January 2025 Scam: New Year, New Scams: Protect Yourself with These Smart Tips

As we begin 2025, it’s important to remember that scammers always find new ways to trick you out of your hard-earned money. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud. Here are some key steps you should take to protect yourself this year:

1. Keep Personal Information Private

• Never share sensitive details like Social Security numbers, passwords, or bank account information unless you know who you're dealing with.

• Be extra cautious when sharing personal information online, especially on social media.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Create alpha-numeric passwords that are at least 12 characters long but ideally should be 14-16 in length (avoid names, birthdays, or common phrases).

• Consider using a password manager to keep track of your logins securely.

• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra security on accounts.

3. Be Wary of Unsolicited Communication

• If you receive unexpected calls, emails or texts, don’t respond. Scammers often pose as trusted sources like government agencies, banks, or loved ones.

• Always verify the authenticity of any message by contacting the organization or person directly using a known phone number or email address.

• Never use the contact information or links within the message

4. Recognize "Too Good to Be True" Offers

• Be skeptical of deals that promise large sums of money or exclusive prizes. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

• Research unfamiliar companies or offers before making any decisions. Check for reviews and complaints and verify their legitimacy.

5. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Many banks and credit card companies offer free fraud alerts.

• Set up transaction notifications to stay informed of any unusual activity.

6. Stay Updated on the Latest Scams

• Scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Stay informed by visiting trusted resources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website or other consumer protection organizations.

• Be aware of the newest scams and variations of older scams.

7. Trust Your Instincts

• If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers use pressure tactics like urgency and threats to emotionally manipulate victims.

• Take a step back, ask for advice and never feel pressured to make immediate decisions.

8. Report Suspicious Activity

• If you suspect a scam or fraud attempt, report it immediately to local authorities or the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• Reporting helps protect others and can assist in stopping scammers from targeting more victims.

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