Two Truths and a Scam: Can You Spot the Fake?

Not every fraudulent message looks suspicious at first glance. Many scams borrow real language and logos from legitimate companies, which is what makes them effective.

Below are a few short rounds of Two Truths and a Scam. Read each set, decide which one has red flags that indicate that it might just be a scam, then check the explanation

Round 1

• Your monthly statement is ready to view
• We noticed an unrecognized login attempt. Please call the number on the back of your card
• Your account has been locked. Click this link to restore access

The scam: The third message.
Why: Legitimate institutions don’t ask you to fix account issues through unexpected links. When in doubt, use a phone number or app you already trust.

Round 2

• Track your package using your delivery app
• Your password was updated successfully
• We need immediate confirmation of your Social Security number to prevent account closure

The scam: The third message.
Why: Requests for sensitive personal information paired with urgency are major red flags.

Round 3

• Your friend asks if you’re free this weekend
• A seller confirms pickup details for an item you already paid for in person
• Someone pressures you to send money quickly before “others claim it”

The scam: The third message.
Why: Artificial scarcity and pressure are classic manipulation tactics.

Round 4

• Your credit card purchase alert appears instantly after checkout
• Your device prompts you to install a security update
• A pop‑up warns of a virus and provides a phone number to call

The scam: The third message.
Why: Real security alerts don’t rely on pop‑ups that push you to call unknown numbers.

The takeaway

Scams succeed by blending in. The safest habit isn’t spotting the fake message instantly — it’s knowing what potential red flags are when to stop and verify.

Use trusted apps, saved phone numbers, and official websites. When something feels urgent or emotional, that’s your signal to slow down.