam protection specifically, visit support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/protect-yourself-from-tech-support-scams.

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    security
    scams
    phishing
    cross-platform

    Official Resources

    How-To GeekAARP Technology TipsTom's Guide — Tips

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