Podcast Summary
Even experts can fall for scams: Stay informed, never share sensitive info, and report fraud to protect yourself from scams.
No one is immune to scams, not even those who study them. As Kelly Richmond Pope, a forensic accounting professor, learned the hard way when she was scammed out of tickets to a Bruno Mars concert. Scammers are constantly evolving and looking for new ways to steal your money and personal information. In fact, in 2022, an estimated $8.8 billion was lost to fraud. Amy Nafsiger, a certified fraud examiner and the director of fraud victim support with AARP, emphasizes that scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age, education, or profession. To protect yourself, it's important to be aware of the red flags and proactively take steps to secure your information. Stay informed about the latest scams and scam methods, and never share sensitive information over the phone or email. If you do fall victim to fraud or identity theft, report it immediately and take steps to mitigate the damage. Remember, being vigilant and informed is the best defense against scams.
Be aware of potential scams and protect yourself: Stay informed about scams and double-check authenticity of unsolicited messages or requests for personal info. Use secure payment methods and be cautious online.
Anyone can fall victim to scams, regardless of age or financial situation. Scammers are constantly evolving and finding new ways to steal money and personal information. From fake scholarships and job offers to cryptocurrency investment scams, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect yourself. Always double-check the authenticity of any unsolicited messages or requests for personal information. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Additionally, consider using tools like Apple Card for secure and rewarding purchases, and be cautious when engaging in online activities, especially those involving financial transactions. Stay informed and stay safe.
Learn the red flags of scams and protect yourself: Be cautious of unsolicited requests for payment or personal info, especially if using unconventional methods like Venmo or Cash App. Verify information independently and avoid reacting to emotions or urgency.
Scams come in various forms, including crypto scams and imposter scams, which can be sophisticated and emotionally manipulative. To protect yourself, learn the red flags of a scam. If someone contacts you, especially if they ask for payment or personal information, or use methods like Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or request cash from an ATM or ship something, be cautious. Scammers often try to trigger emotions like fear or urgency to make you act impulsively. If you feel your emotions rising or sense urgency, hang up, delete the email, and verify the information independently. The IRS typically contacts taxpayers through snail mail, and be wary of unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS. Remember, the government does not ask for payment via Venmo or other peer-to-peer apps. Stay informed and stay safe.
Be cautious when interacting with strangers: Verify identities and offers through multiple sources, beware of unsolicited calls, protect your digital devices, and proactively take precautions to avoid scams and fraud.
You should be cautious when interacting with strangers, whether in person or online. Treat every unsolicited offer or request with skepticism. If someone approaches you with a supposed investment opportunity or a request for personal information, step back and verify their identity and the legitimacy of the offer through multiple sources. You should also be wary of unsolicited phone calls, even if they claim to be from your bank or a government agency. Always use the contact information provided on your account statements or official websites to ensure that you're dealing with the real organization. Lastly, be mindful of your digital devices and protect them from scammers. If someone asks to borrow your phone, put it on speaker and dial the number yourself. Sign out of any website or app that contains sensitive information before handing over your device. Proactively taking these precautions can help protect you from scams and fraud.
Protecting Yourself from Scams and Fraud: Silence or block unknown calls, check bank accounts regularly, use credit cards, request free credit reports, or freeze credit to prevent identity theft and safeguard financial security
Protecting yourself from scams and fraud requires proactive measures. Amy suggests silencing or blocking unknown calls on your phone, and being cautious about what information you share online. Kelly advises regularly checking your bank accounts for fraud and using credit cards instead of debit cards. You can also request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year or freeze your credit to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened. Freezing your children's credit is also an option to protect them from identity theft. By implementing these steps, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability to scams and fraud. Remember, being vigilant and taking precautions are key to safeguarding your financial security.
Stay Informed and Vigilant Against Scams: Stay informed about scams, report them, protect yourself, and remember you're not alone. Check bank/credit reports, freeze credit, use credit cards, and be aware of red flags like requests for money/info, urgency, and specific locations.
No one is immune to scams and fraud, regardless of age, income, or technological savvy. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and it's essential to stay informed and vigilant. If you do fall victim to a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities and seek guidance on recovery steps. Be kind to yourself and understand that you're not alone. Red flags of scams include requests for money or personal information, urgency, and asking you to go to specific locations. Proactively protect yourself by checking your bank and credit reports, freezing your credit, and using credit cards instead of debit cards. Remember, reporting scams helps raise awareness and understanding of their prevalence and impact. For more information on boosting your credit score and cooking soup, check out NPR's LIFE KIT podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips and resources.
Sharing Ideas and Feedback with LIFE KIT: Listening to LIFE KIT and sharing ideas or feedback can help improve the show for everyone.
Learning from this episode of LIFE KIT is the importance of sharing your ideas and feedback. The LIFE KIT team encourages listeners to email them at lifekit@npr.org with any episode ideas or feedback they may have. This episode was produced by a team of dedicated individuals, and engineering support was provided by Becky Brown. A special thanks was given to David Myman and Marty De Lima. Additionally, NPR sponsors were acknowledged. Charles Schwab's original podcast, Choiceology, was mentioned, which explores the psychology and economics behind people's decisions. Nobel laureates, authors, athletes, and more share true stories about why people do the things they do. You can download the latest episode and subscribe at Schwab.com/podcast or wherever you listen. Framebridge, another NPR sponsor, was also highlighted. They offer custom framing for just about anything, making it easy to save memories like tickets, souvenirs, or even original artwork. Order online or visit one of their retail locations for expert help and a curated selection of frame styles. With fast service and free shipping, Framebridge has been trusted to frame over 2,000,000 pieces. Visit framebridge.com or a local Framebridge store to custom frame just about anything.
