Scam and Fraud Information

In today’s digital age, email and phone scams have become increasingly common and sophisticated. Scammers use various tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, or to convince them to send money or gift cards. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost over $3.3 billion to phishing scams in 2022 alone. To protect yourself from these types of scams, it’s essential to be aware of the common tactics used by scammers and to take simple steps to secure your personal and financial information. By being vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to email and phone scams.

Simple Steps to Avoid Email and Phone Scams

To protect yourself from email and phone scams, follow these simple steps:

• Verify the Source: Be cautious of emails or calls from unknown sources. Scammers often pretend to be from reputable companies or organizations. Verify the authenticity of the email. This can usually be done by hovering your cursor over senter’s name while the eail is still in your invox or by clicking the down arrow at the end of the “to” line after the email is open. You could alos call or contact the copany directly using a phone number of email address you know is legitimate.
  
• Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt you into taking action. Never respond to emails or remain on calls that demand immediate attention or action.
  
• Watch for Spelling and Grammar Mistakes: Legitimate companies proofread – no spelling or grammar errors. Scammers often misspell words in their emails.
  
• Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources (or emails with “Hi There” kind of subjects from acquaintances whose emails may have been hacked). These links usually lead to phishing websites (sites that want your personal information) or they download malware onto your device.
  
• Never Provide Personal or Financial Information: If an email or phone call requests information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, delete the email or hang up the phone.
  
• Use Two-Factor Authentication: Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on your accounts
  to add an extra layer of security, for instance in addition to a password, a code emailed or texted to you.
  
• Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Keep your operating system, browser, and other software up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
  
• Use a Reputable Security Software: Install and regularly update reputable security software to protect against malware and other online threats
  
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
  
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local police department.

Additional Tips for Phone Scams

• Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers: Check your Caller ID before answering calls. Let unknown callers go to voicemail.
  
• Hang Up on Suspicious Calls: If you answer a call and it seems suspicious, hang up immediately.
  
• Don’t Press Any Buttons: Scammers may ask you to press a button to opt out of a call or to speak with a representative – this can lead to more scams.
  

Additional Tips for Email Scams

• Generic Greetings: Emails starting with “Dear Customer” or “Dear Sir/Madam” without a personalized name are red flags. 
  
• Never Respond to Spam Emails: Never respond to spam emails, as this can confirm to scammers that your email address is active.
  
• Mark Emails as Spam: Mark suspicious emails as spam to help your email provider improve its filtering.
  

Additional Tips for Seniors

• Be Cautious of Grandparent Scams: Scammers may pose as a grandchild or other family member in need of money. Verify the identity of the person calling or emailing before sending any money.
  
• Don’t be deceived by Medicare Scams: Scammers may pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal or financial information. Remember that Medicare will NEVER call or email to ask for sensitive information.
  
• Use a Trusted Contact: Consider having a trusted contact, such as a family member or friend, to help you manage your finances and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
  
• Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date on the latest scams targeting seniors by visiting websites such as the National Council on Aging or the Federal Trade Commission (These and other links below).
  
• Consider Enlisting Help: If you’re not comfortable managing your online presence or monitoring your accounts, consider enlisting the help of a trusted professional or a senior-focused organization.  
  

Additional Resources

Updated February 20, 2025