Here are some ways to protect yourself from scams:
Have the right settings on your email and calendars2
Protect your computer by using security software. Set the software to update automatically so it will deal with any new security threats3
Protect your cell phone by setting software to update automatically. These updates could give you critical protection against security threats3
Remove your credit card number and information from restaurant delivery and retail store sites4
A recent Time Magazine article,"Why Mail Theft is On the Rise", reports that there has been an increase in theft and other forms of fraudulent activity related to paper checks and mail. The article notes that the Government Accountability Office has seen cases double between 2019 and 2023.
A similar article from the AARP notes that finding alternatives to paper checks, such as cash transfer apps or direct deposit, offers protection against someone physically stealing your mail. Another suggestion is to use permanent ink to prevent paper checks from being rewritten or "washed" by criminals.
Ignore unexpected calls about loans you didn’t apply for
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Job scammers are looking to hire you
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The USPS has taken action to thwart potential robbers, and they suggest some things you can do to prevent these crimes' impact. Click here to view them.
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That random text offering you a job? It’s probably a scam
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Only scammers tell you to buy a gift card to pay them
Hang up on unwanted calls about loans
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Is that gift card helping your congregation or paying a scammer?
Did you get a call or email saying you missed jury duty and need to pay? It’s a scam
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Don’t send your Social Security number to an “employer” on WhatsApp. It’s a scam
Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer
Got a barcode from your utility company to make a payment? That’s a scam
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Got a call about fraud activity on your bank account? It could be a scammer
Does a friend you met online need money for an emergency? That’s a scam
Contacted about long-lost relative’s life insurance policy or an inheritance? It’s a scam
Can you spot an investment scam?
Avoid the Temptation of Smishing Scams Most people are aware of phishing – or email scams – but they may not realize scammers can also target them with deceptive text messages sent to their smart devices. It's called "smishing": a mashup of SMS – for "short message service" – and phishing.
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Free money on social media? Nah. It’s a scam
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Read CLARK'S guide on how to handle a random text message.
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Will your bank or investment fund stop a transfer to a scammer? Probably not
Use AARP’s Scam-Tracking Map to find the latest scams in your area and report fraudulent activity to warn others.
Never move your money to “protect it.” That’s a scam
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Tap into the AARP Fraud Watch Network for tools and valuable resources designed to help keep you safe and provide support, if you need it.
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1, 2, 3 videos to help you stop unwanted calls | FTC Consumer Information
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Scam spotter: Bad news out of the blue? News too good to be true? No matter the scheme, we can apply the three golden rules to spot the scam.
If you want to shop online from, say, Walmart, go directly to the retailer's website — and watch out for misspellings, which could send you right into the hands of cyberthieves. When you get to the checkout page, look at your browser to make sure the web address starts with “https” and includes a lock icon. You can get more tips on protecting yourself and information on the latest scams from AARP and the Better Business Bureau.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) in the US has launched a handy Scam Tracker that makes it easy for US residents to stay informed about scams that may be occurring in their area. The tracker allows you to click on your state via an interactive map and review a list of common scams. You can then click on items within the list to read more information about a particular scam.
Get scam alerts via email by checking here
Scams in online sales: when orders don’t arrive
Learn how check scams work and don’t get caught at www.fakechecks.org. Go also to www.scambusters.com or for information. Beware of any offer that asks for money upfront or for personal information which is a big red flag. Even better… do business with local people to avoid scam attempts.
Scam Adviser is a FREE website allowing people to quickly check a website they are about to buy something from. Allowing online shoppers to find out those facts they really should know before using their credit cards.
Find out if you get an e-mail that could be a scam or an unbelievable tale by going to www.snopes.com, www.museumofhoaxes.com or www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
SEC Investor Alert: Beware of False or Exaggerated Credentials
10 Common Ways Seniors Get Scammed | Money Talks News
In order to attract unsuspecting investors and gain their trust, fraudsters may boast about credentials they do not have. They may fabricate, exaggerate, or hide facts about their backgrounds to portray themselves as successful professionals and to make you believe that the investments they offer are legitimate. Others may repeat these misrepresentations and contribute – perhaps unintentionally – to a fraudster’s false reputation of success and professional accomplishment.
Submit a complaint - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau you can submit a complain
about applying for a mortgage, being approved or denied credit, understanding the loan, making payments,
signing the agreement, ... or you can call at 1-855-411-CFPB in multiple languages
FCC Complaints: gives consumers the opportunity to file informal complaints about problems with
the communications services that the FCC regulates. Complaints can be filed through the FCC’s
Consumer Help Center, which educates consumers about communications issues and guides them through the complaint process.
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Common types of scams and sharing what you know can help protect someone who you know from a scam.
You are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your financial information from fraud or theft. The Spotting red flags and Protecting your identity handouts from our Your Money, Your Goals financial empowerment toolkit can help you and those you serve be proactive about keeping your information safe.
Protect Yourself From Tax Fraud: Each year, thousands of people lose millions of dollars to tax scams. Scams take many shapes and forms, like phone calls, letters, or emails from Internal Revenue Service (IRS) impersonators. They claim a need to verify your personal information or use threats to bully you into paying a fabricated tax bill. They may even threaten to have you arrested if you do not pay up. Don’t fall victim to these tactics. Keep the following tips in mind:
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information.
Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report a phone scam at 1-800-366-4484 or online at the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting web page.
The IRS will not threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have you arrested for not payi