Take 9: A simple way to be safer online

Online scams are getting harder to spot. Fraud, identity theft, financial crime and extortion are growing concerns, and artificial intelligence is giving scammers increasingly sophisticated ways to deceive us.

Most Americans know the risks. But knowing how to protect ourselves is another matter.

According to research published by Aspen Digital, based on a national survey conducted by Bully Pulpit International, only 32% of Americans strongly agree that they can confidently spot a dangerous email or text message. Just 22% strongly agree that they know which tools can help them avoid online scams. And a startling 25% take no action at all to protect themselves online.

The good news? Staying safer online doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, one of the smartest things you can do takes just nine seconds.

That’s the idea behind Take9, a national public service campaign founded by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and led by Aspen Digital, in partnership with a coalition of leading cybersecurity, anti-fraud and community organizations, including 92NY.

The advice couldn’t be simpler: Before you click a link, respond to an unexpected message, send money or share personal information, stop. Count to nine. Think.

Scammers count on getting you to act quickly, before you have time to question what you’re seeing. That nine-second pause can help you recognize the warning signs, check whether a request is legitimate and avoid a potentially costly mistake.

Take9 also offers a wealth of free resources, practical advice and updates on the latest scams. Among the tricks to watch for:

• Quishing: Fraudulent QR codes that direct you to fake websites designed to steal your information.
• Facebook Marketplace scams: Fake buyers or sellers who pressure you to send money or move transactions off the platform.
• AI phishing: Convincing, personalized messages generated with artificial intelligence to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
• Fake customer service numbers: Scammers manipulating Google’s AI Overviews to display fraudulent phone numbers that connect you directly to criminals.

The tactics keep changing, but the first line of defense remains the same: slow down, look closely and verify before you act.

For Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, helping people protect themselves online has been a priority for more than 25 years. Through Craig Newmark Philanthropies, he has contributed more than $500 million to causes ranging from cybersecurity education and nonpartisan journalism to support for veterans and military families, hunger relief and even pigeon rescue.

His commitment to protecting democracy and strengthening civic life extends to 92NY, where Craig Newmark Philanthropies supports the Newmark Civic Life Series of Recanati-Kaplan Talks. The series brings leading journalists, scholars and public figures together to explore what holds a democracy together and what threatens to pull it apart.

As Craig puts it:

“You don’t have to be a nerd like me to keep yourself safe online. There are a few simple things that anyone can do to make a big difference.”

His advice? Pause for nine seconds before taking action online.

Nine seconds. A small habit that could save you a world of trouble.

Visit pausetake9.org for free tips, tools and the latest scam alerts. Share what you learn with family and friends. Because when it comes to online safety, a little knowledge, and a moment’s hesitation, can go a long way.