ID Theft Check-Up: Protect Yourself Against Common Scams

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread. Scammers prey on trust, fear, and urgency, targeting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Being informed about current scams and taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones is vital. At Servion, we are committed to supporting your financial well-being by offering guidance and tools to help you stay secure.

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams typically involve emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to come from legitimate organizations. These scams aim to trick you into providing personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security details.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the sender’s email address and watch for generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
• Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited messages.
• Contact the company directly through official channels to confirm the authenticity of any communication.

2. Tech Support Scams

Scammers may pose as representatives from well-known tech companies, claiming your computer is infected with a virus. They’ll pressure you to grant them remote access or pay for unnecessary software.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups.
• Never give remote access to your computer unless you initiated contact with a trusted provider.
• Install and regularly update antivirus software.

3. Impersonation Scams

These scams often target older adults and involve someone posing as a family member in distress or a government official demanding immediate payment.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify the caller’s identity by asking questions only the real person would know.
• Hang up and contact the person directly using a known phone number.
• Remember that government agencies like the IRS will not demand immediate payment over the phone.

4. Online Shopping Scams

With the rise of e-commerce, fake websites and fraudulent sellers have become more common. Scammers may lure victims with too-good-to-be-true deals or fail to deliver purchased items.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Shop only on secure websites (look for “https” and a padlock icon in the URL).
• Read reviews and research the seller before making a purchase.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards for added fraud protection.

5. Investment Scams

Investment scams promise high returns with little to no risk. These may include Ponzi schemes, fake cryptocurrency opportunities, or fraudulent stock tips.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities.
• Research thoroughly before investing and consult a financial advisor.
• Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Romance Scams

Romance scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, building emotional connections with their victims before requesting money for emergencies or travel.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of individuals who profess love quickly or avoid meeting in person.
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met face-to-face.
• Use reverse image searches to verify profile photos.

7. Lottery and Prize Scams

You receive a message claiming you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes, but you must pay a fee to claim your prize.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Remember, legitimate lotteries don’t ask for upfront payments.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited messages about winnings.
• Report such scams to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

8. Charity Scams

Scammers exploit goodwill, especially during disasters or holidays, by posing as charitable organizations.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research charities before donating at websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
• Avoid donating through unsolicited calls or emails.
• Use official channels to make contributions.

General Tips to Stay Safe

• Educate Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Share information about scams with family and friends, particularly older adults who may be more vulnerable.
• Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
• Be Skeptical: Trust your instincts. If something feels off, take time to verify before acting.
• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or your local consumer protection agency.

Servion’s Commitment to Your Security

At Servion, protecting your financial health is our priority. While we’re here to support you with tools and personalized advice, there are also a variety of public resources available to help you stay informed and secure. Organizations like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and local consumer protection agencies offer valuable guidance on recognizing and reporting scams. Together, we can work to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and informed.