Safety & emergency help · Scams & internet crime

Pause.
Check.
Protect yourself.

A convincing caller, message, or website can still be a scam. Take time to verify a request, protect your accounts, and seek help promptly if something goes wrong.

If you may have been scammed ↓Recognize warning signs →

Century Village · West Palm BeachA moment to check can make a difference.

Decorative illustration

Look at the request, not just the story

Pressure is a reason to pause.

“Act now—or else”A threat, deadline, or instruction to keep a conversation secret can stop you from checking with someone you trust.

“Pay this unusual way”Be suspicious of demands for gift-card numbers, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or cash to resolve a supposed bill or emergency.

“Give me access”An unexpected caller asking for your password, security code, or remote computer access should be independently verified before you do anything.

Caller ID, logos, familiar names, and a polished website are not proof. End the conversation and contact the organization through a number or website you already know is genuine.

Common situations

Recognize the pattern.

Examples to treat cautiously.
Message or situation	A useful response
A text says your account or delivery has a problem	Open the official app or website yourself. Do not use the unexpected message’s link to sign in.
A caller says your computer is infected	Do not give unsolicited callers remote access. Use a trusted support contact.
Someone claims a family member urgently needs money	Contact the person or a trusted relative independently before paying.
A “bank” tells you to move money to protect it	Stop and contact your bank through the number on your card or statement.
A person offers to recover money for an upfront fee	Be alert to a second scam. Verify the organization independently and do not assume recovery is guaranteed.

These are warning examples, not a test that can prove a request is legitimate. If uncertain, take time to seek independent help.

Safer everyday habits

Keep control of your accounts.

Use strong, different passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where offered. Keep devices and security software updated. Do not share a one-time login code with someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

Check the address of a website before entering information, and use bookmarks or the official app for important accounts. A padlock or encrypted connection does not prove the business or request is trustworthy.

For Century Village services, use the official UCO, WPRF, or provider contact rather than a number in an unexpected message. Confirm an unfamiliar payment request through a known channel.

FTC phishing guidance →Official UCO website →

Act promptly, without embarrassment

If you shared money, information, or access.

Contact the payment provider immediately. Tell your bank, card issuer, transfer service, or gift-card company what happened. Ask whether it can stop or reverse the payment; recovery is not guaranteed.
Secure affected accounts. Through a trusted device and official site, change compromised passwords, including other accounts using the same password. Check account recovery details and unfamiliar activity.
Address remote-access exposure. Stop the remote session and seek trusted technical assistance. Follow FTC guidance for checking the device before using sensitive accounts.
Keep evidence. Save messages, email addresses, receipts, transaction details, phone numbers, and dates. Do not keep communicating with the scammer to gather more.
Use the appropriate reporting service. Report online crime to IC3, fraud to the FTC, and identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov. Contact PBSO for local police reporting.

FTC: What to do if you were scammed →Identity-theft recovery →

For immediate danger or an emergency, call 911. Online complaint forms and this website are not emergency dispatch.

Know where the report goes

Official reporting and local support.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center →Report cyber-enabled crime. Keep a copy of the complaint and supporting evidence.FTC ReportFraud →Report scams and deceptive practices. A report does not promise an individual investigation or refund.IdentityTheft.gov →Get a recovery plan when personal information has been misused.PBSO →For non-emergency police reporting, call 561-688-3400. Use 911 for immediate help.Seniors vs. Crime →Explore consumer-assistance resources and confirm local services.UCO resident resources →Find published local assistance contacts and community information.

Online reporting does not replace urgently contacting your bank. The FBI also warns about scammers impersonating IC3 personnel; use the official website rather than trusting an unexpected “recovery” contact.

Help neighbors without spreading alarm

Share the lesson, protect the person.

Tell a trusted family member or neighbor if you need help checking a request. When sharing a scam warning, describe the method without exposing someone’s account details, private messages, or identity.

Associations can post official reporting links and encourage residents to verify payment and vendor changes through known contacts. Keep community warnings factual and avoid forwarding suspicious links.

Ask for help. Take back control. Help someone else pause.

Crime-prevention guide →Safety & Emergency Help →

References & purpose

Prepared October 13, 2026 using FTC guidance on scam response, phishing, and account recovery; IC3; and the FBI impersonation warning. This independent c-village.com guide does not collect reports, recover funds, or provide account-support services.