By Guest Contributor

As we begin 2025, it’s important to remember that scammers always find new ways to trick you out of your hard-earned money. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Here are some key steps you should take to protect yourself this year:

1. Keep Personal Information Private

  • Never share sensitive details like Social Security numbers, passwords, or bank account information unless you know who you’re dealing with.
  • Be extra cautious when sharing personal information online, especially on social media.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

  • Create alpha-numeric passwords that are at least 12 characters long but ideally should be 14-16 in length (avoid names, birthdays, or common phrases).
  • Consider using a password manager to keep track of your logins securely.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security on accounts.

3. Be Wary of Unsolicited Communication

  • If you receive unexpected calls, emails or texts, don’t respond. Scammers often pose as trusted sources like government agencies, banks, or loved ones.
  • Always verify the authenticity of any message by contacting the organization or person directly using a known phone number or email address.
  • Never use the contact information or links within the message

4. Recognize “Too Good to Be True” Offers

  • Be skeptical of deals that promise large sums of money or exclusive prizes. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
  • Research unfamiliar companies or offers before making any decisions. Check for reviews and complaints and verify their legitimacy.

5. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

  • Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Many banks and credit card companies offer free fraud alerts.
  • Set up transaction notifications to stay informed of any unusual activity.

6. Stay Updated on the Latest Scams

  • Scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Stay informed by visiting trusted resources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website or other consumer protection organizations.
  • Be aware of the newest scams and variations of older scams.

7. Trust Your Instincts

  • If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers use pressure tactics like urgency and threats to emotionally manipulate victims.
  • Take a step back, ask for advice and never feel pressured to make immediate decisions.

8. Report Suspicious Activity

  • If you suspect a scam or fraud attempt, report it immediately to local authorities or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Reporting helps protect others and can assist in stopping scammers from targeting more victims.

Source: AgeWell Middle Tennessee