7 Red Flags That Will Help You Avoid Financial Scammers

7 Red Flags That Will Help You Avoid Financial Scammers

August 20, 2024   Written by  Cynthia Measom  Money / Financial Planning

You can’t be too protective of your money and personal information. Financial scams are running rampant.

According to our recent “Keep Your Money Safe” survey, when victims of financial scams were asked what type of scam they had experienced, 27% said they had been the victim of phone scams (robocalls, texts, false impersonators, bots).

Additionally, 11% said they were victims of money transfer or mobile payment service scams — 20% on Cash App and 17% on PayPal. Online shopping and phishing scams were also common, with 25% of respondents claiming to have been scammed on Facebook and 13% on Instagram.

Here are the red flags you should look for to help you avoid financial scammers.

Unknown Sender

Approximately 34% of respondents to the GOBankingRates survey said that receiving communication from an unknown sender is what tips them off most regarding a potential scam.

Todd Redding, founder of Probity Investigations, said that scammers often initiate contact through unexpected emails, phone calls or messages.

“These unsolicited communications frequently request personal information or prompt urgent actions,” he said. “It is crucial to be cautious when receiving such contact, especially if it comes from unknown sources. Always verify the authenticity of the sender or caller before providing any personal details.”

Misspelled Words or Bad Grammar

Receiving communication that is written poorly or contains bad grammar is another red flag that 14% of respondents said tips them off to a scam.

Ryan McEachron, a security and risk management expert and CEO of ISU Insurance Service ARMAC Agency, said that unprofessional communication with typos, grammar issues or an inconsistent story indicates a scam.

“Legitimate companies have skilled communicators and consistent, transparent messaging,” he explained. “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts — if an offer makes you feel uncertain or uncomfortable, pass on it.”

Approximately 12% of survey respondents cited a strange email address or phone number as a tip that something is amiss.

Mark Shyani, lawyer and managing attorney at Pacific Attorney Group, said that he’s seen many red flags, but one that stands out to him is the “referral from trusted source” scam.

“In this scam, criminals pretend to be someone you know — often an esteemed colleague or long-time client — who wants to send a client or opportunity your way,” he said. “They do this because they understand that people are more likely to take notice of referrals made by people they trust.”

Shyani continued, “Once, when I was running my practice, I got an email, apparently from a prominent lawyer who was referring a big case to me. It looked legitimate; everything about it mirrored this attorney’s typical messages, right down to the sign-off. However, certain things seemed slightly off: The email address had been changed subtly, and the sender requested an upfront ‘referral fee,’ which struck me as strange.”

He concluded, “This scam’s ability to exploit preexisting trust and professional relationships makes it so dangerous. To avoid being duped by it yourself, make sure you cross-check every referral with your trusted source directly using other means of communication (like calling them on the phone) before taking action.”

Requests for Specific Information or Specific Amounts of Money

Around 9% of survey respondents said that if someone requested specific information or specific amounts of money, they would suspect a scam.

TO READ MORE:   LINK  

6 Top Ways You Can Keep Your Checking Account Safe

I’m a Bank Teller: 6 Top Ways You Can Keep Your Checking Account Safe

November 7, 2024 Written by Sean Bryant

According to a 2023 study by the American Banking Association, only 9% of people still take care of their banking needs in a physical brand location. Instead, they’re relying on the accessibility of online banking and banking apps. Another study by Chase found that 87% of Americans use their banking app at least once per month.

However, with the rise of online and mobile banking also comes an increase in cybercrime. According to the FBI, over $4 billion was lost to cyber criminals in 2020 alone. This means it’s more crucial than ever to make sure you’re protecting yourself and your money.

“I’ve talked to so many customers that can’t tell me the last time they actually looked through their bank statement,” said Nicole W., teller at Chase Bank. “They come in because they noticed an error in their account from months ago, but they’re just now noticing something’s wrong.”

Keep reading to learn what Nicole recommends anyone utilizing online or mobile banking to do so they can keep their accounts safe.

Use a Strong Password

One of the worst things you can do is have a weak password. The last thing you want is to use a password like 111111 or 123456. This is going to make it much easier for criminals to gain access to your accounts.

“Use random passwords for each of your online accounts,” Nicole said. “If possible, never use the same password for more than one account. I would also suggest making it as long and as strong as possible. Use lower and upper case letters, numbers and special characters.”

If you’re using different passwords for each online account, it can get difficult to remember each of them. While you could write them down and store them in a safe place in your home, there are also several online password storage vaults available. Nicole frequently recommends 1password.com to friends and family.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Even if you have a strong password, there’s always a chance that hackers can gain access. That’s why many organizations are now using two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to your bank account.

“If you’re offered the ability to use two-factor authentication, do so,” said Nicole. “How this works is you will have your password as the first layer of defense, and then you will have a special code sent to your phone number. While someone may be able to hack your password, it will be much more difficult to get the special code sent, as well.”

Be Cautious of What You’re Clicking Online

According to Security magazine, 1.76 billion phishing emails were sent in 2023, which was an increase of 51% over the previous year. Cyber criminals will go to great lengths to be able to uncover your sensitive information.

TO READ MORE: LINK

Thanks to Fraud, Big Banks Might Not Let You Make Your Normal Mobile Deposit

Thanks to Fraud, Big Banks Might Not Let You Make Your Normal Mobile Deposit

Chris Ozarowski   Thu, November 7, 2024  GOBankingRates

Do you use mobile check deposits to put your paycheck into your bank account? If so, you may be forced to change your habits in the future. Due to a wave of mobile check scams, Fidelity Investments has begun to limit some check deposit features, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Other organizations that have been similarly affected may soon follow suit.

If you’re worried about financial scams, learn the red flags you should look out for to protect your money.

Check Fraud at Financial Institutions

Fidelity Investments is provides investment products and stock trading services to millions of customers. If you’re an American with a 401(k) or individual retirement account, there’s a good chance that you’re a Fidelity customer.

Until recently, customers with a Fidelity cash management account — similar to a checking account — could deposit paper checks by taking a photo of the check through the Fidelity mobile app. While the checks usually took two to six days to clear, customers were able to access a portion of the money right away, before the check was verified. This is what the fraudsters took advantage of.

By advertising a get-rich-quick scheme on social media, the scammers were able to convince some users to open Fidelity accounts and give them the log-in details, according to The Wall Street Journal. The scammers then took photos of fake checks and sent whatever money they could to their own accounts. They were able to convince the owners of the accounts to hand over their Fidelity credentials by telling them that they would receive a share of the ill-gotten gains.

The mechanism was similar to the “Chase Bank Money Glitch,” which went viral on social media. In both cases, users deposited fake checks through the mobile app or online portal and were able to move a portion of the funds before the checks were verified.

It’s worth noting that Chase is now filing lawsuits against customers who took advantage of this strategy.

How These Scams Work — Is Your Money at Risk?

In cases like these, the owner of the account, whose name and Social Security number were used to deposit the fake checks, is likely to be the one who suffers the consequences. The fraudsters will simply move on to another victim, or “money mule” as the Federal Bureau of Investigation calls them.

Getting access to another person’s account is a common method used for similar illegal activities, such as money laundering and wire fraud. Through social media, fraudsters find users who want to make some money and offer them a percentage of the potential gains for access to their bank account.

TO READ MORE:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/thanks-fraud-big-banks-might-200011542.html

The Biggest Red Flag of All When It Comes to Money and Relationships

Ramit Sethi Says This Is The Biggest Red Flag of All When It Comes to Money and Relationships

Mary Green  Wed, November 6, 2024   GOBankingRates

Most people look for a romantic partner who shares their financial values and has similar life goals, whether that means living a life of luxury or embracing a minimalist existence. Incompatibility in these areas is often a deal breaker or “red flag.”

Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi says there is an even bigger red flag that people tend to overlook. The number one financial red flag isn’t having different values — it’s being unable to talk about money at all.

“If your partner simply will not talk about money, you have a huge problem,” Sethi explained in an interview on Instagram.

Many people get uncomfortable when it’s time to talk about money. Fortunately, there are some tried and true ways to get better at having those important conversations.

Couples Should Talk About Finances Frequently

Sethi stressed that it’s OK to have different values and approaches to dealing with money, but it is essential to talk to your partner about it.

Not only that, but talking about money shouldn’t be a one-time event. Ideally, “we want to have lots of conversations about money,” Sethi said.

If your partner refuses to talk about money, they’re not just avoiding one big conversation. They’re avoiding an ongoing dialogue that should be a regular part of your shared life.

Therapists agree that couples must be able to talk effectively about money, according to Choosing Therapy. Issues like income levels and spending habits may be important, but they’re not as important as the ability to discuss finances. Transparency and openness about money are very important for your relationship.

Talking to Financially ‘Avoidant’ People

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/ramit-sethi-says-biggest-red-160117330.html

4 Money Mistakes the Wealthy Never Make

4 Money Mistakes the Wealthy Never Make

Adam Palasciano  Thu, November 7, 2024 GOBankingRates 

It should come as no surprise that wealthy people — or people striving to join them — are constantly paying close attention to the economy, legislation and various markets. They are also always analyzing how these factors can and will affect their finances.

Here are four financial mistakes the wealthy never make whether times are tough or relatively smooth sailing.

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Not Speaking With a Financial Advisor

The wealthy understand the importance of careful financial planning and management. That’s why they always consult with a financial advisor ahead of a potential political or economic shifts.

An experienced professional can help you navigate the ins and outs of complicated tax laws and help you make the smartest financial decisions — so you can keep more of your money.

Not Diversifying Their Portfolios

Diversification is key when it comes to a well-balanced portfolio. This is especially true when there’s about to be a new president.

A new administration may have positive impacts on some of your investments, while it may adversely impact other parts of your portfolio. Ensuring a healthy and strategic investment mix is crucial to hedge against financial loss.

TO READ MORE:  https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/news/4-money-mistakes-wealthy-never-150010520.html

9 Ingenious Places To Hide Spare Keys

9 Ingenious Places To Hide Spare Keys

Don't get locked out of your house when you use these best places to hide a spare key

Anika Gandhi  Anika’s DIY Life  Mon, October 28, 2024

For decades, people have been stashing spare keys outside their homes to avoid the dreaded lockout. With how often it happens, it only makes sense to have an accessible backup! But the classic “under the doormat” hiding spot? That’s the first place a potential intruder will check.

Say goodbye to predictable hiding spots and discover more secure ways to keep your spare key accessible without sacrificing safety. These unexpected yet clever spots will make finding your key challenging for strangers and easy for you when you need it most!

There’s no guarantee that a burglar won’t still find them, but it will be a lot harder, and they may, hopefully, give up the search and leave.

Whether on the porch or back patio, a patio chair is an easy but discreet hiding spot. Secure the spare key in a hide-a-key box for added protection, then attach it under the chair using strong adhesive tape.

These small hide-a-key boxes are affordable and add an extra layer of peace of mind.

2. On A Privacy Fence

A privacy fence can be an ideal place to stash your key in plain sight.

Hang the key on a small nail tucked discreetly under the top rail, or tape it to the inside of a pole cap. Just be sure it’s out of easy reach, so it’s hidden yet accessible when needed.

3. On A Nearby Tree

View of the main entrance to the house from the adjacent garden

If you live near trees, they can make great storage spots for keys. Use a small nail or weatherproof tape to secure the key in an inconspicuous location, like a branch crook or hidden under some bark.

Be sure to check it after storms to ensure it’s secure!

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/9-ingenious-places-hide-spare-142005333.html

5 Effective Ways To Stop Impulse-Buying And Save Money

5 Effective Ways To Stop Impulse-Buying And Save Money

Learn how to shop more intentionally (without feeling deprived)

Shira Gill | Organizing Expert

These tips will help you slow your roll when it comes to impulse buying, live more sustainably, and save a boatload of money. File that under #winwin.

Tip One: Practice Using What You Own

Over the past few months I’ve been shocked at how often I feel the urge to buy something that I already own a perfectly good version of, including, but not limited to: lip balm, cozy sweaters, and pretty ceramic mugs.

I’ve been getting in the practice of noting the desire for the item in question, and then looking in my own home to see if I own something that could serve the exact same purpose.

This simple habit shift has prevented me from buying more than a handful of items I truly had no need for. Money saved, lessons learned.

Tip Two: Leverage The Power Of The Pause

In a culture that promotes instant gratification, even a brief pause can be a powerful tool in the fight against impulse buying.

Try writing down or snapping a photo of items you want before pulling the trigger.

I’ve found that when I do this I typically quickly forget about whatever thing I thought I desperately needed in the moment. Poof, it’s gone.

TO READ MORE:   https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/5-effective-ways-to-stop-impulse-buying-and-save-money-014936616.html

5 Questions To Ask Your Financial Advisor Before Year-End

5 Questions To Ask Your Financial Advisor Before Year-End

Catherine Brock  Thu, October 31, 2024  Yahoo Personal Finance

The close of the calendar year is financially significant. For one, Dec. 31 marks the end of the tax year, which affects retirement contributions and your capital gains tax liability, among other things.

Year-end also creates a natural opportunity to assess your finances to ensure you are on track to meet your goals. So, when the Halloween and holiday decorations appear in your favorite mass market retailer, consider that a reminder to connect with your financial advisor.

Use the five conversation starters below to uncover the highest-impact money moves you can make before the new year.

No. 1: Are There Opportunities To Accelerate Or Defer Income?

Regan Smith, CFP and wealth advisor at Adero Partners, recommends tapping your financial advisor for guidance on deferring or accelerating income before year-end.

Deferring income is appealing when you are in a higher tax bracket today but expect to make less in the future — say, after you retire. The deferral lowers your tax liability now and potentially lowers what you will pay in the future. A common strategy here is to participate in an employer's deferred compensation plan.

Deferred compensation plans can be structured as pensions, 401(k)s, or stock options. The key feature is that the employee can contribute current income on a pretax basis. Income taxes are paid later, usually when the funds are withdrawn in retirement.

Income acceleration may be appropriate when your taxable income is temporarily lower. Perhaps you took time off work this year but plan for a full work schedule next year. You can accelerate income with a Roth conversion, which moves pretax assets into an after-tax Roth account. You pay the taxes on the transferred amount in the current tax year so that you can take tax-free qualified withdrawals later.

No. 2: Can I Minimize My Capital Gains Tax Liability For The Year?

According to Jeff DeLarme, CFA, CFP, and president of DeLarme Wealth Management Inc., clients should ask their financial advisors to estimate their capital gains tax liability and recommend strategies to minimize it. There may be opportunities to realize offsetting losses or carry forward capital losses from prior years, for example.

Ryan Zabrowski, CFP, MSF, and senior portfolio manager at Krilogy, confirms that you can use losses to offset up to $3,000 in gains in the current year. Losses over that limit can be carried forward to use in future years.

TO READ MORE:https://news.yahoo.com/news/finance/personal-finance/questions-to-ask-a-financial-advisor-211901722.html

What Is A Financial Advisor and What Do They Do?

What Is A Financial Advisor and What Do They Do?

Robin Hartill, CFP® Thu, October 31, 2024  Yahoo Personal Finance

If you need help managing your money or you’re not sure whether you’re on track for a major life goal, a financial advisor can be an important ally.

A financial advisor is a professional who helps you create and implement a financial plan, manage your finances, and monitor your progress as you work toward your fiscal goals.

But the term “financial advisor” is a fairly broad one. Financial advisors often hold various licenses and certifications, but there’s no specific credential that someone needs to hold in order to call themself a financial advisor — though many common services financial advisors provide, like buying and selling securities, do require a license. That makes it extra important to vet an advisor and make sure they’re qualified to help you manage your money.

If you’re debating whether to hire a financial advisor and aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn about the different types of financial advisors, what financial advisors do, how much a financial advisor costs, and how to choose the best advisor for you, including knowing which questions to ask.

Types of financial advisors

There are many different titles a financial advisor can go by, each of which has different requirements. Many of the types of financial advisors listed below work as personal financial advisors, meaning they primarily provide advice to individuals. However, some of the professionals listed below may focus on advising corporations or organizations instead.

When you decide what type of advisor you want to work with, it’s important to understand the difference between a fiduciary vs. non-fiduciary advisor. Many (but not all) financial advisors are held to a fiduciary standard, which means they’re required to act in their client’s best interest. A fiduciary must disclose any potential conflict of interest to the client up-front.

Other types of advisors are only held to what’s known as a suitability standard. That means they’re required to make recommendations they believe are appropriate for their client’s needs.

Investment ‘advisers’

An investment “adviser” is paid to provide advice about securities like stocks and bonds. Anyone who provides investment advice (as most financial “advisors” do) must register with either the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators, depending on the value of assets under management. They’re also required to hold a securities license.

TO READ MORE:  https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/what-is-a-financial-advisor-and-what-does-a-financial-advisor-do-152541716.html

How The Rich Stay Rich: The 8 Best Ways To Preserve Your Wealth

How The Rich Stay Rich: The 8 Best Ways To Preserve Your Wealth

Rachel Christian  Thu, October 31, 2024  BANKRATE

The ultra-wealthy have a knack for not just getting rich but also staying rich. Many wealthy people start out with a lot more money than the average person, but growing and protecting their money over time can be a challenge. To do this, they often make use of a number of wealth preservation strategies.

You don’t have to already be rich to benefit from these strategies, though. Anyone looking to boost their net worth and make their money last can apply these practices to their own financial situation.

How To Stay Rich: 8 Ways To Preserve Your Wealth

Wealth preservation isn’t just about saving money. It’s about making thoughtful, long-term decisions that help secure your finances for today and tomorrow.One of the foundational steps to preserving wealth is to develop a comprehensive financial plan. This financial road map should include your long-term goals and overall strategy for managing income, expenses, investments, debt and taxes.

Wealthy people regularly review and update their financial plans, especially after major life events, like a marriage or the birth of a child, to keep their finances on track.

What You Can Do

You can create a simple financial plan by following a few basic steps:

List out your goals: Start by identifying your financial goals, whether that’s saving up to buy a home or investing for retirement. Your plan should then align with those goals and their timelines.

Create a budget to reach your goals: Construct a detailed monthly budget that outlines your income and expenses. By understanding where your money goes, you can make conscious spending choices, save more and accelerate your progress toward your goals. You can refer to Bankrate’s guide on how to create a monthly household budget to help you get started.

Build an emergency fund: Allocate a specific amount within your budget to build an emergency fund if you don’t have one already. Most financial experts recommend saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

Invest for the future: Explore different types of investment accounts, such as retirement plans, 529 accounts and taxable brokerage accounts. Earmark a percentage of your take-home pay to investments so that your money grows over time.

Revise your plan: As your life evolves, so should your financial plan. Be prepared to regularly review it and make adjustments as needed.

For more advanced planning, consider speaking with a financial advisor, who can help tailor your plan to your specific needs.

TO READ MORE: https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/rich-stay-rich-8-best-110000119.html

7 Steps I Took To Get Out of Massive Debt

7 Steps I Took To Get Out of Massive Debt

Laura Beck  Mon, October 28, 2024  GOBankingRates

I’m a Former Shopping Addict: 7 Steps I Took To Get Out of Massive Debt

When Mary H. of Portland, Oregon looked at her credit card statements in 2022, she felt her stomach drop: $100,000 in debt, mostly from years of impulse shopping and living beyond her means. Today, she’s debt-free and sharing her journey to financial freedom.

Here’s how she turned things around.

Step 1: Face the Music

Getting real with herself about the situation was Mary’s first step — and harder than it sounds.

 “I had to stop pretending everything was fine,” Mary said. “I lined up all my credit card statements on my kitchen table one Sunday morning and finally added up the total. I cried for hours, but that moment of brutal honesty was my turning point.”

Step 2: Cut Up the Cards (Literally)

“Everyone says this is dramatic, but I needed dramatic,” Mary said. “I cut up every card except one for emergencies. No more ‘treating myself’ to designer bags or justifying splurges as ‘investments.’ Cold turkey was the only way for me.”

Step 3: Track Every Single Penny

Mary started using a budgeting app to track everything — even the $4 coffee runs.

“It was embarrassing to see I was spending over $300 monthly just on random Amazon purchases,” she said. “Knowledge is power, even when it hurts — and trust me, it hurt to know I spent that much on coffee. I’m a cliché.”

Step 4: Find Your Money Triggers

“For me, Instagram was my biggest spending trigger,” Mary shared. All those influencers making everything look must-have made her think she needed to shop, shop, shop.

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/m-former-shopping-addict-7-120009828.html