Scams · Action Guide

What to Do After a Suspicious Call or Message

Short answer · G003

If a suspicious caller or message may have obtained money, credentials, or remote access, stop routine setup and contact the affected provider through a known official channel.

Stop, verify independently, and use official channels if money or account access may be at risk.

10 minFreeDo this with: Mom or Dad

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Do this now

This page is meant to help you finish one useful task, not just read about it.

Stop and identify exactly what needs to be checked.

Use the official provider or government guidance linked by this Guide.

Make the smallest useful change first.

Mark the task done, then use the full plan to see what else is worth checking.

Done?

If you completed the steps above, this task can be checked off. Your family may still have other digital-safety gaps.

Purchase needed? No. This action is designed to be completed without buying a product.

Why this guidance appears

Sources & review

Action ID: G003
Primary source family: FTC
Last reviewed: September 22, 2026

Next Time Home converts official guidance into a practical order of operations for an adult child helping a parent. The source organization does not endorse Next Time Home.

See our Sources & Methodology →

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