Free Safety Checklists

Simple habits that stop most scams and hacks. Print it and keep it by your computer.

• Use a different password for your email and your bank — never reuse the same one.
• Turn on two-step (2FA) login for email and banking.
• Never share a code, password, or PIN that someone sends or asks for by phone/text.
• Don't click links in unexpected emails or texts — go to the website directly instead.
• Hang up on anyone claiming to be "tech support," the IRS, or your bank asking for money or access.
• Keep Windows/Mac and your web browser set to update automatically.
• Cover or lock your computer when you step away.
• Back up important photos and documents (to the cloud or an external drive).
• If something feels off, stop and ask someone you trust before acting.

A quick monthly once-over to catch problems early.

• Does it start up in a reasonable time (not several minutes)?
• Are there any pop-ups or new toolbars you didn't install?
• Is there at least 10–15% free space on the main drive?
• Is your antivirus on and up to date?
• Are software updates installed (no "restart to update" nagging for weeks)?
• Does the web browser behave normally (no strange home page or search engine)?
• Is the fan quiet and the computer not overheating?
• Have you restarted it in the last week? (A restart fixes a surprising amount.)

If a message hits two or more of these, treat it as a scam.

• Creates urgency ("act now," "account will be closed," "final notice").
• Asks for gift cards, wire transfer, crypto, or payment apps.
• Asks for a password, one-time code, SSN, or bank details.
• Says you won a prize or lottery you never entered.
• Threatens arrest, fines, or legal action.
• Has a generic greeting ("Dear Customer") instead of your name.
• Links look odd (misspelled company names, strange endings like .xyz).
• Pressures you to call a phone number in the message.