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.
It starts with your phone ringing — the most prevalent tax scam making the rounds this year. The caller claims to be from the IRS and demands your money NOW. Don’t think you’re the only one singled out for this tactic; aggressive, threatening phone scams occur regularly across the country. But, scamming also happens via email, U.S. mail or in person.
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.
Fraudsters are always looking for ways to separate you from your hard-earned money. One place where you may be most vulnerable is at the gas station, especially during the upcoming travel season. That’s because thieves install skimming devices on gas pumps that steal your credit or debit card information. They then sell the data, make fraudulent cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, or buy merchandise that they can sell.
It’s great to have the convenience of person-to-person (P2P) payment services, but any time there’s money involved, you can be sure fraudsters are not far behind. That’s why it’s important to know how to use them wisely.
If you use a cellphone or have an email account, you’ve almost certainly been exposed to an attempt at mass marketing fraud. 
Now more than ever, it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to keeping your finances secure. When Equifax recently had a data breach, 143 million people discovered that their personal information including birthdates, Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses and addresses had been compromised, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft. After the breach, experts recommended consumers combat this exposure by stepping up their security measures. Here are some options to consider if you’re worried about identity theft.
With fraud and identity theft on the rise, there are easy ways to protect your financial information and identity. Here are five tips to keep top of mind.
