Scams and safety hub
Scams and Safety for Newcomers
Start here when someone is asking for money, documents, one-time codes, bank details, rent deposits, job fees, urgent utility payment, or anything that feels rushed.
Start here
I think I was scammedMove quickly: stop contact, secure accounts, contact your bank or payment app, save evidence, and report through the right channels.I want to check a suspicious requestLearn the common patterns behind fake government, housing, job, bank, utility, and payment messages.Someone wants my SSN, passport, or codeCheck when sharing sensitive information is normal and when to stop, verify, or use a secure portal.
Common scam patterns
Use these guides before you trust urgent messages, unfamiliar callers, strange payment requests, or too-good-to-be-true offers.
Money and payment safety
Check payment method, refund risk, and account security before sending money or accepting instructions from a stranger.
- Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, and Payment AppsWhen payment apps are risky, what protections may be limited, and what to do if a payment goes wrong.
- Sending and Receiving International Money TransfersCompare transfer providers, avoid fake payment links, verify recipient details, and watch for recovery scams.
- How to Choose a U.S. Bank AccountAvoid account fees, suspicious application links, fake support calls, and risky requests for login credentials.
Housing and utilities
Rental and utility scams often happen before newcomers understand local paperwork, deposits, and normal billing.
- Renting Your First ApartmentCheck listings, landlords, lease terms, payment methods, and document requests before sending money.
- Apartment Application ProcessUnderstand application fees, screening, document requests, and signs that an apartment offer is not real.
- Common Utility ScamsRecognize fake shutoff calls, suspicious payment demands, fake technicians, and verification steps.
After something happened
Use these pages when money moved, personal information was shared, or you need to reduce the next wave of damage.
- What To Do If You Were ScammedFirst-hour actions for bank, card, payment app, identity, evidence, reporting, and recovery-scam risks.
- Credit Checks in the U.S.Understand when credit checks are normal and when to watch for identity or application misuse.
- What To Do While Waiting for Your SSNProtect your identity and avoid risky shortcuts while paperwork, bank accounts, payroll, or school records are still settling.