Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but knowing what to look for can help you protect your personal information and financial security.
At a recent Landaas & Company seminar, we discussed how scammers use information gathered online, along with fear, urgency and trust, to convince people to act before they have time to think. Their stories can be remarkably convincing, and they often coach their targets on what to say to avoid raising suspicion.
One of the biggest warning signs is pressure to act quickly. A caller may claim a loved one is in trouble, threaten legal consequences, or insist you move money to protect your accounts. They may even instruct you to lie about the purpose of a withdrawal. Before sending money or sharing personal information, pause and verify the situation.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself.
- Verify unexpected contact. Let unfamiliar calls go to voicemail, and don’t open unexpected email attachments without confirming they’re legitimate.
- Contact organizations independently. If someone claims to represent a government agency or financial institution, use a phone number or website you find yourself — not contact information they provide.
- Use a password manager. Unique, complex passwords help protect your accounts. A password manager may also warn you when you’re visiting a website it doesn’t recognize.
- Create a family code word. Agree on a secret word or phrase with loved ones to help verify their identity during an emergency.
- Reach out for help. If you believe your personal or banking information has been compromised, contact the appropriate institution promptly.
At Landaas, we may ask questions about the purpose of a withdrawal to help identify potential fraud. These questions aren’t about judging how you spend your money; they’re about protecting you. If something seems suspicious or you think your information may be compromised, please let us know. We have tools available to help protect your accounts with us.
We’re Here to Help
Scammers can target anyone, regardless of intelligence or experience. There is never a reason to feel ashamed if you’ve been targeted or fallen victim to a scam. What matters is taking steps to protect yourself and knowing where to turn for help.
Landaas is a family business, and caring for our clients is at the heart of what we do. Your money represents years of hard work and the life you’ve built. We want you to feel comfortable reaching out if something doesn’t seem right.
Our commitment is simple: We’re here to help, without judgment. We deeply value your trust and want to help you protect your financial future.
To learn more about staying safe online and protecting yourself from scams, visit our Fraud Resources page.