Return prepare fraud can be very common during tax season[1] and scammers tend to target older adults. Digitization has made tax preparation easier but has also opened up a whole new world of criminal activity. While there’s not much we can do to stop these threats entirely, there are certainly ways that we can all be smarter and more cautious. Know how to spot a scam and watch out for scams during tax season. Question Higher-Than-Expected [...]
If there's a fraudulent charge on your credit card, there is recourse – but what about your 401(k)? Cyber fraud is becoming more common, and plan sponsors don't guarantee reimbursements. It's important to take steps to protect your information and account from cybersecurity threats now more than ever. Here are three steps you can take to help protect your retirement savings from cyber threats. Connect to Secure WiFi Office WiFi networks should be secure but watch [...]
Online scams have been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and new kinds are popping up. Scammers tend to target older adults, especially those more vulnerable to the virus. Many scams use fear and panic to make the victim act quickly without thinking first. That’s why it can help to know the signs of a scam before you’re confronted with one. Here's how to recognize a COVID-19 scam. Fake Products Some of [...]
During a time when many people are searching for information about the coronavirus, scams are proliferating. Fraud related to the stimulus checks, malicious websites and products, and fake charities are popping up more frequently, so you should know what to look for. Here are three common coronavirus scams. Stimulus Check Scams The government has sent out stimulus checks to millions of Americans, and there has been some confusion as to how they are distributed. Scammers may [...]
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many office employees to work remotely. It has also caused an increase in cybersecurity threats, as hackers and scammers attempt to capitalize on panic and vulnerabilities. If you're taking steps to protect yourself from the coronavirus, make sure also to protect yourself from cyber threats when working remotely. Whether you're used to this arrangement or not, here are five tips for staying cyber-secure when working from home. Have a Secure Wi-Fi [...]
In 2019, return preparer fraud was one of the 12 most common tax scams.[1] Digitization has made tax preparation easier, but has also opened up a whole new world of criminal activity. While there’s not much we can do to stop these threats entirely, there are certainly ways that we can all be smarter and more cautious. Taxpayers are more likely to fall victim to scams during tax time, so find out how to help prevent [...]
One of the richest men in the world, Jeff Bezos, had his iPhone hacked through a popular messaging app. The Saudi Crown Prince is a suspect but has denied any involvement. You might not be as rich as Bezos or have anything on your phone that Prince Mohammed bin Salman would find particularly interesting, but it doesn’t mean that your phone or other devices aren’t vulnerable. In Bezos’ case, the bulletproof panels in his office and [...]
Turning 65 means a lot of great things – you’re eligible for Medicare, you’re at or near your full Social Security age, and of course you can get into some museums, buy Amtrak tickets, and eat at certain restaurants for a discounted price. Unfortunately, you may also be targeted by criminals trying to steal your Social Security number. It’s important to recognize what these common Social Security scams look and sound like so you can avoid [...]
Recently, the Social Security Administration announced that they are taking action in an attempt to crack down on Social Security fraud. With the biggest Social Security day of the year, October 11, fast approaching, where Social Security beneficiaries find out how much, if any, of a “raise” they are going to get for the year. Anyone can fall victim to Social Security fraud, including retirees who rely on their benefits to pay the bills, and who are [...]