What is it?
Urgency, an impersonated organization, and demands for unusual payment can signal a scam. The FTC explains these warning signs in the linked guide.
Why would I need this?
Practice a pause before reacting to a frightening or exciting claim.
Show me.
- Read the message without following its instructions.
- Name the pressure: a threat, deadline, prize, or demand for money.
- Check the claim through a known contact method you find separately.
- Talk it through with someone you trust before responding.
Try it.
Say what you would do with this invented message: “Your service ends in ten minutes unless you send gift-card numbers.”
Watch out for this.
A familiar logo or caller name does not establish who sent the message.
Explain this another way
Focus on one small task: pause when a message pressures you. You can practice aloud, on paper, or with someone you trust.
Show me an example
HAB practice example: Alex puts the phone down, uses a saved official contact, and asks whether there is really a problem.
What does that word mean?
Open the full glossaryYou did it.
You have practiced a useful next step. Repeat it if you want, or continue at your own pace.