# How do I avoid scams?

Category: Hold
Source: https://strike.me/int/en/support/how-do-i-avoid-scams/

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Beware of unsolicited messages that manufacture a sense of urgency and ask for sensitive information. Strike never:

- asks for or sends you credentials, recovery phrases, or private keys
- tells you to move bitcoin to a specific wallet or address
- contacts you outside official channels, such as unsolicited texts with links
- directs you to download third-party apps or remote access software

**bitcoin transactions are irreversible**, and we can’t recover funds after you authorize one. Secure your account:

- Enable [2FA](/support/how-do-i-secure-my-account#enable-two-factor-authentication).
- Access Strike only through the [Android and iOS apps](https://links.strike.me/live-app) or the [web](https://dashboard.strike.me/). Bookmark official URLs and check links and email addresses for misspellings or unusual domains.
- Never send bitcoin to untrusted addresses and never share your seed phrase with anyone, as those who have it can steal your bitcoin.
- Verify suspicious information through official channels before acting on it.
- Hang up on any unsolicited call claiming to be from Strike, even from a number that appears to be ours.:region-only[ The support team only calls users who have access to [phone support](/support/how-do-i-contact-support#how-to-request-a-phone-call-from-strike) and have requested a call.]{in="us"}

## How to identify a scam

Scams targeting Strike customers typically follow one of these patterns:

- **Support**: calls, emails, or texts claiming someone is trying to access your account or your funds are at risk. The scammer pressures you to “secure” your funds by withdrawing bitcoin to a wallet they control, often by asking for your seed phrase, providing one for you to use, or giving you an address to send to.
- **Phishing**: emails, texts, or websites impersonating a trusted individual or institution, pressuring you to send bitcoin or share information.
- **Investment**: promises of guaranteed returns or yield on your bitcoin. Once you “invest”, scammers demand more to “unlock” the investment, then disappear.
- **Prize**: claims you’ve won a giveaway, are owed a refund, or can “double” your bitcoin if you send some first.
- **Fee**: demands for bitcoin payment of fake fees, penalties, or taxes.
- **Romance**: a long-running online relationship that pivots into urgent requests for bitcoin or “investment” tips.

## What to do if you encounter a scam

Official emails are sent from @strike.me, @email.strike.me, @account.strike.me, or @comms.strike.me. If you receive an email claiming to be from Strike but the anti-phishing code is missing or doesn’t match, don’t reply, don’t click any links, block the sender, and forward any Strike-related scams to <SupportEmail />.

If someone reaches out through other channels claiming to be from the Strike team, ask them to confirm your anti-phishing code. Wait for them to say it first and **never spell it out loud** or type it to confirm, even if asked.

If you believe there’s unauthorized activity on your account, contact support immediately.

If you’ve already lost funds, notify Strike and contact local law enforcement or a fraud reporting agency:

- United States:
    - Local law enforcement
    - [ic3.gov](http://www.ic3.gov/), Internet Crime Complaint Center
    - [fraud.org](http://www.fraud.org/), register complaints and find prevention tips
- Puerto Rico:
    - Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly (Oficina del Procurador de las Personas Pensionadas y de la Tercera Edad): 787.721.6121, [agencias.pr.gov](https://agencias.pr.gov/agencias/oppea/Pages/Contactos.aspx)
    - Administration of Families and Children, Services for the Elderly and Adults with Disabilities: 787.625.4900, [adfan.pr.gov](https://adfan.pr.gov/AdministracionesAuxiliares/ServiciosEdadAvanzada/Pages/default.aspx)
- El Salvador:
    - Superintendency of the Financial System: [ssf.gob.sv/estafas](https://ssf.gob.sv/estafas/)

From Strike's help center — https://strike.me/int/en/support/