Protect yourself from scams

🛡️ How Grok Bot can help protect you

Think of Grok Bot as a calm second opinion before you act. When something feels off, pause and ask it first.

• Check a suspicious text, email, or call before you reply, click, or pay. It can point out warning signs, like rushing you or asking for private numbers, and tell you where to report it.

  I got this [text / email / phone call]. Here are the words: [paste the message, with my personal details removed]. Does it show the warning signs of a scam? Explain in plain words. Do not open any links in it.

  On an iPad or phone, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.

• Check whether a caller's "official" agency or company is real. It can find the real phone number on the official website, so you can hang up and call back yourself. Never use a number the caller gives you.

  Someone called saying they are from [agency or company]. What is the real phone number on their official website? Give me the link so I can check it and call them back myself.

  On an iPad or phone, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.

• Check out a contractor, charity, or business before you pay. It can find your state's official license lookup, or check a charity in the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. See our guides to check a contractor and check a charity.
• Check whether a website or online store is real before you buy. It can search for the seller's name with words like "review," "complaint," or "scam," the way the FTC suggests. A seller that will only take gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency is probably a scam. (FTC: avoid online shopping scams)

  Before I buy from [website address or store name], help me check whether it is a real business. Search for reviews and complaints, and tell me any warning signs.

  On an iPad or phone, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.

• Explain the fine print before you sign. Paste a contract, offer, or letter, and it can explain it in plain words and point out fees or deadlines. Remove account numbers first. For big decisions, check with a lawyer.

  Please explain this [contract / offer / letter] in plain words. What am I agreeing to? Are there any fees, deadlines, or automatic renewals? Here it is, with my account numbers removed: [paste the text]

  On an iPad or phone, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.

• Explain an unfamiliar charge on a bill or statement. It can explain what a charge or company name might be, in plain words. Remove account numbers first. If you still don't recognize it, call your bank using the number on the back of your card.
• Learn the common scams aimed at retirees. It can explain how they work: Medicare and Social Security impostors, grandparent scams, tech support pop-ups, romance scams, and prize or lottery scams. Real prizes are free; if you have to pay to get a prize, it's a scam. (FTC: prize scams) And anyone who tells you to pay with a gift card is a scammer. (FTC: gift card scams)
• If you think you've been scammed, take the next steps calmly. It can walk you through the steps below: stop contact, call your bank, and report it. If a scammer used your personal information, IdentityTheft.gov from the FTC has step-by-step help. (FTC)

  I think I was scammed. Here is what happened, with my personal details removed: [describe it in a few sentences]. Help me stay calm and list the next steps, using only official government websites.

  On an iPad or phone, you can also press and hold the words, then tap Copy.

• Cut down on unwanted calls. It can show you how to sign up for the free National Do Not Call Registry (see below).