Call before you pay

How it works

1. Call (804) 587-5990. Tell us what is going on, in your own words. You can speak English, Spanish, or Russian. If you are in a store, or if someone is still on the other line, say so first. We can stay with you.
2. Hear a clear answer. We will listen, then tell you: yes, this is a scam; this does not look like a scam; or we are not sure yet. We will say why, in plain words.
3. Get the next step. If it is a scam, we will tell you what to do right now — hang up, do not buy the cards, do not send money, and do not read any numbers — and give you official numbers and websites you can use yourself.

Common signs it may be a scam

A real company or government agency will not rush you, ask you to keep a secret, or demand payment in a way that is hard to reverse. When in doubt, hang up and call back on a number you already have — not a number from the unexpected call, text, or email.

• Gift cards

  If someone you did not expect asks you to buy a gift card, stay on the phone in the store, and read or send the numbers on the back, stop. Government agencies, utilities, banks, and Apple do not take gift cards for taxes, debts, bail, or bills. IRS gift-card guidance. Apple on gift-card scams.

• Wire transfers and money transfers

  Be careful if a caller wants you to wire money, send cash, or use a money-transfer service right away — especially to pay a tax, a fine, bail, or to “protect” your account. Those payments are hard to reverse.

• Cryptocurrency

  No government agency or bank will ask you to pay with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency. Crypto payments are also hard to reverse. If someone demands that kind of payment, pause and call us first.

• “Your grandchild is in trouble”

  A call that sounds like a grandchild in an accident or in jail — especially if they ask you not to tell the parents and to send money now — is a common scam. A voice can be faked. Hang up and call that person on a number already saved in your phone. If you cannot reach them, call another family member. FCC guidance on grandparent scams.

• Someone pretending to be the IRS, Social Security, or Amazon

  The IRS and Social Security will not call, text, or email to demand payment by gift card, wire, or crypto, or threaten arrest if you do not pay now. IRS guidance. ssa.gov/scam.

  An unexpected call, text, or email that looks like it is from Amazon — a stuck package, a refund, or a problem with your account — may be a scam if it asks you to pay, share a code, or click a link. Do not click. Open the official app or website yourself, or use a number you already have. FCC guidance on package-delivery scams.

Pick a family safe word

Choose a secret word with your family ahead of time. If someone calls sounding like a loved one in trouble and does not know the word, do not send money. Hang up and call that person on a number already saved in your phone.

This tip follows public guidance from the Federal Communications Commission: Grandparent scams get more sophisticated.

For cashiers and stores

If a customer seems rushed, scared, or confused, or is being told on the phone to buy gift cards or send money, you can call us together. Stay with them and let them hear the answer. If your store allows a pause, wait before finishing that sale. We cannot tell a store to refuse a sale.

A simple thing you can say: “If someone you haven’t met asked you to buy these, we can call a free help line together before you pay.”

Stores may also put a small sticker or card at the register with our number and the words “Call before you pay.” Please post one only if a manager agrees. This is a Richmond-area pilot, and there is no fee for the sticker idea.

Other official help

We are a helper line, not a government agency. These official services can also help. Their hours can change; check the linked page.

• AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline 877-908-3360

  Anyone may call, not only AARP members. Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. AARP Fraud Watch Helpline.

• National Elder Fraud Hotline 833-372-8311

  For adults 60 and older, or someone calling for them. Published hours: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. Official page: National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice).

• Report a scam to the Federal Trade Commission

  ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The website is always open.

If you are in immediate danger, hang up and call 911.

About Scam Check Line

Scam Check Line is a free 24/7 phone line. Older adults, the people who love them, and cashiers helping a customer at the register can call before buying gift cards or sending money, and hear in plain words whether it looks like a scam.

It started after a gift-card scam at a Dollar General, when an older customer was buying a card and did not seem to know what it was for. The first pilot is in the Richmond, Virginia area.

Max Armash is forming Scam Check Line as a Virginia nonprofit (a nonstock corporation). Articles of incorporation were filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission on November 13, 2026, and are awaiting approval. Scam Check Line is not a 501(c)(3) charity yet.

We will never ask for a Social Security number, a bank password, a PIN, a one-time code, or the numbers on a gift card.

Contact

• Call: (804) 587-5990
• Email: hello@scamcheckline.org
• Website: scamcheckline.org