Avoiding Financial Scams: Stay Vigilant

Published on April 29, 2026 | 5 min read

Fraudsters prey on urgency; stay skeptical, confirm identities, and use secure channels before transacting.

Phishing and Imposter Tricks

Never share passwords or codes and double-check URLs before entering credentials.

Hover over links, verify senders, and treat any request for immediate action as suspicious.

Verify Advisors

Check licenses and use FINRA's BrokerCheck before sending money.

Ask for written disclosures, confirm contact details, and never wire funds to unfamiliar accounts.

Trust but Verify

Call institutions directly using verified numbers if something feels off.

Set up multi-factor authentication to add a layer of protection even if credentials leak.

Action Steps

  • Stop and verify every unexpected financial request before sharing information.
  • Keep a list of official numbers for your bank, advisor, and government agencies.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication and review account activity monthly.