Lesson 4 of 4
Track 3 · Lesson 4
What to do if something feels wrong
You have learned how scams work and what to look for. Now the most important question: what do you actually DO if something feels wrong? This lesson gives you a simple, clear plan — so that if you ever face a suspicious situation, you know exactly what to do without panicking.
The most powerful thing you can do when something feels wrong is stop and pause. Scams depend on speed. Your pause is your protection.
Stop before you act
The moment something feels off — a call that makes you worried, a message asking for money, a link that seems strange — stop. Do not click, do not transfer, do not give information, do not call back the number that called you. Take a breath. You do not have to do anything immediately. Real emergencies give you time to verify. Scams do not want you to have that time.
Verify through a different channel
Before doing anything, verify the situation through a completely separate path. If it was a phone call — hang up and call the person or organisation back on a number you already have (from your contacts, from their official website, from a physical letter). Do not use any number given to you in the suspicious call. If it was a message — go directly to the organisation's official website (type it yourself, do not click the link) or call their official number. If it was about a family member — call them directly, or call another family member to check.
- Hang up or close the message and contact the person directly through a number I already trust
- Search for the organisation's official contact details myself — do not use anything from the suspicious message
- Ask a family member or trusted friend before doing anything with money or personal details
Your verify checklist — use these steps before taking any action.
If you think you have been scammed
If you believe you have already been scammed — or you gave information or money to someone you now suspect was a scammer — act quickly but calmly. Contact your bank immediately if any money was involved — they can often stop or reverse a transfer if you act fast. Change your passwords if you gave login details to anyone. Tell a trusted family member what happened — you should not handle this alone, and there is no shame in having been targeted. These scams fool smart, careful people every day. Report it to the relevant authority: in Singapore, the Police Force Scam helpline (1800-722-6688); in the Philippines, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (0998-598-8116).
Keep this somewhere safe — on your fridge, by your phone
- My family code word: _______________
- My bank's official number (from my card or statement): _______________
- A trusted family member I can call to check: _______________
- If something feels wrong: STOP. Verify. Then decide.
- I will never send gift cards or wire transfers to someone I cannot verify in person
- I will never give my password, PIN, or OTP to anyone who calls me
Being targeted by a scam is not a sign of weakness or foolishness. These operations are run by sophisticated criminals using advanced technology. Protecting yourself simply means knowing the patterns — which you now do.
Your turn
Practice with Iris
Tell Iris about a suspicious situation you have encountered, or ask her to walk you through what you should do in a specific scenario.
Practice with IrisYou have finished Track 3 — Staying Safe
You now know how AI scams work, how to spot them, and exactly what to do if something feels wrong. Share this with someone you love — a parent, a neighbour, a friend. The best protection against scams is knowledge, and knowledge spreads. Well done for taking the time to learn this. Know someone who would benefit? Share aiforelders.net with them.