Donating to worthy causes is a wonderful way to make the world a better place. Whether it’s helping with the aftermath of a natural disaster, assisting the sick, or another cause close to your heart, you want to ensure your contributions are going where you intend. Unfortunately, scammers are always on the lookout to profit off other’s misfortune.  Charity scams are especially disheartening because they manipulate the emotions of others for profit. Luckily, spotting these fraud attempts can become easy with proper knowledge and a bit of research. The following guide will shed light on ways to ensure your donations…

It seems like every day a new scam emerges as fraudsters attempt to separate you from your hard-earned money. While many of these ploys are extravagant and convincing, that doesn’t stop fraudsters from returning to their old tricks as well. That’s what is happening now as the “Say Yes” scam regains popularity.   The sole purpose of this telephone scam is to get you to say the word “Yes.” It’s simple, seems harmless, and catches people off guard. The best way to protect yourself from this trick is to understand how it works.   How the “Say Yes” Scam Works  The “Say…

Nowadays, it seems like a day doesn’t go by without someone trying to lure you into a scam. Whether through text messages, social media, robocalls, or email, fraudsters always work overtime. And just when you think you know all their moves, a new ploy lands on your lap.   Countless people fall victim to fraud annually. Your best defense to avoid these traps is to stay informed on how they operate. Today, we’re sharing four popular phishing scams guaranteed to land in your email inbox and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.  What is Phishing?  Phishing is a…

Every day, technology becomes more prevalent in people’s lives. From working and traveling to shopping and socializing, it seems people are always connected today. But this nonstop reliance on our devices also creates a haven for fraudsters.  While online scams have been around for ages, new technologies bring additional means for fraudsters to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Scammers have even gone to such lengths as impersonating government officials or creating fraudulent marketplaces allowing them to capture your financial information.   The best way to protect yourself from becoming a fraud or identity theft victim is to understand how these scams…

Keeping passwords strong and secure these days is about as easy as tightrope walking over a pool of hungry great white sharks. Updating passwords frequently and making them complex is difficult, but it’s essential to keeping hackers and fraudsters at bay.   Fraud Awareness Week is a great time to evaluate your financial security and risk. Fraud costs billions of dollars in damage to companies, governments, and individuals each year. It can dramatically affect your life, result in the loss of your savings and investments, cause a strain on your financial resources, or worse.  Strong passwords are crucial when it comes…

Nowadays, everyone in the family is using technology – from kids to grandparents. These convenient digital tools instantly connect everyone and everything, from friends and family to financial accounts and shopping. Unfortunately, they also open the door to fraudsters. It’s more important now than ever to educate your family about online safety and how to avoid becoming a victim of the latest scam.   Essential Online Security Tips  Begin by reviewing your current online practices. There are simple steps you can take to safeguard your accounts and daily activities against scammers.   Creating Passwords: When creating passwords for any online account,…

If you or your children have student loans, you’re probably excited about August 24, 2022 the announcement of the new student loan debt forgiveness plan. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plans to announce details within the next few weeks on how borrowers can claim their share of the student loan debt relief.   Meanwhile, student loan borrowers aren’t sure exactly what to do next to receive the relief —and scammers will be rising to the occasion, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB recommends the following tips for avoiding student loan forgiveness scams:  Don’t act before knowing…

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is important as it raises awareness for senior citizens who may be unable to advocate for themselves.   5 FACTS ABOUT ELDER ABUSE   Elder abuse instances…

While fraud can occur at any time of the year, unfortunately, it becomes more popular during the holidays. This could be due to the hustle and bustle of the season and the fact that more people are shopping, especially online.   Here is a list of the most common holiday fraud schemes with tips on how to protect yourself.   3 Common Holiday Fraud Methods & Scams  Here are some of the most common holiday frauds and scams:   Skimming is carried out by using electronic devices to secretly scan and store debit card and credit card PINs and numbers. This tactic is commonly used on fuel pumps at gas stations.  SMiShing (SMS phishing) is…