SSTOP
Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency. The moment you feel pressured, that's your signal to pause.
Scam Prevention
Protecting yourself starts with knowing the playbook.
GOLD's S.C.A.M. framework gives you a simple, repeatable way to spot and stop scams before they cost you.
The S.C.A.M. framework
Four steps. Easy to remember. Use them anytime something feels off.
CCONFIRM
Verify the source. Call the company back using a number you find yourself. Never trust a number from the suspicious message.
AAVOID
Never give out personal information. No Social Security numbers, no bank details, no gift card codes. Real organizations don't ask this way.
MMAKE A REPORT
Report the attempt to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Even if you didn't lose money, your report helps protect someone else.
Recent scam alerts
What we're seeing now. We monitor trusted sources and surface what's most relevant to older adults.
FBI IC3May 21, 2026
Kali365 Phishing-as-a-Service Kit Hijacks Microsoft 365 Access Tokens
Scammers are using a tool called Kali365 to steal access to Microsoft 365 accounts by tricking people into clicking fake login pages that capture their credentials. This targets anyone who uses Microsoft 365 for email or work. If you get an unexpected email asking you to sign in to Microsoft, go directly to microsoft.com instead of clicking any link in the message.
Read at FBI IC3FTCMay 21, 2026
How are scammers trying to reach you?
Scammers reach people through phone calls, text messages, and social media ads or posts, so nearly anyone with a phone or social media account is a potential target. If you get an unexpected message or call asking you to act quickly, pause before responding and look up the organization's official contact information independently.
Read at FTCFTCMay 14, 2026
Run a small business? Pay your bills, not scammers
Scammers send fake invoices to small business owners, hoping they will pay for products or services that were never ordered. Before paying any bill, check your own records to confirm you actually placed that order.
Read at FTCFTCMay 11, 2026
This month, Pass It On to help someone you know avoid a scam
Scammers frequently target older adults, but you can help protect the people you care about by sharing what you know. The FTC's Pass It On program offers free materials designed to help you start conversations with friends and family about fraud. Visit the FTC website to find guides, videos, and other resources you can pass along.
Read at FTCFTCMay 7, 2026
New trends in reports of imposter scams
Imposter scams, where someone pretends to be a government agency, a bank, or a well-known company to steal your money or personal information, have been the most reported fraud in the country for nine years running. If someone contacts you out of the blue claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or your bank, slow down and contact that organization directly using a number you look up yourself.
Read at FTCFTCMay 1, 2026
Welcome to National Small Business Week 2026
This alert is aimed at small business owners and doesn't describe a specific scam targeting older adults. There isn't enough information here to write a meaningful safety tip for GOLD's audience without inventing details. If you have a scam alert with a clear threat and actionable advice, I'm happy to rewrite it.
Read at FTCTake a free scam-prevention class.
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