You’re not the only one kicking things into high gear this time of year. “Naughty elves” are heating up their efforts to steal private financial data from unsuspecting shoppers by masquerading as trusted companies. The criminals behind these schemes are using tactics to trick consumers into gifting them bank account credentials, credit card details and other sensitive information.
Mobile banking and shopping are on the rise, and now there are plenty of resources to help you become more mindful of your spending and saving habits, which can really help when you’re trying to create financial security.
You’re closely following guidelines to protect you and your family’s health against COVID-19. But it’s important to protect your financial health as well. Here are five tips to keep your financial and personal information safe from scammers, both online and off. Continue reading
The majority of Americans are growing more concerned about how companies and the government collect and use their personal information, according to a recent survey by Pew Research Center. Eight in 10 consumers believe that the potential risks of data collection overshadow any potential benefits.
This sentiment is not surprising, given the data breaches that have occurred over the last few years. To increase individuals’ privacy rights, legislators passed the California Consumer Privacy Act bill (CCPA) in 2018. The law became effective Jan. 1, although enforcement begins July 1, 2020. This will give companies adequate time to comply with CCPA requirements. It’s likely that other states will follow California’s lead with their own privacy laws in the near future. Continue reading
As fraudsters become more sophisticated, they find more ways to separate consumers from their hard-earned cash. One of the ways they’re making inroads is via a caller ID “spoofing” scheme pretending to be a representative from the Social Security Administration. Other scams use email or snail mail. There are variations of all these tricks, but the goal is the same – to steal your money, identity or both. Here are just a few to guard against.
Secure Transactions: Choose the Right Way to Pay 
There are plenty of options to manage your money that are convenient, some more secure than others. When transacting, which option do you choose?For instance, should you use a credit card when shopping online, or is a debit card OK? Should you use a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app to pay rent or purchasing something? Is it safe to use your debit card with a PIN at the gas station?
If you don’t know the answers, here are some tips to help you stay safe.
Technology is great, but with the rewards come the risks. Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission to help you stay safe online.
If you are a college-bound student or the parent of one, you know computers and mobile devices are must-have tools for academic and social activities. But do you know the best ways to stay safe surfing, shopping, banking and socializing online?
Study these tips to keep your personal information personal and protect your stuff while you’re away from home.
By Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach®
With so many data breaches occurring, it might be a good idea to freeze your credit reports to help fend off identity thieves. A credit freeze locks access to your credit, so even if crooks get ahold of your Social Security number, they won’t be able to open any fraudulent accounts because the credit freeze prevents it.
Tax scams don’t all look the same, but they are all intended to steal your money. Most fall into one of several categories of illicit acts, including phone scams, phishing and tax provider scams. Help yourself avoid these scams by knowing what kinds are out there and taking steps to keep your money safe.
