SAFE Net scam help hub

Scam Help Center

A practical starting point for recognizing scams, slowing down, saving evidence, and finding the right next step.

Direct answer: If something feels suspicious, pause before clicking, paying, replying, or sharing codes. Save evidence, secure accounts if needed, contact your bank or payment provider if money was involved, and report through SAFE Net and official channels.
Report A ScamWhat To Do If ScammedVictim Support

Warning signs

  • Urgency, fear, secrecy, or pressure to act now.
  • Requests for gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, payment apps, or codes.
  • Links or QR codes sent by text, email, social media, or marketplace chat.
  • Impersonation of banks, government agencies, law enforcement, pastors, relatives, employers, delivery companies, or tech support.

What to do first

  • Stop contact and do not send more money.
  • Do not click new links or install remote access tools.
  • Use official apps, cards, or websites to contact banks and platforms.
  • Change passwords and turn on two-factor authentication if accounts may be exposed.

Evidence to save

  • Messages, screenshots, emails, phone numbers, usernames, profile links, and URLs.
  • Receipts, transaction IDs, wallet addresses, gift card details, dates, amounts, and timeline notes.
  • Do not publish private victim details or accuse named people online.

For families and seniors

Slow the conversation down. Use trusted family contacts, code words, and official phone numbers before sending money or sharing private information.

For businesses and churches

Verify invoice changes, payment requests, gift card requests, and urgent messages through a second trusted channel before paying.

For students and youth

Do not send explicit images or private details. Talk to a trusted adult and use official reporting resources for threats, blackmail, or grooming concerns.

Related SAFE Net pages

Report A ScamHow Reports WorkVictim SupportEducation and AwarenessFamily and Senior SafetyBusiness and Community SafetySource LibraryDonate
About SAFE Net: SAFE Net is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit scam awareness and fraud education organization serving Southwest Louisiana. SAFE Net provides public education and reporting guidance, not law enforcement, legal, banking, financial, emergency, or recovery services.

Source basis: FTC, FBI IC3, CFPB, CISA, IdentityTheft.gov, Louisiana Attorney General Consumer Protection, Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker, National Council on Aging, and official platform help pages. Last reviewed: June 9, 2026.

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