Protecting Your Valuables

Scammers pretend to be from banks, government agencies, or companies to steal your personal data. Never click on suspicious links in emails or texts.

Phishing scams trick people into revealing personal information by pretending to be trusted sources. For example, you might receive an email claiming to be from your bank, asking you to verify your account by clicking a link. That link could lead to a fake website designed to steal your login details. Scammers also use text messages or phone calls, pretending to be from government agencies or tech support. 

Research before donating. Use sites like Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/) to verify legitimacy.

Scammers often create fake charities, especially during disasters or holidays, to trick people into donating money. For example, you might see an urgent email or social media post asking for donations to help victims of a recent crisis, but the funds go to scammers instead of those in need. Before donating, research the organization using sites likeCharity Navigator to verify its legitimacy. Always donate through official websites and be cautious of unsolicited requests for money. 

Scammers use fake promises to trick people into giving away money or personal information. For example, you might receive an email saying you won a prize in a contest you never entered, or a job offer that requires you to pay upfront fees. Romance scams are also common, where scammers build online relationships to gain trust before asking for money. Always be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and never send money or share sensitive information with strangers online.