SHOAL charts the manipulation techniques behind scams currently circulating — what each one is, who it targets, and the one tell that gives it away. Warm, plain language, because you or someone you love is the one protecting yourself.
Saw or received something that looks like a scam? Tell us about the technique — what they said, how they reached you, what they asked for. This helps us warn other people.
Stop the payment or transfer if it hasn’t completed. Contact your bank or card issuer using the number printed on your own card — never a number the caller gave you. You can also file a report with two independent, official U.S. government resources:
These are independent government sites, not operated by SHOAL — we link out rather than invent our own hotline.