Scam & family-safety guides

News · Media Literacy How Multi-Platform Consensus Beats Algorithmic News Feeds Compare signal across 8 platforms and Left/Right lean filters — 100% free without paywalls. Finance · Investing How to Track Stocks & Markets Without $30/Month Subscriptions Free ETF overlap, Treasury yields, SEC insider filings, and market indicators without paywall traps. Tools · Start here How to use ScamCheck in 2 minutes Paste a suspicious text — no app, no signup. Perfect for parents and non-techy users. Tools · QR Suspicious QR code? How to check it safely Parking stickers, package notices, fake menus — free QRCheck before you pay. Tools · Phone Unknown number called? Check before you call back Callback scams and robocalls — free PhoneCheck in plain English. Tools · Short code Who owns short code 57513? Not on Walmart’s published eReceipt list — free ShortCode Check + what to do next. Tools · Jobs I got paid twice from my job? Overpayment / fake check scams — free Job Overpay Check before you Zelle. Tools · Links How to check a suspicious link safely Copy the URL, don’t tap it — free LinkCheck for parents and everyone else. Tools · Passwords Was my password in a breach? Free PassBreach check with a privacy-friendly lookup — then change what you reuse. Tools · Passwords Strong passwords without the headache PassCheck, PassGen, and PassBreach — when to use each, in plain English. Tools · Phone Phone security checklist for normal people Lock screen, lost phone, scam habits — free Phone Security Check. Tools · AI Is this AI-written? Free AI Writing Check for parents and teachers — what the score means (and what it doesn’t). AI · Start here AI for dummies — what to learn, watch, do & avoid ChatGPT without the panic: starter videos, home/school/work do·don’t lists, and what never to paste into a bot. Start here How scammers steal your money & info — plain English The 8 tricks they use, what to watch for, and which free tools on this site help you check first. Scams · Deep guide USPS “package on hold” text — scam or real? Why $1–$3 redelivery fees are the top smishing wave, and what to do if you clicked. Scams · Deep guide UPS text scam — package fee & delivery alerts Fake redelivery and address-update SMS. Open ups.com yourself; free checker inside. Scams · Deep guide Bank & Zelle fraud-alert texts — real or fake? Lookalike links, fake fraud desks, and why you never read codes to a cold caller. Scams · Deep guide Toll free phone scam? Don’t call the 1-800 in the text Callback scams put a fake fraud desk in SMS. Check the text and number free. Scams · Deep guide IRS warrant / tax-debt text — is it real? The IRS doesn’t threaten arrest by SMS or take gift cards. Here’s the calm version. Scams · Deep guide Social Security “SSN suspended” text — scam? SSA doesn’t freeze your number by SMS or take gift cards. What to do instead. Scams · Deep guide Medicare free benefit / new card text — scam? Cold Medicare pitches want your number or a fee. Calm checklist for families. Scams · Deep guide “We’ll shut off your power today” — real or fake? Utility shutoff threats by text. Open the real app — don’t pay the SMS link. Scams · Deep guide PayPal, Venmo & Cash App payment texts Fake “you received money” alerts and login links — check before you tap. Scams Car warranty “expiring” text or call Most cold warranty notices are junk or a hard sell. Don’t call the number in the text. Scams “You won a prize” text — don’t pay a fee Real prizes don’t ask for gift cards or shipping fees by cold SMS. Scams Student loan forgiveness text — scam? Fake verify links and processing fees. Use the real loan site you open yourself. Scams Netflix “account on hold” text — real or fake? Open the real app for billing — ignore the SMS login link. Scams · Deep guide Apple ID locked text — scam? Verify in Settings, not a cold SMS link. iCloud phishing explained. Scams · Deep guide Unpaid toll or DMV text — scam? The 2024–2026 tiny-toll pay-link wave and how to check official state sites. Scams · Deep guide Does your state really call it "DMV"? 12-state cheat sheet: real agency name + income tax status, so you can spot a fake in one look. Scams I clicked a scam link — what do I do now? Step-by-step damage control: passwords, banks, credit freeze, reports. Family How to protect parents & grandparents from text scams The one message to send your family group chat this week. AI · Deep guide Is that photo, video, or call really them — or AI? Deepfake photos, videos & voice clones: the real signs, plus the habit that beats even a perfect fake. Scams Amazon & package delivery scam texts (2026) Mail Services, driver chat, and lookalike fee links — check Your Orders first. Scams · Near-win Fake job offer scam? Check before you Zelle $45/hr remote DMs and equipment checks — free Job Overpay Check above the fold. Money Subscription creep — why you underestimate by 40% Audit your real yearly spend in 2 minutes with our free calculator. Money · Markets Track stocks, ETFs & markets without $30/mo paywalls The 5 indicators everyday investors need, ETF overlap risks, and free public data tools. Family Is this app safe for my kid — or am I overreacting? A 30-second risk check that gives different answers for a child, teen, spouse, or parent. Family Secure home Wi‑Fi for families — passwords, guest network, free DNS Change the sticker password, turn on guest Wi‑Fi, and block adult sites with free family DNS filters. Scams "Your PC has 5 viruses" pop-up or call — is it real? Fake Microsoft warnings and remote-access calls, and how to shut them down safely. Scams · Deep guide Cockroach Movement donation or app request — is it a scam? Fake UPI donation links and malicious apps riding India's Cockroach Movement. Scams Someone asked for gift cards — is it a scam? The one payment request that's always a red flag, no matter who's asking. Scams Your online match needs money — is it a romance scam? How love-bombing works and the signs to check before you send anything. Scams · Deep guide Wrong number text turned into a crypto pitch? Pig butchering scams — the slow-build romance-to-crypto trap. Scams · Jobs "Optimize product ratings" task job — is it a scam? Paid tasks that ask you to deposit money to unlock bigger earnings. Scams · Family Grandchild called needing bail money — is the voice fake? AI voice-clone family emergency calls, and how to verify before you send anything. Scams "You missed jury duty" warrant call — is it real? Fake law enforcement calls demanding payment to avoid arrest. Scams · Money Buyer overpaid and wants a refund — is it a scam? Fake checks and fake payment screenshots when selling online. Scams · Money Landlord wants a deposit before you can see the place? Fake rental and Airbnb listings that ask you to wire money first. Scams · Money Breeder keeps asking for more fees before shipping? Puppy purchase scams with escalating "crate" and "insurance" fees. Rates Mortgage & Treasury rates dashboard (Finance) Live-ish rates, forex, crypto, and market headlines — free, no signup. Behind the scenes Meet Mochi, the cat who keeps these tools free Why a $1 treat jar beats ads — and how you can help.