- Stop Sharing Too Much Online
Scammers don’t need to hack you—they often just research you.
Oversharing personal details like your full birthday, home address, vacation plans, or even your pet’s name can give scammers clues to guess passwords or answer security questions. Social media makes it easy for criminals to build a profile on you without your knowledge.
What to do:
Keep your profiles private whenever possible; Avoid posting sensitive details (birthdays, phone numbers, location); Be cautious with quizzes and “fun” posts asking personal questions
The less scammers know about you, the harder it is for them to target you.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords (and a Password Manager)
Using the same password everywhere is like using one key for your house, car, and office—if it’s stolen, everything is exposed.
Scammers use stolen passwords from one breach to access multiple accounts. This is called “credential stuffing,” and it’s extremely common.
What to do:
Use a different password for every account; Make passwords long and complex (at least 12–16 characters); Use a trusted password manager to store them securely; Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible
One weak password can unlock your entire digital life—don’t risk it.
- Think Before You Click
Phishing scams are designed to look urgent, real, and convincing. They often pretend to be from banks, delivery services, or even government agencies.
These messages may say things like “Your account is locked” or “Immediate action required.” Their goal is to make you panic and click before thinking.
What to do:
Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts; Double-check the sender’s email address carefully; Go directly to official websites instead of using links; Be suspicious of urgency or threats
If it feels rushed or alarming, it’s probably a scam.
- Monitor Your Financial Accounts Regularly
Fraud doesn’t always happen all at once—sometimes it starts with small, unnoticed charges.
Checking your accounts regularly helps you catch suspicious activity early before it becomes a bigger problem.
What to do:
Review bank and credit card statements weekly; Set up transaction alerts for unusual activity; Check your credit report regularly; Report anything suspicious immediately
The faster you spot fraud, the easier it is to stop it.
- Don’t Trust Unsolicited Calls or Messages
If someone contacts you out of the blue asking for personal or financial information, that’s a major red flag.
Scammers often pretend to be from tech support, banks, or even government agencies. They may sound professional—but that doesn’t mean they’re legitimate.
What to do:
Never give out personal info to unexpected callers; Hang up and contact the company directly using official info; Be cautious of requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto; Remember: legitimate organizations won’t pressure you like that
When in doubt, don’t engage—verify independently.
6. Stop mailbox fraud at the mailbox
Informed Delivery is a complimentary service offered by the U.S. Postal Service that sends you daily emails with images of your incoming letter-sized mail. It lets you preview what’s on the way, helping you keep track of your deliveries and spot any missing items that could indicate mail theft. Sign up at InformedDelivery.usps.com.
What to do:
Pick up mail as quickly as possible after it’s delivered, and always take your outgoing mail directly to the post office. A hot fraud alert – now scammers stealing checks from mailboxes, erasing the ink and using them to steal from bank accounts.
- Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Offers
Scammers love baiting people with deals, prizes, or opportunities that seem amazing—but aren’t real.
Whether it’s a sudden lottery win, a massive discount, or a “guaranteed” investment return, these offers are designed to lure you in.
What to do:
Be skeptical of unexpected winnings or offers; Research companies or sellers before engaging; Avoid deals that require urgent action or upfront payment; Trust your instincts—if it feels off, it probably is
Real opportunities don’t pressure you or seem unbelievable.
- Freeze or Monitor Your Credit
Identity theft can happen without you even realizing it—until accounts are opened in your name.
A credit freeze can prevent scammers from opening new lines of credit, even if they have your personal information.
What to do:
Consider placing a credit freeze with major credit bureaus; Set up fraud alerts for added protection; Check your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar activity. Many credit card companies provide routine checks for free; if not, go to AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228)
Locking your credit can stop identity theft before it starts.
- Keep Your Software Updated
Outdated apps and systems often have security vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
Updates aren’t just about new features—they often include critical security patches.
What to do:
Enable automatic updates on your devices; Regularly update apps, browsers, and operating systems; Remove software you no longer use
Updates fix the cracks scammers try to slip through.
- Educate Yourself on Common Scams
Scams evolve constantly, but the tactics often follow familiar patterns.
The more you know about how scams work, the easier it is to spot them before they affect you.
What to do:
Stay informed about current scam trends; Learn common tactics like phishing, spoofing, and impersonation; Share knowledge with family and friends—especially older adults
Awareness is one of your strongest defenses.
- Shred Sensitive Documents
Your trash can be a goldmine for scammers.
Bank statements, medical bills, credit card offers, and even shipping labels can contain enough information for identity theft if they’re thrown away intact.
What to do:
Use a cross-cut shredder for sensitive paperwork; Destroy anything with personal or financial information; Opt for paperless statements when possible
If it has your info on it, don’t just toss it—destroy it.
- Limit What You Carry in Your Wallet
Losing your wallet shouldn’t mean losing your identity.
Carrying too much sensitive information—like your Social Security card or multiple credit cards—can make a bad situation much worse if your wallet is lost or stolen.
What to do:
Only carry essential cards; Never carry your Social Security card; Keep a secure record of important numbers at home; Report lost or stolen cards immediately
Less in your wallet means less risk in the wrong hands.
- Verify Before You Send Money
Scammers often create fake emergencies or impersonate people you trust.
They might pretend to be a family member, coworker, or even your boss asking for urgent help—usually involving money.
What to do:
Always verify requests through a second method (call, in person); Be cautious with urgent or emotional requests; Never send money via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto without verification
Pause and confirm—don’t let urgency override caution.
- Be Careful What You Download
Malicious apps and attachments can infect your device and steal your data without you realizing it.
Scammers often disguise malware as harmless files, apps, or even software updates.
What to do:
Only download apps from official app stores; Avoid opening unexpected email attachments; Check reviews and permissions before installing apps
Use antivirus or mobile security tools
One bad download can compromise everything—stay cautious.
15. Secure Your Wi-Fi and Devices
An unprotected network is an open door for scammers.
If your home Wi-Fi or devices aren’t properly secured, hackers can intercept your data, monitor activity, or even access sensitive accounts.
What to do:
Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password; Enable WPA3 (or at least WPA2) encryption; Keep your router firmware updated; Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi; Use a VPN when on shared networks
A secure connection is your first line of defense.
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