Printable Scam Cheat Sheet

This free one-page scam cheat sheet lists the warning signs of a scam and exactly who to call in the USA and UK, in large type. Print it and keep it by the phone, or give a copy to a parent or friend, so the right numbers are there when a worrying call comes in.

Download The Printable PDF

Free A4 PDF, 1 page. Phone numbers and reporting services last checked: 16 October 2026, on the FTC, US Department of Justice, NCSC, Report Fraud and Stop Scams UK websites

Stop. Check. Report.

Stop. Scammers rush you. A real bank, police force or government office will never mind you hanging up.
Never share a password, PIN or one-time code. Not with anyone, on any call, text or email.
Never pay by gift card, bank transfer, crypto or cash handed to a courier because someone told you to.
Call back on a number you already know, not one they gave you. AI can copy voices.
Agree a family safe word for emergency calls.

Warning Signs

"Act now" or "today only"
"Keep this secret"
A family member on a new number
A link you weren't expecting
A prize, refund or investment that's too good to be true

USA: Report It

Report fraud: reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)
Online crime: ic3.gov
Over 60? Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311

UK: Report It

Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud): reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
Call about your bank? Hang up and dial 159
Forward scam texts to 7726
Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101

Lost money? Call your bank straight away, using the number on the back of your card. More help: exonexo.com/scam-check.html

Scam warning signs. Be careful if they: rush you with act now or today only; ask for a password, PIN or one-time code; want gift cards, a bank transfer or crypto; say keep this secret; are a family member on a new number; send a link you weren't expecting; offer a prize, refund or investment that's too good to be true. — The seven warning signs at a glance. Any one of them is a reason to stop and check.

How Should I Use This Cheat Sheet?

Print it on A4 paper, or tap Print This Page.
Keep it by the phone or on the fridge, where you'll see it when a call comes in.
Give a copy to a parent, neighbour or friend. Talking it through together helps.
Practise saying "I'll call you back on your official number," then hang up.

For a fuller checklist with explanations, use our Is this a scam? page. For calls that sound like a family member, read how to spot an AI voice-cloning scam.

Common Questions

Why should I print a scam cheat sheet?

Scammers rush you and make you anxious. Having the right numbers on paper by the phone means you don't have to search online, where fake numbers can appear.

Who do I call in the UK if I've been scammed?

Call your bank first, using the number on your card. Then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland on 101.

Who do I call in the USA if I've been scammed?

Call your bank first. Then report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357. If you're 60 or over, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is 1-833-372-8311.

What is 159?

In the UK, 159 connects you safely to most banks. Use it when you get an unexpected call about your bank: hang up and dial 159.

Can I share the cheat sheet?

Yes. Print as many copies as you like for family, friends, clubs and community groups.

Sources

Last checked 16 October 2026.