How to Protect Yourself from Financial Scams
How to Protect Yourself from Financial Scams Financial scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting people of all ages and income levels through phone calls, texts, emails, social media, and even fake websites. Scammers prey on fear, urgency, and trust—so staying informed and vigilant is your best defense. Protecting yourself starts with awareness and ends with smart habits that keep your money and personal information safe. Recognize Common Scam Tactics Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a false sense of urgency. They may claim you’ve won a prize (but need to pay a “fee” to claim it), that your Social Security number has been suspended, or that a grandchild is in trouble and needs money immediately. Government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration will never demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—and they won’t threaten arrest over the phone. Never Share Sensitive Information Unsolicited Legitimate companies and g...