Requests for Personal or Financial Information
What It Is
Requests for personal or financial information that you should not share. The goal is to steal money, take over accounts, or use your identity to open new accounts.
How It Usually Plays Out
You get a text, email, call, or message that looks like it’s from a real company or person.
It claims there is a problem, a refund, a prize, a job step, or a security check.
You are asked to “confirm” details like your password, card number, or extra sign-in code.
If you share it, they may log in, move money, or keep asking for more information.
Red Flags
Asking for your password
Asking for extra sign-in codes
Asking for your card number, PIN, or bank login
Asking for your full Social Security number
Asking for a photo of your ID “to verify you”
Asking for a one-time code sent to your phone or email
Saying “we already know it, just confirm it”
Rushing you or scaring you into sharing it
Why People Fall For It
The request often sounds routine, like something “support” would do. When you feel stressed or want to fix a problem fast, it’s easy to share more than you mean to.
What To Do Next
Stop. Do not reply, click, or share anything.
Never share passwords or extra sign-in codes with anyone.
Contact the company using a phone number or website you look up yourself.
If you shared a password, change it right away and use a longer one.
If you shared a code or login, check your account for new settings or new logins.
If money moved, call your bank or card company as soon as you can.
Watch your credit and accounts for activity you don’t recognize.
Takeaway
Real companies do not need your password or extra sign-in code. Slow down, verify with official contact info, and keep private information private.
Not financial advice. Educational purposes only.
