Scams & fraud
How to Spot a Phishing Text or Email
Most phishing messages lean on the same handful of tricks. Once you know them, a suspicious text or email becomes much easier to spot, and to ignore.
Guides
Every IntelliReply guide in one place
Six practical guides to the consumer protection questions people ask most often. Each one is written in plain English, checked against official sources and updated when the rules change.
Topic 01
Spot and avoid scams
Recognize the messages, stores and payment requests that scammers rely on, before they cost you anything.
Online shopping
Shopping Online Safely: A Practical Checklist
Online shopping is convenient, and with a few checks it can be safe too. Use this checklist before you buy, when you pay and after your order arrives.
Topic 02
Protect your personal information
Everyday habits that keep your accounts secure, and a clear plan if your identity is ever misused.
Privacy & security
Simple Habits That Protect Your Personal Information Online
You do not need to be technical to be well protected. A handful of steady habits closes most of the doors that criminals rely on.
Identity protection
Identity Theft: The First Steps to Take
Discovering that someone is using your personal information is unsettling. Working through a few clear steps, in order, puts you back in control.
Topic 03
Act on a problem and know your rights
What to do after a scam, and the federal protections that cover credit, billing, debt and purchases.
Scams & fraud
What to Do If You Think You Have Been Scammed
Realizing you may have been scammed is stressful. Acting quickly, and in the right order, gives you the best chance of limiting the damage.
Your rights
Know Your Rights as a Consumer
U.S. law gives consumers more protection than many people realize. Knowing the basics helps you notice when something is not right, and what to ask for.
Official resources
Where to confirm details and report problems
Our guides point to these official organizations throughout. IntelliReply is independent and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any of them.
- Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Adviceconsumer.ftc.gov
The federal agency that works to prevent fraud, deception and unfair business practices.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureauconsumerfinance.gov
U.S. government agency that oversees consumer financial products and services, such as bank accounts, credit cards, loans and credit reporting.
- IdentityTheft.govidentitytheft.gov
The Federal Trade Commission’s official resource for reporting identity theft.
- AnnualCreditReport.comannualcreditreport.com
The official source, authorized by federal law, for free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporationfdic.gov
Independent federal agency that insures deposits at member banks and supervises financial institutions.
- USA.govusa.gov
The official website of the U.S. government.
Stay informed
Get new guides in your inbox
Occasional emails when we publish or update a guide, plus timely reminders about common scams. Plain English, no clutter.
- New and updated guides as they are published
- Reminders about seasonal and trending scams
- Unsubscribe at any time
Sign up for updates
Only your name and email are required.