Evergreen Study · evergreenstudy.com/checklists/is-this-message-a-scam/ · Reviewed 20 October 2026 · Printed

Print this checklist Or press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on a Mac). The printout leaves out menus and adds the site name, address and date.

1. They contacted me first, out of the blue or by "wrong number".
2. They claim to be support, a bank, police, a regulator or a famous person.
3. There is a deadline, a threat, or an offer that ends soon.
4. I am promised gains, a gift, or double back what I send.
5. I am asked to send crypto, pay with gift cards or move money to a "safe" place.
6. I am asked for a recovery phrase, password or one-time code.
7. I am asked to install an app or allow remote access to my device.
8. I am told to keep it secret from my bank, family or friends.
9. The conversation moved quickly to a private messaging app.

One ticked box is enough to pause. Two or more: treat it as a scam until proven otherwise.

We will never ask for your recovery phrase, keys or passwords. General safety education, not financial advice. Free to print and share for non-commercial use.